Tomato Basil Focaccia Bread: The Perfect Weeknight Treat!

Name: Tomato Basil Focaccia Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 500 g All-Purpose Flour; 10 g Salt; 7 g Active Dry Yeast; 300 ml Warm Water; 60 ml Olive Oil; 200 g Fresh Tomatoes, Sliced; A Handful of Fresh Basil, Roughly Chopped; Flaky Sea Salt for Sprinkling; Optional: A drizzle of balsamic glaze

Posted on April 21, 2026

Homemade tomato basil focaccia bread topped with fresh cherry tomatoes, basil leaves, and olive oil

Trending

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

This Tomato Basil Focaccia Bread comes together in about 90 minutes and utilizes the sheet pan method for a easy meal that your family will love! Seriously, it’s a win-win!

Ingredient Breakdown

Here’s what you need to whip up this fantastic focaccia bread:

500 g All-Purpose Flour
10 g Salt:
7 g Active Dry Yeast
300 ml Warm Water
60 ml Olive Oil
200 g Fresh Tomatoes, Sliced
A Handful of Fresh Basil, Roughly Chopped
Flaky Sea Salt for Sprinkling

Let’s Get Cooking!

In a large bowl, combine the flour, dry yeast, and salt. Stir it well, so everything is mixed up nicely.
Pour in the warm water and olive oil. Give it a good stir until it forms a rough dough.
Now, come the most satisfying part! Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes. You want it to feel smooth and elastic.
Place that beautiful dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise for about 1 hour until it’s doubled in size. Prepping the perfect dough always makes my heart skip a beat!
While that’s rising, prepare a baking sheet by greasing it or using parchment paper. This is where the magic happens!
Once your dough has risen, punch it down (yes!) and place it on the baking sheet. Use your hands to stretch it into a rectangle, don’t worry about it looking perfect; the rustic vibe is part of the charm!
Arrange those lovely tomato slices and chopped basil on top, then sprinkle generously with flaky sea salt.
Cover it again and let it rest for 30 minutes. Grab a cup of tea or coffee during this time trust me, you deserve it!
Preheat the oven to 220°C (about 425°F) so it’s nice and hot when your focaccia goes in!
Bake for 20-25 minutes until the bread is golden brown and your kitchen smells heavenly.
Let it cool for a few minutes on a wire rack and, just before serving, drizzle it with balsamic glaze for that gourmet finish.

If you loved this focaccia, be sure to check out my Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Bread, my Sourdough English Muffins, or my Korean Potato Pancakes!

Homemade tomato basil focaccia bread recipe

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy

This focaccia bread comes together all in under 90 minutes! Perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something homemade, fresh, and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen.

Customizable

The beauty of focaccia is its flexibility! You can top it with whatever ingredients you have on hand. Got some leftover olives? Throw them on! What about that half-used jar of sun-dried tomatoes? Yes, please. The possibilities are endless!

Budget-Friendly

With simple, everyday ingredients, this recipe is a great way to save on dinner costs while still enjoying something absolutely delicious.

Crowd-Pleaser

I swear, the whole family will love it, especially the kids! They’ll get a kick out of helping you make it and will be clamoring for seconds when it comes out of the oven.

Comfort Food

This focaccia is loaded with tons of flavor and makes for an excellent side with soups and salads or even just a snack on its own. It’s like a warm hug in bread form!

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Suggestions

Serve your focaccia warm, straight from the oven, or at room temperature. Pair it with a light salad for a quick lunch, or dip it in olive oil for a classic Italian touch. It even makes a fabulous base for sandwiches!

Storage

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it fresh after that, toss it in the fridge.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat, pop slices in the oven at 175°C (350°F) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through. You can also use a toaster oven or microwave, but I find that the oven restores that lovely crispy crust more effectively!

Freezer Friendly

Yes! You can freeze any leftovers too. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They’ll keep for about 2-3 months in the freezer. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat flour?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that it might change the texture slightly. You could also do half and half for a nice balance.

What if I don’t have fresh basil?
No worries! You can use dried herbs or even switch it up for rosemary or thyme for a different flavor profile.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely! Prepare your dough and refrigerate after the first rise; just bring to room temperature and stretch it out before baking.

There you have it, the perfectly fluffy, aromatic, and quick and easy Tomato Basil Focaccia Bread that makes any weeknight dinner a special occasion. It’s comforting, versatile, and something you’ll want to make again and again, trust me on this! So roll up those sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s get baking. You’ll only regret not making it sooner! Enjoy! For more Recipes Follow Us in our Pinterest.