Artisan bread without the long wait
This 8-hour focaccia-style sandwich bread is the ultimate quick-bread hack. With a high-hydration dough and minimal kneading, it delivers a tender crumb perfect for paninis, deli sandwiches, or simply with olive oil and tomatoes. Impress your guests with artisan quality in just 8 hours!
Ideal for busy home bakers, this recipe skips the lengthy fermentation process while maintaining the signature focaccia texture. The olive oil-infused dough develops a golden crust dotted with rosemary and sea salt, making it irresistible fresh from the oven.
Whether you're prepping for a sandwich lunch or hosting a charcuterie board, this bread adapts to any occasion. The short bulk rise and no-knead method make it accessible for beginners, while the final result rivals professional bakery loaves.
Pro tip: The dough's high hydration (80%) creates those signature air pockets in the crumb. Don't worry about the sticky texture—it's key to achieving that soft, spongy interior.
Pair with a seasonal tomato salad or grilled vegetables for a complete meal. Ready to transform your sandwich game in just 8 hours? Let's dive in!
Why This Recipe Works
⏰ Quick Rise Method
The 8-hour fermentation time is perfectly balanced—long enough to develop flavor, but short enough to fit into a busy schedule. The dough rises at room temperature, eliminating the need for cold proofing.
💰 Minimal Effort
This no-knead method requires just a few minutes of mixing. The high hydration dough self-ferments, reducing hands-on time while maximizing flavor development through natural yeast activity.
👥 Versatile Texture
The fluffy crumb holds up to fillings without becoming soggy, while the crisp crust adds satisfying crunch. Perfect for paninis, open-faced sandwiches, or simply with olive oil and vinegar.
🌟 Flavor Boost
Olive oil, rosemary, and sea salt work together to create a rich, savory profile. The slow hydration process allows the flavors to fully integrate into the dough matrix.
8-Hour Focaccia-Style Sandwich Bread
Artisan quality in just 8 hours
🛒 Ingredients
- - 500g bread flour
- - 450ml warm water (85°F/30°C)
- - 10g salt
- - 7g instant yeast
- - 50ml extra virgin olive oil
- - 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- - 2 tbsp flaky sea salt
👨🍳 Instructions
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and yeast until well combined.
💡 Use room temperature water for optimal hydration
Add Wet Ingredients: Add warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
💡 The dough will be very sticky—this is normal!
Rest and Fold: Cover and let rest for 30 minutes. Gently fold the dough 3 times at 10-minute intervals.
💡 This autolyse step helps develop gluten naturally
Shape and Proof: Transfer to a floured surface. Shape into a rectangle, then transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let rise for 4-6 hours at room temperature.
💡 For best results, cover with a cloth and place in a warm, draft-free area
Add Toppings: Brush dough with olive oil. Sprinkle rosemary and sea salt evenly over the surface.
💡 Use your fingers to press the herbs into the dough for better adhesion
Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake for 35-40 minutes, until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
💡 Rotate halfway through baking for even browning
Rest and Serve: Let cool for 15-20 minutes before slicing. Best served warm with a drizzle of olive oil.
💡 For paninis, use a panini press or cast iron skillet
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Bread Flour
High-protein flour gives the dough structure while maintaining a soft crumb. For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 bread flour substitute with xanthan gum.
Substitutions: All-purpose flour (lower hydration), whole wheat flour (add 20ml extra water)
Olive Oil
Extra virgin olive oil adds richness and helps create the signature focaccia texture. Avoid using low-quality oil which can impart bitter flavors.
Substitutions: Avocado oil (neutral flavor), butter (adds richness but changes texture)
Rosemary
Fresh rosemary provides a vibrant, piney flavor. If using dried, reduce quantity by half and add during shaping rather than baking.
Substitutions: Thyme, oregano, or za'atar for different flavor profiles
Sea Salt
Flaky sea salt adds a beautiful texture and enhances the olive oil flavor. Avoid using fine salt which can overpower the dough.
Substitutions: Coarse kosher salt (use 1.5x amount), Himalayan pink salt
Pro Tips for Perfect Focaccia
✨ Hydration Balance
The 80% hydration ratio is critical. Too much water creates an unmanageable dough, while too little results in a dense crumb. Adjust by 10ml increments if needed.
🔥 Proofing Environment
Maintain 75-80°F (24-27°C) during proofing. Place near a sunny window or use the oven with a bowl of warm water for consistent temperature.
🧂 Salt Distribution
Sprinkle salt evenly across the dough surface rather than mixing it into the dough. This creates localized flavor pockets and prevents over-salting.
📸 Visual Cues
The dough is ready to bake when it's 1.5-2x its original volume and springs back slowly when pressed. Avoid over-proofing which leads to collapsed structure.
Variations & Customizations
Herb Focaccia
Mix rosemary with thyme or oregano for a different flavor profile. Add herbs during the shaping step to preserve their aroma.
Cheese Version
Incorporate 100g grated Parmesan into the dough for a savory twist. Reduce salt by 2g to balance the cheese salt content.
Gluten-Free Option
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum. Add 1 tbsp psyllium husk to improve dough structure. Increase water by 15ml for proper hydration.
Sweet Version
Replace rosemary with orange zest and add 2 tbsp honey to the dough. Top with sugar and cinnamon instead of sea salt for a dessert bread variation.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Grilled vegetables with balsamic glaze
- Caprese salad with fresh mozzarella
- Prosciutto-wrapped figs
- Homemade pesto
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Pair with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light red such as Chianti. For non-alcoholic options, try a sparkling water with lemon twist or a cold brew coffee.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
The dough can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance. After shaping, cover and refrigerate for up to 12 hours before adding toppings and baking.
Refrigerator Storage
Store cooled bread in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness.
Freezer Storage
Freeze in vacuum-sealed bags for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before reheating. For best results, freeze bread fully cooled, not sliced.
Reheating Instructions
Use a toaster oven or oven for best results. Avoid microwave which can make the crust soggy. Wrap in parchment paper to prevent over-browning.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: Why is my dough too sticky?
A: High hydration dough is naturally sticky. If it's unmanageable, add flour in 10g increments while folding. Avoid over-flouring which can create a dense crumb.
Q: How to fix a collapsed loaf?
A: Over-proofing is usually the cause. Next time, check the dough's readiness by pressing gently. If the indentation springs back slowly, it's ready. If it springs back quickly, it needs more time.
Q: Can I use a bread machine?
A: Yes, but adjust the program to a "quick" or "one-hour" setting. The high hydration may require you to stop the machine and manually shape the dough after mixing.
Q: Why is my bread dry?
A: Over-baking is likely. Check the internal temperature - it should be 190-200°F (88-93°C). Use a kitchen thermometer to avoid relying on visual cues alone.
Final Thoughts
This 8-hour focaccia-style sandwich bread proves that you don't need days of fermentation to achieve artisan results. With its soft crumb, golden crust, and fragrant herbs, it's perfect for everyday meals or special occasions. Whether you're making paninis for lunch or serving slices with olive oil and tomatoes, this bread will become a staple in your kitchen.
For best Pinterest visibility, post this bread recipe as part of a complete meal series over 5-7 days: start with the bread pin, followed by complementary sides like grilled vegetables or caprese salad, finishing with a dessert pairing like lemon tart. The combination will create a cohesive meal narrative that drives engagement and saves!
