14 Dimpled Focaccia Bread Recipes
I remember the aroma of warm focaccia wafting through my nonna’s kitchen in Italy during summer visits as a child. Her hands, weathered from years of baking, would press those signature dimples into the dough, creating perfect pockets for olive oil and rosemary to pool. It was simple magic—comfort food that brought family together around the table, teaching me early on that bread isn’t just sustenance; it’s a vessel for creativity and love.
Lately, I’ve been experimenting in my own kitchen, reviving that tradition with modern twists amid busy workdays. Dimpled focaccia has become my go-to for stress relief and impressive weeknight dinners. In today’s fast-paced world, where homemade bread feels like a luxury, these recipes prove it’s easier than ever—versatile, forgiving dough that welcomes endless toppings, from savory herbs to bold veggies. Whether you’re a baking newbie or pro, these 14 variations will elevate your bread game.
Classic Rosemary Sea Salt Dimpled Focaccia
This timeless Italian staple starts with a basic dough: 500g bread flour, 7g yeast, 400ml warm water, 2 tsp salt, 4 tbsp olive oil. Mix, knead 10 mins, rise 1-2 hours until doubled. Stretch into oiled 9×13″ pan, dimple with fingers, drizzle more oil, sprinkle rosemary sprigs and flaky sea salt. Bake at 425°F for 25-30 mins until golden.
Its crispy edges and chewy interior make it perfect for sopping up soups or as a sandwich base; the healthy olive oil and herbs boost antioxidants without complexity.
Cherry Tomato and Basil Dimpled Focaccia
Begin with the base dough above, then halve 200g cherry tomatoes, toss in 2 tbsp oil, salt, and fresh basil leaves. After rising and dimpling, press tomatoes cut-side up into dough, tuck basil around, and drizzle generously.
Bursting with juicy sweetness and vibrant color, this version delivers lycopene-rich tomatoes for heart health, ideal for picnics or as a fresh appetizer that impresses guests effortlessly.
Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Dimpled Focaccia
Prep base dough, then sauté 3 sliced onions in 3 tbsp oil until golden (20 mins). Dimple risen dough, layer onions, crumble 150g goat cheese, and add thyme. Bake as usual.
The sweet-savory balance from slow-cooked onions pairs with tangy cheese for gut-friendly prebiotics; it’s a sophisticated side that transforms weeknight meals into gourmet experiences.
Roasted Garlic and Parmesan Dimpled Focaccia
Roast 2 heads garlic (400°F, 40 mins), squeeze cloves. Use base dough; post-dimple, spread garlic mash, grate 100g parmesan, and scatter parsley. Bake until bubbly.
Mildly sweet garlic reduces inflammation, while parmesan adds umami; this low-effort recipe yields restaurant-quality flavor, perfect for garlic lovers seeking immune boosts.
Kalamata Olive and Feta Dimpled Focaccia
Pit and halve 200g kalamata olives. Base dough dimpled, press in olives, crumble 150g feta, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Extra oil drizzle before baking.
Olives provide healthy fats for heart health, feta adds calcium; this Mediterranean twist is quick, briny, and ideal for pairing with dips or salads.
Potato and Rosemary Dimpled Focaccia
Thinly slice 300g potatoes (mandoline), toss in oil, salt, rosemary. Layer over dimpled base dough, pressing lightly. Bake longer if needed (30-35 mins).
Potatoes offer potassium for blood pressure control; hearty and rustic, it’s a filling vegan option reminiscent of Ligurian genovese, great for breakfast or brunch.
Pesto and Mozzarella Dimpled Focaccia
Spread 1/2 cup basil pesto over dimpled dough, tear 200g fresh mozzarella, add pine nuts. Bake until cheese melts into dimples.
Nutrient-dense pesto (basil, nuts) supports digestion; gooey and aromatic, this is pizza’s elegant cousin, ready in under an hour for casual gatherings.
Sundried Tomato and Artichoke Dimpled Focaccia
Chop 100g sundried tomatoes (oil-packed), 200g artichoke hearts. Dimple dough, scatter toppings, add garlic powder and parmesan. Bake golden.
Antioxidant-packed tomatoes and artichokes aid detox; intensely flavorful and shelf-stable, it’s a make-ahead star for meal prep or potlucks.
Fig and Balsamic Dimpled Focaccia
Quarter 8 fresh figs, drizzle balsamic glaze. Post-dimple, arrange figs, rosemary, sea salt. Bake and finish with more glaze.
Figs provide fiber for digestion, a sweet-savory fusion perfect for fall; elegant yet simple, pairs divinely with cheeses for charcuterie boards.
Jalapeño and Cheddar Dimpled Focaccia
Slice 3 jalapeños, grate 200g sharp cheddar. Dimple dough, sprinkle cheese and peppers, chili flakes optional. Bake until crisp.
Spicy kick from peppers boosts metabolism; bold and addictive for game days, this American-Italian hybrid satisfies cheese cravings healthily.
Spinach and Ricotta Dimpled Focaccia
Wilt 300g spinach, squeeze dry, mix with 200g ricotta, garlic. Dollop over dimpled dough, bake until set.
Iron-rich spinach combats fatigue; creamy and green, it’s a veggie-packed delight for kids or light dinners, with minimal prep.
Mushroom and Thyme Dimpled Focaccia
Sauté 300g sliced mushrooms (cremini/shiitake) with thyme, garlic. Spread over dimpled dough, extra oil. Bake earthy.
Mushrooms enhance immunity with vitamin D; umami bomb that’s vegan-friendly, ideal for topping burgers or enjoying solo.
Lemon Zest and Herb Dimpled Focaccia
Zest 2 lemons, chop mixed herbs (dill, parsley). Dimple dough, sprinkle zest/herbs, flaky salt. Bake bright.
Citrus zest aids digestion; refreshing and zingy, this light version cuts through rich meals, perfect for spring brunches.
Black Olive and Oregano Dimpled Focaccia
Halve 200g black olives, oregano leaves. Press into dimpled dough, generous oil and salt. Bake robust.
Olive polyphenols fight inflammation; intensely herby and briny, it’s a Greek-inspired crowd-pleaser for endless snacking.
These 14 dimpled focaccia recipes are your invitation to get hands-on in the kitchen—start with one this weekend, experiment with seasonal twists, and watch how this versatile bread becomes your new obsession. Share your bakes with #DimpledFocacciaFun; your taste buds (and friends) will thank you!
