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 wonderfully simple about warm, olive oil-kissed bread with a soft, dimpled crust. This Gluten-Free Focaccia Bread Recipe nails that cozy, rustic vibe—without the gluten! Trust me, you'll love baking this in your own kitchen and enjoying the fresh aroma filling the air.

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

This gluten-free focaccia is one of those recipes that surprised me by how easy it was—and how fantastic it tasted. I love that you don’t need a ton of fancy ingredients or complicated steps, just simple staples that come together into a fragrant, fluffy loaf that’s perfect for any meal.

Fluffy but hearty: Unlike some gluten-free breads, this focaccia has a nice soft crumb and satisfying chew that’s true to the classic.
Simple ingredients: No need for specialty flours beyond a trusty gluten-free all-purpose blend with xanthan gum.
Easy to customize: Throw on fresh herbs, olives, or sun-dried tomatoes to make it your own.
Perfect for any occasion: Whether for sandwiches, dipping in soups, or alongside salads, this focaccia shines.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Gluten-Free Focaccia Bread Recipe lies both in its simplicity and balance. Each ingredient plays a role from texture to flavor, helping you get that classic focaccia softness without gluten.

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 with xanthan gum: This gives structure and elasticity, essential for a good rise and pliability.
Rapid/instant yeast: Fast-acting and reliable for nice dough expansion without long waits.
Baking powder: A little extra lift to keep the bread airy.
Warm water: Activates the yeast and hydrates the flour for the perfect dough consistency.
Honey: Feeds the yeast gently and adds a hint of sweetness to balance savory flavors.
Apple cider vinegar: Helps tenderize the dough and adds a slight tang for depth.
Olive oil: Soaks into the dough, forming that signature crisp but tender crust and rich flavor.
Salt: Enhances overall flavor and controls yeast activity.
Fresh rosemary: Classic herb pairing that lifts the bread with aromatic freshness.

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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 like to keep this gluten-free focaccia classic with rosemary and sea salt, but feel free to get creative! It’s a forgiving dough that loves additional toppings or even mix-ins.

Variation: One time I tossed in some diced sun-dried tomatoes and black olives before baking—flavor explosion! It’s a great base to experiment with your favorite savory add-ins.
Herb swaps: Try thyme, oregano, or even fresh basil for a seasonal twist.
Dietary considerations: This recipe is naturally vegan and dairy-free, but you can drizzle a garlic-infused olive oil on top for extra punch without altering the core recipe.

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: Preparing Your Dough

Start by warming your oven to proof the dough—about 100°F is perfect. Mixing the dry ingredients together first helps even distribution. When you add the warm water mixed with honey, use a stand mixer if you have one; it makes combining a breeze. The dough should be sticky but cohesive—don’t be tempted to add too much flour or it might dry out.

Step 2: First Rise in the Oven

Grease a bowl well with olive oil and cover your dough tightly with plastic wrap, then set it in the warmed oven with the light off once it reaches 100°F. This gentle heat is the perfect environment for a good 30-minute rise. You’ll notice the dough puffing up—this is your proof it’s alive and ready to bake.

Step 3: Shaping and Final Prep

Onto a greased baking sheet, turn the dough out and gently press it into a rectangle about an inch thick. Use your fingertips to dimple the surface—this doesn’t just look pretty, it’s a focaccia classic and helps keep the top light and bubbly. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle salt and rosemary, letting the aroma begin to build.

Step 4: Baking to Perfection

Bake on the top rack at 400°F for about 20 minutes. If you like a crispier, golden crust like I do, switch your oven to broil for the last 30 seconds to a minute—but watch it closely so it doesn’t burn. Once done, let it cool slightly before slicing.

Top Tip

When I was first making this gluten-free focaccia, timing and moisture balance were tricky—that sticky dough can feel intimidating. Here are some things I’ve learned that make the process smooth and foolproof.

Keep Your Oven Proof Setting: Using the oven as your proofing space maintains a consistent warm temperature; it’s better than guessing room temperature variations.
Don’t Overmix: Once the dough forms, stop mixing; overworking gluten-free dough can make it dense.
Generous Olive Oil: Be liberal with olive oil when greasing pans and drizzling on top—it really locks in moisture and prevents sticking.
Watch the Broil Time: Every broiler acts differently—set a timer and check early to avoid an overly crisp or burnt top.

How to Serve Gluten-Free Focaccia Bread Recipe

Gluten-Free Focaccia - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I stick with fresh rosemary and flaky sea salt as garnishes—they add both aroma and that delightful crunch. Sometimes a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a scattering of caramelized onions takes it to the next level for special dinners.

Side Dishes

This focaccia pairs beautifully with light soups like tomato bisque, or alongside a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette. I’ve also served it with charcuterie boards for an easy appetizer that everyone loves.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I like cutting the focaccia into finger-sized strips and serving alongside bowls of olive oil infused with garlic and herbs for dipping. It’s a showstopper appetizer that feels effortless but looks fancy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I wrap leftover focaccia tightly in plastic wrap and keep it in an airtight container on the counter if I plan to eat it within a day or two. This keeps the crust pleasantly soft, almost like fresh-baked.

Freezing

To enjoy focaccia longer, slice it and freeze in zip-top bags. When you want some, just toast or reheat slices straight from frozen—it revives that lovely texture beautifully.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in a toaster oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes or until warmed through and crisp on the edges. Microwave comes last because it can make the bread gummy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different gluten-free flour blend?

Absolutely! Just make sure your gluten-free blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binder. I used a blend with xanthan gum which helps the dough hold together and rise nicely. If your blend lacks it, add 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum separately.

Do I need yeast for this recipe?

Yes, yeast is important here because it gives focaccia its characteristic airy texture and flavor. The baking powder adds a bit more lift, but yeast is essential for the authentic focaccia crumb.

Can I add toppings other than rosemary?

Definitely! Focaccia is very versatile. Try olives, caramelized onions, cherry tomatoes, garlic, or your favorite herbs. Just press them gently into the dough before baking so they stay put.

How do I know when the focaccia is done?

The focaccia should be a nice golden brown on top with a slightly crispy crust. It will sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also check with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, it’s ready.

Final Thoughts

This Gluten-Free Focaccia Bread Recipe has become my go-to when I want the warmth and comfort of homemade bread without gluten fuss. It’s approachable, adaptable, and honestly, it makes the kitchen smell incredible. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to fill your home with fresh bread that friends and family rave about.