Name: Homemade Focaccia Barese Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 3 h 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 cup semolina flour; 1½ cups wheat flour; 1 medium potato, boiled and mashed; ¾ cup water; 2 teaspoons active dry yeast; 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; Salt, to taste; 300 grams fresh tomatoes; Olives, as desired; Dried oregano; Salt, to taste; Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 66 reviews

If you have ever dreamed of biting into a crisp, golden crust with a tender, flavorful inside, then the Homemade Focaccia Barese Recipe is about to become your new obsession. This classic Italian bread from Bari brings together simple ingredients like semolina and wheat flours, creamy potato, and vibrant fresh tomatoes that burst with every bite. The result is a beautifully textured, aromatic focaccia that feels both rustic and refined—a perfect companion to almost any meal or simply enjoyed on its own with a drizzle of olive oil. I’m thrilled to share with you every step of making this slice of Southern Italy right in your kitchen!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows six cooking ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface. At the top right, there is a white bowl filled with white flour that has a soft, powdery texture. Next to it on the left is another white bowl holding pale yellow cornmeal with a fine, grainy texture. Below them, there is a small clear glass filled with golden yellow oil, positioned slightly to the left. Below the glass, there is a white cup with fine beige yeast powder. To the left bottom corner, there is a small glass jug filled with clear water. At the bottom right, there is a single light brown potato with a smooth but slightly speckled skin. All items are neatly spaced and the photo was taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of the Homemade Focaccia Barese Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that each lend a distinct character—flour for structure, potato for softness, and fresh tomatoes for brightness, all coming together for magic.

Semolina flour: Adds a lovely golden color and a slight crunch to the crust.

Wheat flour: Provides the essential gluten structure for a tender, chewy crumb.
Medium potato: Mashed and incorporated to give the dough extra moisture and softness.
Water: Activates the yeast and hydrates the flour for dough formation.

Active dry yeast: Helps the dough rise, creating a light, airy texture.
Extra virgin olive oil: Enriches the dough while offering that characteristic fruity depth.
Salt: Balances flavors and enhances the bread’s natural sweetness.
Fresh tomatoes: The star topping that adds juiciness and vibrant color.

Olives: Contribute briny bursts and balance the sweetness of the tomatoes.
Dried oregano: Sprinkled over to lift the aroma and add a classic herbal note.

How to Make Homemade Focaccia Barese Recipe

A clear glass bowl sits on a small wooden board over a white marbled surface. Inside the bowl is a light beige dough with a soft, slightly sticky texture and uneven surface. A woman's hand is seen pulling and slightly stretching the dough from the right side, showing its elasticity. The lighting is bright and natural, highlighting the dough's rough and fluffy details. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by mixing the semolina and wheat flours with the yeast, a pinch of salt, the fluffy mashed potato, olive oil, and water. This combination yields a dough that is soft yet elastic—ideal for that signature focaccia texture. Knead it thoroughly for about 10 minutes to develop the gluten, which ensures your bread rises well and holds its shape.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

Cover the dough with a clean cloth and allow it to rest for approximately two hours, or until it doubles in size. This slow rise will give your focaccia that wonderful lightness and subtle fermentation flavor that makes every bite so rewarding.

Step 3: Shape the Focaccia

Once risen, transfer your dough to a generously oiled round pan. Using your hands coated with olive oil, gently stretch and press the dough out to fill the pan evenly. The oil on your hands prevents sticking and creates a silky crust.

Step 4: Add the Toppings

Top the dough with halved fresh tomatoes, scattered olives, a sprinkle of aromatic dried oregano, and a generous pinch of salt. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over everything to enrich the flavors and help achieve that golden, slightly crispy finish.

Step 5: Final Rise and Bake

Allow your topped focaccia to rest for another 30 minutes to puff slightly. Then pop it into a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the crust turns a gorgeous golden brown and the aromas fill your kitchen with pure delight.

Step 6: Cool Slightly and Serve

Let your freshly baked focaccia cool just a bit before slicing. This brief rest helps the crumb set nicely, making the pieces hold together beautifully. Serve it warm or at room temperature, either way, it’s divine.

How to Serve Homemade Focaccia Barese Recipe

Garnishes

For a visually stunning and flavorful finish, sprinkle some flaky sea salt or a few extra dried oregano leaves atop the warm focaccia just before serving. A drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil right before eating elevates each bite and celebrates the simplicity of the dish.

Side Dishes

This focaccia pairs perfectly with a wide range of dishes. Serve it alongside a fresh green salad for a light meal, alongside hearty Italian soups, or as a base for antipasti with cheeses, cured meats, and marinated vegetables. It’s also marvelous just as an afternoon snack with a cup of tea.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the focaccia into small squares or strips and serving it alongside hummus or your favorite dips for a casual gathering. Or layer slices with fresh mozzarella, basil leaves, and a few tomato slices for an impromptu sandwich that tastes like a trip to Puglia in every bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover focaccia, store it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature. It will remain fresh for up to two days, with the crust gently softening but the flavors staying vibrant.

Freezing

You can freeze focaccia by wrapping it well in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to one month. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw at room temperature, and then warm it in the oven to refresh the crust.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven goodness, reheat focaccia in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This method crisps up the exterior beautifully while keeping the inside soft and flavorful.

FAQs

What is the role of the potato in this Homemade Focaccia Barese Recipe?

The potato adds moisture and tenderness to the dough, making the focaccia soft on the inside while helping with a slightly chewy texture that melts in your mouth.

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of semolina flour?

While you can substitute all-purpose flour, the semolina gives that characteristic bite and golden color to the crust. Using semolina keeps the focaccia more authentic and texturally interesting.

How important is the olive oil in this recipe?

Olive oil is essential—it enriches the dough, aids in browning, and adds the fragrant, fruity notes that define focaccia’s flavor profile, especially in this Barese style.

Can I prepare the dough the day before?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight. Just bring it back to room temperature before the final shaping and baking steps.

What other toppings work well with this focaccia?

Besides tomatoes and olives, toppings like caramelized onions, rosemary sprigs, capers, or even thin slices of garlic all make wonderful additions and complement the traditional flavors beautifully.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to dive into a recipe that feels like a warm hug from Southern Italy, the Homemade Focaccia Barese Recipe delivers in every way. It’s simple, satisfying, and utterly delicious. Give it a go—you’ll be amazed how this humble combination of ingredients turns into a golden masterpiece that’s perfect for sharing or savoring all on your own!