Name: Gluten-Free Focaccia Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour with xanthan gum; 2¼ teaspoons rapid yeast/instant yeast (1 packet); 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 cups warm water (110-115°F / 43-46°C); 1 tablespoon honey; 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar; ½ cup (8 tablespoons) olive oil; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt for sprinkling; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)

The smell of fresh-baked focaccia wafting through your kitchen is pure magic, especially when it’s gluten-free and still so soft and flavorful. This Gluten-Free Focaccia Bread Recipe is one I keep coming back to because it offers that perfect crisp crust and pillowy center, minus the gluten. Trust me, it's easier than you think to make your own!

The image shows several pieces of golden-brown focaccia bread cut into square shapes. The bread has a soft yet slightly crispy texture with small dimples on the surface. Scattered on top are green rosemary sprigs and coarse white sea salt, adding texture and color contrast. The bread pieces are placed closely together on a brown parchment paper, and the background has been changed to a white marbled texture. The lighting highlights the warm, toasted crust and the fresh herbs on top. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Gluten-Free Focaccia Bread Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Gluten-Free Focaccia Bread Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Gluten-Free Focaccia Bread Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I've baked focaccia enough times to know how tricky gluten-free breads can be, but this recipe nails it every time. The dough comes together quickly, rises beautifully, and the rosemary aroma makes it downright irresistible.

Simple ingredients: No crazy specialty flours here—just gluten-free all-purpose flour with xanthan gum and pantry staples.
Fluffy yet crispy texture: You get that classic focaccia chewiness and golden crust without gluten’s help.
Perfect for all diets: This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan, making it great for various dietary needs.
Super versatile: Enjoy it plain, herby, or topped with your favorite flavors—it’s a crowd-pleaser every time.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Gluten-Free Focaccia Bread Recipe pulls its weight to give you that familiar focaccia vibe. Choosing quality olive oil and fresh herbs really elevates it, so I highly recommend using the best you can find.

Flat lay of a small heaping mound of gluten-free all-purpose flour with a powdery texture, a few whole uncracked brown eggs arranged nearby, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden honey, a small white ceramic bowl containing light amber apple cider vinegar, a small white ceramic bowl of glossy olive oil, a small pile of coarse sea salt crystals, a sprig of fresh green rosemary with needle-like leaves, and a small heap of fine white baking powder powder, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Gluten-free all-purpose flour: Look for one with xanthan gum included to help mimic gluten’s elasticity for a better rise and texture.
Instant yeast: This helps the dough rise quickly so you don’t have to wait forever for your bread to come alive.
Baking powder: Adds an extra boost to give the focaccia a light and fluffy interior.
Warm water: At 110-115°F, it wakes up the yeast without killing it, which is key for good proofing.
Honey: Feeds the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness balancing the savory notes.
Apple cider vinegar: Helps tenderize the dough and enhances flavor complexity.
Olive oil: Divided use — some right in the dough and more for drizzling for that signature moist crumb and crispy crust.
Salt: Essential not just for flavor but also to control yeast activity.
Fresh rosemary: My go-to herb that gives a wonderful earthy, piney aroma—feel free to swap in other herbs if you like.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love adding a handful of sun-dried tomatoes or olives on top before baking to make it extra special. Don’t hesitate to experiment with toppings and herbs—you’ll find your favorite combination in no time.

Variation: Once, I added caramelized onions and thyme for a sweet-savory twist—totally delicious and perfect for entertaining.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Gluten-Free Focaccia Bread Recipe

The image shows a piece of golden focaccia bread held above a white marbled surface with parchment paper. The focaccia has one layer with a spongy texture and small air bubbles inside, topped with small green rosemary leaves and sprinkled salt crystals. The bread has a slightly shiny crust with a warm yellow-brown color. Other square focaccia pieces with the same look are placed on the parchment paper below, some with visible dimples on top. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Ready Your Oven and Mix Dry Ingredients

First, I preheat my oven to a low proofing temp, about 100°F, perfect for letting the dough rise in a cozy environment. While the oven warms, I mix the gluten-free flour, instant yeast, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. This little prep ensures even distribution so your focaccia rises evenly.

Step 2: Combine Warm Water, Honey, and Wet Ingredients

Next, warm water mixed with honey wakes the yeast gently to get it bubbling. Pour that into your dry mix, then add half the olive oil and vinegar. Using a stand mixer makes this step so much easier because the dough is sticky and needs gentle but thorough mixing.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Pop the sticky dough into a greased ovenproof bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap and a towel, then place it in the warm oven. After about 30 minutes, you’ll notice it puffed up nicely—a clear sign your yeast is hard at work!

Step 4: Shape and Dimple the Dough

Remove the dough from the bowl by flipping it onto an oiled baking sheet. I gently pat it out into a rectangle, about an inch thick. Then the fun part — pressing your fingertips into the dough to create those signature dimples. It’s a bit sticky, but don’t be shy; it gives focaccia its lovely texture.

Step 5: Add Olive Oil, Rosemary, and Bake

Drizzle olive oil over the dimpled surface, sprinkle with salt, and fresh rosemary (or your herb of choice). Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes, then broil for 30 seconds to 1 minute to achieve that golden crust—just keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn!

Top Tip

I’ve experimented a lot with gluten-free focaccia, and these tips saved me from many mishaps and helped me consistently bake up perfect bread.

Warm Water Temperature: Make sure the water is warm but not hot — too hot and you’ll kill the yeast, too cold and the dough won’t rise properly.
Use Olive Oil Liberally: Don’t skimp on the olive oil — it adds moisture and that beautiful golden color to the crust.
Don’t Rush the Rise: Giving the dough time to rise is crucial, even if you’re tempted to skip it. Patience here makes all the difference.
Watch the Broil Step: Every oven broils differently — watch your focaccia closely during the last minute to avoid burning.

How to Serve Gluten-Free Focaccia Bread Recipe

Gluten-Free Focaccia - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually top mine with fresh rosemary and flaky sea salt right before baking because the herb aroma is unbeatable. Sometimes I sprinkle grated vegan parmesan or cracked black pepper for a subtle extra punch.

Side Dishes

This focaccia pairs beautifully with salads, soups, or as a side to pasta dishes. I love serving it alongside a robust tomato soup or a fresh arugula and citrus salad to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I cut the focaccia into small squares and arrange them on a platter with an assortment of dips—pesto, hummus, or even olive tapenade. It’s always a hit and makes for a beautiful, inviting spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I wrap leftover focaccia tightly in plastic wrap or foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 2 days. It stays soft but with that delightful crust.

Freezing

I slice the focaccia before freezing, so I can thaw just what I need. Wrapped well in foil and placed in a freezer bag, it freezes beautifully for up to 3 months without losing quality.

Reheating

Reheat slices in a toaster oven or under the broiler for a few minutes until warm and crispy again. Avoid the microwave as it can make the bread chewy or soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of gluten-free?

You can, but this recipe is tailored for gluten-free flours which absorb liquids differently. Using regular flour will change the texture and rise, so it's best to follow the recipe as is for best results.

Why is the dough sticky?

Gluten-free doughs tend to be stickier since they lack gluten's elasticity. Resist the urge to add too much flour; a sticky dough actually means your focaccia will be lighter and less dense.

Can I make this focaccia dairy-free and vegan?

Absolutely! This Gluten-Free Focaccia Bread Recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan since it uses olive oil instead of butter and honey can be swapped with maple syrup or agave nectar if needed.

What’s the best way to store leftover focaccia?

Wrap cooled focaccia tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze slices wrapped well to maintain freshness.

Final Thoughts

This Gluten-Free Focaccia Bread Recipe has become one of my favorite ways to enjoy a comforting bread without gluten worries. It’s approachable, quick to make, and yields results that taste like you spent hours in the kitchen. I hope you give it a try and find it as delightful as I do—it’s like bringing a little Italian bakery magic right to your home.