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 (plus more for sprinkling); 2 cups warm water (110-115°F / 43-46°C); 1 tablespoon honey; 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar; 10 tablespoons olive oil (divided: ½ cup + 2 tablespoons); 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried)

There’s something incredibly comforting about fresh focaccia bread, especially when it’s tailored for those avoiding gluten. This Gluten-Free Focaccia Bread Recipe brings together that airy, golden crust with a tender crumb you’d never expect from gluten-free flours. Trust me, once you bake this bread, you’ll want to keep it on regular rotation.

The image shows several square pieces of golden focaccia bread arranged close together on a white marbled surface. The bread has a soft, slightly puffy texture with small, deep dimples on its top layer, sprinkled with coarse sea salt and small green rosemary leaves scattered evenly. The edges of the bread are slightly browned, giving a crispy look, while the interior parts appear soft and fluffy. The lighting highlights the warm yellow and light brown colors of the bread's crust, making it look fresh and inviting. 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

Gluten-free bread often misses that satisfying chew and aroma we expect from good bread, but this focaccia breaks the mold. I’m genuinely excited to share how this simple mix of ingredients creates something warm, fluffy, and flavorful that you can enjoy any day.

Fluffy Texture: Thanks to the right combo of gluten-free flour and yeast, this bread rises beautifully without collapsing.
Easy to Make: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps mean you can fit baking this into busy days.
Customizable Flavors: Fresh rosemary is classic, but feel free to add your favorite herbs or toppings for new twists each time.
Vegan and Dairy-Free: No dairy or animal products here, making it friendly for many dietary needs without sacrificing taste.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Choosing ingredients wisely is key to nailing the texture and flavor of this Gluten-Free Focaccia Bread Recipe. I’ve spent some time testing flours and adjusting moisture to get that perfect balance.

Flat lay of a small mound of gluten-free all-purpose flour, a small white bowl of rapid instant yeast granules, a small white bowl with fine baking powder, a small white bowl filled with warm water and dissolved honey, a small white bowl with golden olive oil, a small white bowl holding clear apple cider vinegar, a small white bowl containing coarse salt, and a few fresh sprigs of vibrant green rosemary, arranged symmetrically in simple white ceramic bowls 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 with xanthan gum: This is the backbone, providing the structure needed for a chewy and soft focaccia.
Rapid yeast (instant yeast): It helps the dough rise quickly, giving you a fluffy bread without the wait.
Baking powder: Adding a little extra lift to keep the bread light.
Warm water: Activates the yeast. Keeping it between 110-115°F ensures the yeast wakes up without dying.
Honey: A touch of sweetness to feed the yeast and deepen flavor.
Apple cider vinegar: Helps tenderize the dough and adds brightness.
Olive oil: Both in the dough and for drizzling, it lends moisture and that signature focaccia richness.
Salt: Essential for balancing flavors and enhancing the bread’s overall taste.
Fresh rosemary (or dried): My favorite herb to sprinkle on top for that classic aromatic punch.

📝

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

One of the things I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Don’t hesitate to try different herbs or even sprinkle some olives or sun-dried tomatoes on top before baking.

Variation: I once added a mix of chopped thyme and oregano alongside rosemary, and it elevated the aroma beautifully. You can also swap rosemary for basil or sage depending on your mood!

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

This image shows pieces of focaccia bread on crumpled brown paper over a white marbled surface. There are four large square pieces of focaccia that have a golden-brown top with scattered rosemary sprigs and coarse salt crystals, giving a rough texture. One piece is lifted above the others by a woman's hand, showing a soft inside with many small air pockets and a pale beige color. The crust is slightly darker with a crisp look, and the light gives a warm glow to the bread photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prepping and Proofing the Dough

Start by preheating your oven to the proofing setting, or to 200°F (93°C). I usually turn it off once it reaches about 100°F (38°C) — this provides a cozy spot for the dough to rise. In a large bowl, mix the gluten-free flour, instant yeast, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

Step 2: Bloom Your Yeast

Pour your warm water (110-115°F) into a cup and stir in the honey, making sure it dissolves completely. This sweet liquid wakes up your yeast, so it’s important the water isn’t too hot or you might kill those little helpers!

Step 3: Mix Dough and Add Olive Oil

Combine the honey-water mixture into your dry ingredients and start mixing on low speed — I use my mixer with a paddle attachment to keep things easy. Pour in half a cup of olive oil along with the apple cider vinegar and mix for 1-2 minutes. The dough should be sticky but starting to pull together.

Step 4: Let It Rise

Transfer your sticky dough to a greased ovenproof bowl—olive oil spray works perfectly here—and cover it tightly with plastic wrap and a towel. Pop it into the warm oven for 30 minutes. You’ll notice it puff up nicely, which is always so rewarding!

Step 5: Shape and Season

Remove the dough and preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Lightly oil a baking sheet and gently turn your dough onto it. Pat it out with your hands into an 8x10-inch rectangle about one inch thick. Use your fingertips to press dimples all over. Drizzle another tablespoon of olive oil on top, and sprinkle with salt and chopped rosemary.

Step 6: Bake and Broil for Perfection

Bake on the oven's top rack for 20 minutes until golden brown. For that irresistible crispy crust, I like to broil the focaccia for 30 seconds to 1 minute—just keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn. That final step adds a lovely crunch!

Top Tip

Through my trials with this Gluten-Free Focaccia Bread Recipe, I discovered a few little things that make a big difference—worth sharing so you can skip the guesswork.

Warm Water Temperature: Getting this just right is crucial; too hot and your yeast won’t rise, too cool and it’ll be sluggish.
Don’t Overmix: Blend just enough for the dough to come together. Overmixing can make your bread tough.
Dimples Are Key: Press those fingertips deeply into the dough so the olive oil pools in nicely and adds flavor.
Watch the Broiler: It can change in seconds, so never walk away when you’re crisping the top.

How to Serve Gluten-Free Focaccia Bread Recipe

Gluten-Free Focaccia - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually stick with fresh rosemary and flaky sea salt for that classic touch, but some days I experiment with caramelized onions or a sprinkle of chili flakes. It’s these little accents that bring out the focaccia’s personality!

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with soups—especially tomato basil or hearty vegetable stews—and salads with tangy dressings. I've also served it alongside a rich dipping oil with garlic and herbs when friends come over, and it’s always a hit.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I like to cut the focaccia into small squares and serve on a wooden board alongside assorted olives, cheeses (or vegan cheeses), and cured meats or marinated veggies. It turns a simple bread into a feast centerpiece!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover focaccia keeps best wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to two days. I find placing it in an airtight container also does the trick to keep it from drying out.

Freezing

I love freezing leftover focaccia to enjoy later. Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and then pop them into a freezer-safe bag. When you're ready, thaw at room temperature and warm gently.

Reheating

To revive that freshly baked feel, I place the focaccia in a preheated 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes. This crisps up the edges again and warms the interior without drying it out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I substitute other gluten-free flours?

You can experiment but it’s best to use a gluten-free all-purpose blend with xanthan gum already included or added; this ensures the best texture and rise for the bread.

Does this recipe work without honey?

Yes! You can substitute honey with an equal amount of sugar or maple syrup. The sweetener helps activate the yeast and adds subtle flavor, so don’t skip it entirely.

Why is the dough sticky?

Gluten-free doughs tend to be stickier than traditional wheat doughs because they lack gluten, which provides elasticity. Don’t be tempted to add extra flour—stickiness is normal and helps keep the crumb moist.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh rosemary?

Absolutely! If fresh rosemary isn’t available, 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary works well. Just sprinkle it evenly over the dough before baking.

Final Thoughts

Making this Gluten-Free Focaccia Bread Recipe was a bit of an experiment at first, but it quickly became a staple in my kitchen. It’s the kind of bread that fills your home with wonderful aromas and makes any meal feel special. I’m confident you'll enjoy baking and sharing it just as much as I do, so grab your ingredients and give it a go—you might just find yourself hooked for good!