Easy Instant Pot Focaccia Bread

This Easy Instant Pot Focaccia Bread recipe lets you enjoy soft, fluffy, and golden focaccia without waiting for hours of rising. Using the Instant Pot speeds up the process while still giving you that classic airy texture and flavorful crust.

Making homemade focaccia bread has never been easier thanks to the Instant Pot. This method gives you soft, fluffy bread with a golden crust in a fraction of the time compared to traditional baking.

Perfectly airy on the inside and slightly crisp on the outside, this focaccia is ideal for sandwiches, dipping in olive oil, or enjoying on its own. With minimal prep and no long rise times, even beginners can achieve bakery-quality results right in their own kitchen.

My homemade Instant Pot Focaccia Bread goes with just about anything. From a simple BBQ Air Fryer Chicken meal to a lovely Instant Pot Spaghetti Dinner, This bread will be at almost every meal you make. It is that good!

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Super Quick and Easy: No long rising times or complicated steps; the Instant Pot does most of the work.
• Soft and Fluffy: Achieve that airy, tender texture that makes focaccia so irresistible.
• Golden, Crispy Crust: A perfectly baked top that’s lightly crisp and full of flavor.
• Versatile: Great for sandwiches, dipping in olive oil, or as a side for soups and salads.
• Beginner-Friendly: Even if you’ve never made bread before, this recipe is simple and foolproof.

If you are looking for even more Instant Pot recipes that will test your baking skills, some straightforward ones are INSTANT POT FUNNEL CAKES, INSTANT POT BLUEBERRY LOAF, INSTANT POT CHEESECAKE, INSTANT POT PECAN CHEESECAKE.

Ingredients Needed

• All-Purpose Flour: Gives the focaccia its structure and soft crumb.

• Warm Water: Activates the yeast and hydrates the flour.
• Instant Yeast: Helps the dough to rise and adds a subtle yeasty flavor.
• Sugar: A small amount feeds the yeast and enhances the bread’s flavor.
• Olive Oil: Adds moisture and richness to the dough.
• Salt: Balances the flavors in the bread and strengthens the gluten structure.
• Fresh Rosemary: Gives the bread a fragrant, herbal aroma and flavor.
• Coarse Sea Salt: Sprinkled on top before baking.

How To Make Easy Instant Pot Focaccia Bread

Step One: Whisk ¾ cup warm water, yeast, and one tablespoon of sugar. Cover and allow it to sit for 5 minutes. The mixture should be bubbly on top after 5 minutes. If not, start over with new yeast.

Step Two: In a separate bowl, take 3 cups of flour, add in salt, one tablespoon of Italian seasoning, and one teaspoon of chili flakes, add in the activated yeast mixture and water, and mix to form a dough.

Step Three: Grease some olive oil on top of the dough.

Step Four: Set the INSTANT POT to the YOGURT option and set it to 2 hours. Place the dough inside the instant cooker pot and secure the lid. The dough will double in size after 2 hours.

Step Five: Pour one tablespoon of oil into an 8×8” pan or any pan you choose and place the dough into the oiled pan. Spread the dough properly, covering the edges of the pan. With the help of your fingers, make indentations in the dough.

Step Six: Take the rest of the olive oil and add Italian seasoning, chili flakes, and garlic powder; mix it properly and pour it over the dough. Arrange the tomatoes and jalapenos on the top. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F or 200 degrees C and bake the bread for 20-22 minutes until golden brown. Cut into squares and serve warm. 

Easy Instant Pot Focaccia Bread Recipe Tips

• Use Cold Ingredients Wisely: Keep your yeast mixture warm, but other ingredients like flour at room temperature for better dough consistency.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough until just combined to keep the bread soft and airy.
• Finger Indentations Matter: Pressing indentations on the dough helps the oil and toppings soak in and creates that classic focaccia texture.
• Season Generously: Don’t skip olive oil, Italian herbs, and optional toppings like tomatoes, jalapenos, or olives—they enhance flavor and moisture.
• Check Doneness: Bake until the top is golden brown; underbaked focaccia can be doughy inside.

Storing Instructions

• Room Temperature: Store cooled focaccia in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 2 days.
• Refrigeration: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven to restore crispness.
• Freezing: Slice focaccia before freezing. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven for best results.

Easy Instant Pot Focaccia Bread Recipe Faqs

Can I make focaccia without an Instant Pot? Yes! You can let the dough rise at room temperature or in a warm oven, then bake in a conventional oven. The Instant Pot just speeds up the rising process.

Why isn’t my dough rising in the Instant Pot? Make sure the yeast is active (bubbly) and the Instant Pot is set to the Yogurt function at the right temperature. Cold ingredients or expired yeast can prevent proper rising.

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour? Absolutely! All-purpose flour works fine, though bread flour will give slightly chewier, more elastic focaccia.

How do I get a crispy crust? Brush the top generously with olive oil before baking and bake until golden brown. You can also broil for 1–2 minutes at the end for extra crispness.

Can I add toppings other than tomatoes and jalapenos? Yes! Focaccia is very versatile. Try olives, rosemary, caramelized onions, or even cheese. Add them after spreading the dough in the pan.

Can I make focaccia gluten-free? Yes, but you’ll need a gluten-free flour blend that works for yeast bread. Texture may be slightly different, and rising might be slower.

Serving Suggestions

• INSTANT POT PASTA, FETA, AND TOMATOES
• NINJA FOODI CHICKEN PAD THAI
• INSTANT POT SHRIMP SCAMPI
• AIR FRYER CHICKEN PARMESAN

Don’t Forget To Pin!

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