Fluffy Mini Focaccia
Soft, Olive Oil–Rich Italian Bread Baked to Golden Perfection
There is something deeply comforting about focaccia. It’s not flashy, it doesn’t try too hard — it simply delivers warmth, softness, and flavor in every bite. Fluffy Mini Focaccia takes everything we love about classic Italian focaccia and transforms it into perfectly portioned, pillowy little breads that feel both rustic and refined.
These mini focaccias are ideal for entertaining, soup nights, brunch boards, or simply tearing apart while still warm. The golden olive oil–kissed crust gives way to a tender, airy crumb inside, dotted with dimples that catch herbs, salt, and flavor. They’re endlessly customizable yet stunning in their simplest form.
This article walks you through the why, the how, and the magic of making bakery-style mini focaccia at home — from dough science to shaping, baking, serving, and styling for modern food photography.
Why Mini Focaccia Is a Must-Bake
Mini focaccia breads offer advantages over large slab focaccia:
- Faster baking time
- Better crust-to-crumb ratio
- Perfect individual servings
- Easier freezing and reheating
They’re also visually charming and ideal for sharing.
Ingredients
Dough
- Warm water
- Active dry yeast
- Sugar
- All-purpose flour
- Salt
- Extra virgin olive oil
Topping
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Flaky sea salt
- Fresh rosemary (or thyme)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit until foamy.
- Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead gently until smooth and elastic, about 8–10 minutes.
- Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled.
- Divide dough into equal portions and shape into rounds.
- Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let rise again.
- Press dimples into the dough with oiled fingers.
- Drizzle generously with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and rosemary.
- Bake at 425°F (220°C) until golden and fluffy.
- Cool slightly before serving.
Texture & Flavor Profile
Perfect mini focaccia should be:
- Light and airy inside
- Crisp but tender on the outside
- Rich with olive oil flavor
- Aromatic from herbs and salt
Pro Bread Tips
- High hydration = fluffier crumb
- Olive oil prevents sticking and adds richness
- Don’t rush the second rise
- Bake hot for best oven spring
Serving Ideas
Serve mini focaccia:
- With soups and stews
- As sandwich buns
- On charcuterie boards
- Warm with whipped butter or honey
Storage & Freezing
Store at room temperature for 2 days or freeze up to 2 months. Reheat briefly to revive softness.
Fluffy Mini Focaccia
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Activate yeast in warm water with sugar until foamy.
- Mix flour, salt, olive oil, and yeast mixture into a soft dough.
- Knead until smooth, then let rise until doubled.
- Divide dough and shape into small rounds.
- Let rise again, dimple with fingers, and add toppings.
- Bake at 425°F (220°C) until golden and fluffy.
