The Easiest Gluten-Free Focaccia You'll Ever Make (Promise!)

Hey there, fellow food lovers! 👋 I don't know about you, but the smell of fresh bread baking in the oven is my absolute happy place. It's like a warm hug for the soul, isn't it? And for the longest time, I thought that gluten-free bread was something I could only dream of – until this recipe popped into my life!

I remember being a bit intimidated by the whole "gluten-free baking" thing. It felt like a different world, with its own set of confusing rules and finicky ingredients. But trust me, this recipe is so incredibly easy that even if you've never baked anything before, you can totally nail this! It's become my go-to for everything – from simple weeknight dinners to fancy-ish weekend brunches. It's just that good. Plus, there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of pulling a perfectly golden, bubbly focaccia out of the oven, am I right?

Alright, enough chatting! Let's get to the good stuff.

Ingredients You'll Need for Gluten-Free Focaccia Happiness

• 2 cups (240g) gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (make sure it includes xanthan gum - if not add 1 tsp. See note below)
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (this helps activate the yeast)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast - or 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast. If using active dry, warm your water.
• 1 1/2 cups (360ml) lukewarm water (about 105-115°F if using active dry; room temp works with instant yeast)
• 1/4 cup olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• Optional Toppings: Flaky sea salt, fresh rosemary, cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced garlic, red pepper flakes, olives - whatever makes your heart sing!

A Quick Note About Gluten-Free Flour: Make sure the blend you use contains xanthan gum (this acts as the gluten replacement). If your blend doesn't, add 1 teaspoon xanthan gum to the recipe. Otherwise, your focaccia won't have the right structure. My personal go-to is King Arthur's Measure for Measure blend – it's super reliable! You can easily find it at most local grocery stores or order it on Amazon.

Let's Bake it Up ! Easy Breezy Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast (If Using Active Dry Yeast): If using active dry yeast, dissolve the sugar and yeast in the lukewarm water in a large mixing bowl. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture is foamy - this means the yeast is doing its thing, if it doesn't foam wait 10 or 15 more minutes or start over with new yeast. If using instant yeast, you can skip this step.
2. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In the same bowl (or a stand mixer bowl) add the gluten-free flour and salt. Whisk together until combined.
3. Add the Wet Ingredients: Make a well in the dry ingredients. Then, pour in the yeast-water mixture (or just add the yeast water and sugar if using instant yeast) and the ¼ cup of olive oil.
4. Mix, Mix, Mix: Using a wooden spoon, or your stand mixer (with the dough hook attachment), mix until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined. The dough will be very wet and sticky. Don't worry, that's exactly what we want!

   Pro Tip: Don't overmix at this point - you just want the ingredients to be combined.

5. Let it Rest: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1- 1.5 hours. It should double in size. Patience, my friends, patience. This is where the magic happens!
6. Preheat the Oven & Prep the Pan: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Then, generously grease a 9x13 inch baking pan or a rimmed baking sheet with olive oil. This is KEY for a beautiful golden crust.
7. Transfer the Dough: Once the dough has risen, gently deflate it and transfer it to the prepared baking pan. You might have to use a spatula or lightly oiled hands to spread it out evenly. It will still be quite soft, which is what we're going for.
8. Dimple It!: Use your fingertips to press shallow dimples all over the surface of the dough. This is what gives focaccia its signature look and allows the olive oil to pool in the little crevices.
9. Drizzle and Top: Generously drizzle the top of the dough with more olive oil. Then, add your toppings of choice. I usually go with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, fresh rosemary sprigs, and some halved cherry tomatoes.
10. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the focaccia is golden brown and bubbly. The edges should be nice and crisp.
11. Cool and Enjoy: Let the focaccia cool in the pan for a few minutes before slicing and serving. It's best enjoyed warm, but it's also fantastic at room temperature.

Tips & Tricks for Focaccia Perfection

• Customize Your Toppings: The beauty of focaccia is that it's a blank canvas! Don't be afraid to experiment with different toppings. Try roasted garlic, sundried tomatoes, caramelized onions, different cheeses, or even some za'atar spice. The sky's the limit!
• Make It Ahead: You can prepare the dough up to a day ahead. Cover the bowl and keep it in the fridge. Let the dough come to room temp for 1 hour before proceeding with the recipe.
• Freeze it: Baked focaccia freezes well! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag. Let it thaw completely then pop it in a warm oven for a few minutes to bring it back to crispy perfection.
• Get Creative with Flavors: Add a few cloves of crushed garlic or some dried herbs to the dough itself for an extra flavor boost.
• Pizza Love? This dough works wonderfully for gluten free pizza too. Increase baking time 5 or 10 minutes and top with your favorites.
• Don't Rush the Rise: Resist the temptation to speed up this rise. The slower it rises, the more flavor it will develop. It's worth the wait!
• Handy Stand Mixer: If you love to bake, a quality stand mixer is amazing for making this, and other recipes. Check out this KitchenAid Stand Mixer on Amazon.
• Using a good quality baking sheet makes for consistent results and easy clean up. This one from Nordicware is sturdy and affordable.

There you have it, friends! I truly hope you give this recipe a go and enjoy every single bite. Baking gluten-free doesn't have to be scary! Share your creations with me on social media — I can't wait to see what you come up with! Happy Baking!