Bake the Easiest Focaccia (No Measuring Needed!) – Featuring My Husband!

Hey Friends, Happy fall! 🍂

As the days get cooler, there’s nothing quite like the warmth and comfort of homemade bread. This week, I’m excited to share our latest video where my husband joins me in the kitchen to bake the easiest focaccia – all without measuring a thing!

Watch the Video Here: How to Make Focaccia Without Measuring

In this video, we take you through each step of making this super simple and delicious focaccia, but the real fun was teaching Trey how to bake it! He had us cracking up the whole time, and his reactions alone make this video a must-watch. Whether you’re a baking newbie or a seasoned pro, you’ll love how this recipe lets you rely on your instincts—no measuring cups required! And trust me, Trey’s humor adds an extra layer of entertainment to the mix!

Why Focaccia?

Focaccia is practically made for fall—it’s a cozy, rustic bread that fits perfectly with the season. Its simplicity means it pairs effortlessly with hearty soups, transforming even the most basic meal into something special. Need an easy sandwich? Focaccia’s got you covered with its slightly chewy texture and crispy edges. Or, just enjoy it straight from the oven, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with fresh herbs for a classic, warm treat. The best part? There’s no need for precise measuring—just follow your intuition, get creative with toppings, and let the bread work its magic.

We found a really awesome book every baker should have on their bookshelves. If you’re curious to learn more about the art of bread-making without recipes, you might enjoy reading “Flour Water Salt Yeast” by Ken Forkish“, which dives deeper into intuitive baking techniques.

What You’ll Learn in the Video:

How to mix and knead focaccia dough by feel.
Tips on adjusting dough texture without needing to follow a strict recipe.
The benefits of involving your family (especially the kids!) in the baking process.

This is just the beginning of our journey into cozy, intuitive fall cooking. If you’ve ever wanted to break free from the constraints of recipes and learn how to cook from the heart, this video is the perfect place to start.

Let’s get started!

If there’s one thing I love about cooking, it’s the freedom to ditch the measuring cups and spoons. Seriously, who has the time (or energy) to gather a dozen little containers, only to have a mountain of dishes staring back at you later? Not me!

Cooking and baking without measuring saves me from the stress of perfection. It’s all about trusting your gut and going with the flow. This is how I’ve been teaching my kids to cook too—use your senses, feel the dough, and adjust as you go. And you know what? It works every time.

So, let’s make focaccia the easy way—no precise measurements, no unnecessary steps, just pure, unfiltered bread-making fun. Plus, you can freestyle with whatever toppings you like, and it still comes out delicious. Let’s get started!

Ingredients:

Water (just enough to get that dough going, about 1 cup if you’re making a smaller batch for 1-2)
Active dry yeast (sprinkled over the water)
Sugar (a pinch, or skip it if you’re feeling wild)
Salt (a few generous pinches)
Flour (enough to form a shaggy dough)
Olive oil (because focaccia needs that golden crust!)

Instructions:

Water + Yeast = Magic
Start by adding a small bowl of room-temperature water to a bowl. Forget about fancy warm water—just use room temperature water (in my case, this water comes directly from our well). Sprinkle the yeast on top, add 2 tsp salt (roughly), 1 large spoonful of sugar, and give it a moment to do its thing while you marvel at the simplicity.
Add Flour Like a Pro
Start adding flour a little at a time. No need to stress about measuring cups—just sprinkle enough until the dough comes together in a shaggy, sticky form. If you’ve got a spoon, use it; if not, your hands work just fine.
I like to avoid getting my hands stuck in the sticky mess for as long as possible, so I let the spoon or fork do the dirty work. Why jump into dough chaos with both hands when you can calmly supervise with a utensil? Save the hand dive for later—when it’s a little less like quicksand!
Let It Rest
Cover the dough and let it rest in a warm spot for about 45 minutes to an hour. You don’t need to babysit it—just pop it in the oven with the light on, or leave it somewhere cozy, and let the yeast work its magic.
Stretch and Fold (Sounds Fancy, But It’s Easy)
Wet your hands (trust me, it helps) and do a few gentle stretch and folds with the dough. No aggressive kneading here! Just pull it, fold it, and let it develop some of that beautiful gluten structure. I like to do maybe 15-20 stretches and folds or just until the dough forms a smooth surface on top.
Shape, Oil, and Proof Again
Toss the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet drizzled with olive oil. The olive oil will create a gorgeous crust on the bottom for some much loved crispiness!
Use your fingertips to gently spread it into a rectangular shape and poke little dimples all over the top. Let it rest for another 30-45 minutes while you sip on your favorite fall drink.
Bake and Enjoy
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Drizzle more olive oil on top, sprinkle with salt (be generous!), and bake for 15-20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden and crispy, and the kitchen smells amazing.

Why This Recipe Works

This focaccia recipe is as foolproof as it gets. The dough is incredibly forgiving—if it’s too wet, just add a bit more flour, and if it’s too dry, splash in some water. No need to panic over precise measurements! You’re free to adjust everything based on how the dough feels, so it’s a perfect introduction to intuitive cooking.

Plus, this method is ideal for getting the kids involved. With less emphasis on exact measurements, they can mix, stir, and poke without fear of messing things up. And let’s not forget, fewer bowls and tools to clean afterward means more time to relax and enjoy the fruits (or rather, the bread) of your labor.

This recipe isn’t just about making great focaccia—it’s about freeing yourself from the kitchen perfectionism trap. Forget about rigid rules and enjoy the flexibility. You’ll end up with a delicious, homemade loaf and a stress-free baking experience!