No-Knead Rustic Herb Focaccia with Sea Salt

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A chewy, golden focaccia bread infused with rosemary and coarse sea salt that requires no kneading, perfect for home bakers. This Italian-inspired recipe, ready in about 45 minutes, layers all-purpose flour, warm water, active dry yeast into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 230 calories and feeds 8, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 8 Italian cuisine 230 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp granulated sugar, and 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast. Stir to mix.
  2. Step 2: Pour in 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F) and 1/4 cup olive oil. Stir with a wooden spoon until a sticky dough forms.
  3. Step 3: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours until bubbles form and the surface is puffed.
  4. Step 4: After rising, coat a 9x13-inch baking pan with 2 tbsp olive oil. Transfer the dough to the pan and spread it gently with oiled fingers to fill the pan.
  5. Step 5: Cover the pan loosely with a towel and let the dough rest for 1 hour until it rises slightly.
  6. Step 6: Preheat oven to 450°F. Using your fingertips, dimple the surface of the dough deeply.
  7. Step 7: Sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary and 1 tbsp coarse sea salt evenly over the top.
  8. Step 8: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown and crisp on top.
  9. Step 9: Remove from oven and cool slightly before slicing.

Frequently asked questions

How long does No-Knead Rustic Herb Focaccia with Sea Salt take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover No-Knead Rustic Herb Focaccia with Sea Salt?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in No-Knead Rustic Herb Focaccia with Sea Salt?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale No-Knead Rustic Herb Focaccia with Sea Salt for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with No-Knead Rustic Herb Focaccia with Sea Salt?

Italian desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.