Name: Easy Spelt Focaccia Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 6 h 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 250 g (1 and 2/3 cups) white spelt flour; 1 tsp instant dry yeast; 250 ml (1 cup) water, at room temperature; 1/2 tsp sugar; 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1 tsp coarse sea salt; 1/2 tsp sea salt flakes; 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1/2 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved; 1/4 cup feta cheese, cubed; 1/4 tsp red chilli pepper flakes; 1/2 tsp dried oregano

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 1 review

If you have ever dreamed of baking your own fresh, fragrant bread at home, this Easy Spelt Focaccia Recipe will feel like a warm hug from your oven. With wholesome spelt flour creating a tender crumb and an irresistibly bubbly surface studded with vibrant tomatoes and tangy feta, this focaccia is a dazzling combination of simplicity and flavor. Whether you’re a novice baker or just want a fuss-free way to impress with homemade bread, this recipe guides you through the whole process with ease and plenty of delicious results.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. There is a glass bowl with white spelt flour in the center. To its left is a small white bowl with a block of feta cheese, creamy and crumbly in texture. Above the flour, there is a clear glass bowl with light yellow extra virgin olive oil. To the right of the oil is a small clear bowl holding red chili pepper flakes, showing bright red and yellow flakes. Below it is a small clear bowl with dried oregano, green and finely chopped. Below oregano are sea salt flakes in a small clear bowl, white and flaky. To the bottom left of the flour is a glass measuring cup with water inside, clear and shiny. Near it is a small clear bowl with instant dry yeast, light brown powder. Above the flour on the left side is a small clear bowl with grape or cherry tomatoes, small, round, and bright red. Below the flour, there are three small clear bowls in a line holding salt (white grains), sugar (white powder), and a blank space below the sugar. The setup looks clean, fresh, and ready for cooking photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting started with this Easy Spelt Focaccia Recipe means gathering a handful of simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from providing structure and moisture to infusing the loaf with olive oil’s rich aroma and just the right burst of seasoning.

White spelt flour (250 g / 1 and 2/3 cups): A nutritious alternative to wheat flour that gives a delicate, nutty flavor and wonderful texture.
Instant dry yeast (1 tsp): The magic agent that makes your dough rise and become wonderfully airy.
Water at room temperature (250 ml / 1 cup): Hydrates the dough just right, encouraging perfect fermentation.
Sugar (1/2 tsp): Feeds the yeast gently, helping the dough prove beautifully.
Extra virgin olive oil (2 tbsp total): Adds moisture and that irresistible Mediterranean aroma.
Coarse sea salt (1 tsp): Enhances the overall flavor in the dough.
Sea salt flakes (1/2 tsp): Sprinkled on top for a delightful crunch and burst of flavor.
Cherry or grape tomatoes (1/2 cup, halved): Fresh, juicy, and slightly sweet, perfect for topping.
Feta cheese (1/4 cup, cubed): Adds a creamy, salty contrast that pairs beautifully with the tomatoes.
Red chilli pepper flakes (1/4 tsp): A subtle kick of heat to awaken the palate.
Dried oregano (1/2 tsp): Brings herbal warmth that complements all toppings.

How to Make Easy Spelt Focaccia Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Dough

Begin by combining the spelt flour, instant yeast, water, sugar, olive oil, and coarse sea salt in a large bowl. Stir gently with a wooden spoon until everything comes together; the batter will be wet and loose, similar to cake batter. This is perfectly normal and key to that soft focaccia texture.

Step 2: First Prove

Cover the bowl with cling wrap and leave your dough in a warm spot for about 5 hours. Patience here is golden, as the yeast works its magic, making the dough double in size and become delightfully bubbly. This slow prove is what creates those signature airy pockets in the bread.

Step 3: Prepare the Baking Tin

Preheat your oven to 220 degrees Celsius (430 degrees Fahrenheit). Line a 27cm by 18cm brownie tin with dampened, wrung-out baking paper. Doing this ensures the focaccia won’t stick and makes removing it from the tin a breeze once baked.

Step 4: Shape the Dough

Gently tip the proved dough into the lined tin from one end to maintain as many air bubbles as possible. The dough will naturally spread to fill the tin’s shape. Use damp fingertips to coax it into the corners, giving it an even thickness and preserving that airy structure.

Step 5: Add Toppings and Second Prove

Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil evenly over the dough’s surface, then scatter the halved tomatoes, cubed feta, red chili flakes, dried oregano, and sea salt flakes on top. Let the focaccia rest for another 30 minutes to puff up slightly before baking.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the tin in your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is a gorgeous golden brown and tapping the base produces a hollow sound. This means your focaccia is delightfully crisp on the outside while tender and soft inside.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow the bread to cool slightly on a wire rack; this stops the base from going soggy and keeps the focaccia perfectly crisp. Serve it warm for the ultimate experience—the aroma, the texture, and the blend of toppings will have everyone reaching for seconds.

How to Serve Easy Spelt Focaccia Recipe

Three rectangular focaccia bread pieces are placed on crumpled white paper over a white marbled surface. The bread has a light golden-brown crust with small holes and a soft, airy inside texture shown clearly in the middle piece lying on its side. Each piece contains halved cherry tomatoes and small cubes of white cheese embedded on the top. The bread is sprinkled with dried herbs and coarse salt. Some whole cherry tomatoes are scattered in the background, and a small round bowl with coarse salt is partly visible on the right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance your focaccia with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil for a fresh, fragrant finish that complements the loaf’s natural flavors perfectly.

Side Dishes

This focaccia is a superstar alongside rich soups like tomato basil, creamy pumpkin, or hearty minestrone. It also pairs wonderfully with antipasto platters, fresh salads, or even served as a base for open-faced sandwiches filled with roasted veggies or cured meats.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the focaccia into squares and serve as finger food at a gathering with dips such as hummus, tzatziki, or a smoky roasted red pepper spread. You could also toast slices lightly and top with smashed avocado and a sprinkle of chili flakes for a sophisticated snack or light lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra delicious focaccia, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will keep well for 2 to 3 days at room temperature, keeping the crust soft and the insides moist.

Freezing

For longer storage, slice the focaccia and freeze it in a sealed bag or container. This way, it stays fresh for up to 2 months and you can thaw only the portions you need without compromising texture or flavor.

Reheating

To bring your focaccia back to life, reheat slices in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit) for about 5 to 8 minutes. This method crisps up the crust beautifully while warming the inside, reviving that just-baked feeling.

FAQs

Can I use whole spelt flour instead of white spelt flour?

Whole spelt flour can be used but it will create a denser focaccia with a nuttier taste. You might want to slightly increase the water content to maintain the right dough consistency.

Why does the dough need such a long proving time?

The longer prove helps develop flavor and texture. Spelt flour has less gluten than wheat, so the slow fermentation allows the dough to rise fully and become bubbly and soft.

What if I don’t have cherry tomatoes or feta?

Feel free to swap in your favorite toppings. Sliced olives, caramelized onions, rosemary sprigs, or sun-dried tomatoes all work beautifully. The recipe is quite forgiving and perfect for customizing.

Can I make this Easy Spelt Focaccia Recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based alternative, and your focaccia will still be delicious and satisfying.

Do I need to use a brownie tin specifically?

No, any similarly sized baking dish or rectangular pan works fine. The key is to line it well with baking paper for easy removal and clean edges.

Final Thoughts

With its rustic charm and effortless preparation, the Easy Spelt Focaccia Recipe is a true kitchen winner. It invites you to savor homemade bread magic without intimidation, turning simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece. I can’t wait for you to try this, share it with friends, and enjoy the comforting warmth it brings to any table.