There is something special about homemade bread that instantly makes a meal feel warmer and more inviting. If you have watched With Love, Meghan, you may have noticed how simple ingredients and relaxed cooking can turn an ordinary gathering into something memorable. One recipe that captures that easygoing style is Meghan Markle’s Focaccia Recipe.
This rosemary-topped bread is golden on the outside, soft inside, and finished with olive oil and flaky sea salt. Best of all, it does not require complicated bread-making equipment or advanced baking skills. With a handful of everyday ingredients and a little patience while the dough rises, you can make an impressive homemade focaccia in your own kitchen.
Netflix Tudum published the focaccia recipe as one of the recipes inspired by the food featured in With Love, Meghan. The published method uses bread flour or all-purpose flour, instant yeast, warm water, olive oil, rosemary and flaky sea salt, with the dough baked at 425°F for about 20–25 minutes.
Key Takeaways
- This easy bread uses simple pantry-friendly ingredients.
- Both bread flour and all-purpose flour can be used.
- The dough needs time to rise, so patience is important for a light texture.
- Olive oil helps create the characteristic golden, flavorful crust.
- Fresh rosemary and flaky sea salt give the finished bread a classic savory flavor.
- The focaccia is baked at 425°F until lightly golden.
- It is ideal for brunches, lunches, dinner parties, snack boards and casual entertaining.
What Is Meghan Markle’s Focaccia Recipe?
Meghan Markle’s Focaccia Recipe is a simple homemade bread preparation inspired by the focaccia shown in With Love, Meghan. The official Netflix version describes a dough made from flour, warm water, instant yeast, olive oil and kosher salt. After rising, the dough is gently stretched into a well-oiled baking vessel, then dimpled with fingertips and topped with more olive oil, rosemary and flaky sea salt.
Unlike some complicated artisan breads, this version keeps the ingredient list short. The most important part is not complicated technique but giving the yeast enough time to work and handling the dough gently.
The result is a rustic bread with a lightly crisp, olive-oil-rich exterior and a soft, airy center. It can be served warm as a side dish or placed on a table alongside salads, cheeses, dips and other appetizers.
Why This Easy Focaccia Is Worth Making
One reason this recipe is appealing is its simplicity. You do not need a long list of specialty ingredients. Flour provides the structure, yeast gives the dough lift, water hydrates it, olive oil adds richness, and rosemary and sea salt bring the finishing flavor.
Another advantage is flexibility. The dough can be shaped directly in a well-oiled baking pan, and the characteristic dimples are made with your fingertips. Those little wells collect olive oil and seasoning as the bread bakes, helping create the familiar focaccia appearance and flavor.
It is also a good recipe for people who want to try homemade bread without committing to a complicated sourdough process. The recipe does require rising time, but most of that time is hands-off.
Ingredients for Meghan Markle’s Focaccia Recipe
The ingredient list is straightforward and closely follows the recipe published by Netflix Tudum.
For the Dough
- 2 cups bread flour or all-purpose flour – Bread flour can provide a slightly chewier texture, while all-purpose flour works well for a softer homemade loaf.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt – This seasons the dough and balances the flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – Adds richness and helps create a tender texture.
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast – Helps the dough rise.
- 1 cup warm water – The published recipe specifies water around 75–80°F.
For the Topping
- 1–3 sprigs fresh rosemary – Adds a fragrant herbal note.
- Flaky sea salt – Adds texture and a pleasant salty finish.
- Additional olive oil – Used for coating the pan, finishing the dough and creating a flavorful surface.
How to Make Meghan Markle’s Focaccia Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Dough
Begin by adding the warm water, instant yeast, flour and olive oil to a large mixing bowl. Stir until the ingredients form a shaggy dough. At this point, it may look rough rather than smooth, and that is perfectly normal.
Step 2: Add the Salt
Add the kosher salt and mix until the dough comes together. The dough will be sticky, so avoid adding excessive flour simply because it does not feel like traditional kneaded bread dough.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Lightly coat the top of the dough with olive oil. Cover the bowl with a clean tea towel and place it somewhere warm. The published recipe calls for approximately two hours of rising time.
This resting period is important because the yeast needs time to produce gas and expand the dough. Depending on the temperature of your kitchen, the dough may rise faster or slower.
Step 4: Prepare the Baking Pan
Once the first rise is complete, preheat your oven to 425°F. Generously coat your baking pan or suitable baking vessel with olive oil.
Turn the risen dough into the prepared pan. Gently stretch it toward the edges. Do not force it if the dough resists. Give it a little time and continue stretching carefully.
Step 5: Give the Dough a Second Rise
Cover the dough again and allow it to rise in the pan for approximately 30 minutes. This second rise helps the dough become lighter before baking. Netflix's published instructions specifically recommend another 30-minute rise after the dough has been stretched into the pan.
Step 6: Create the Classic Focaccia Dimples
Coat your hands with olive oil. Gently press your fingertips into the surface of the dough to create small wells. This is one of the most recognizable steps in making focaccia.
Do not press aggressively enough to flatten the dough completely. The goal is to create shallow pockets across the surface while keeping the dough airy.
Step 7: Add Rosemary and Sea Salt
Drizzle the surface generously with olive oil. Scatter fresh rosemary leaves over the top and finish with flaky sea salt.
The combination of olive oil, rosemary and sea salt gives the bread its simple but distinctive savory character.
Step 8: Bake Until Golden
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20–25 minutes, or until the focaccia is lightly golden. These baking instructions follow the Netflix-published version of the recipe.
When finished, carefully remove the bread from the pan and allow it to cool slightly before slicing. It can be served warm for the best texture.
Tips for Making Perfect Homemade Focaccia
Do Not Rush the Rising Process
Yeast needs time to develop the dough. If your kitchen is cool, the dough may take longer to rise. Look at the dough rather than relying only on the clock.
Use Plenty of Olive Oil
Olive oil is an important part of focaccia rather than simply an optional garnish. It helps coat the pan and contributes to the flavorful crust. Do not be afraid to use enough to properly oil the baking vessel and finish the surface.
Handle the Dough Gently
Sticky dough can tempt you to press, knead or stretch it aggressively. Instead, work patiently. If the dough pulls back while you are stretching it, let it rest briefly and try again.
Do Not Skip the Dimples
The fingertip dimples are more than decoration. They create small pockets that hold olive oil and seasoning across the surface. Press gently and evenly for a rustic finish.
Use Fresh Rosemary When Possible
Fresh rosemary provides a bright herbal aroma that works particularly well with olive oil and sea salt. If fresh rosemary is unavailable, dried rosemary can be used, although the flavor and texture will be somewhat different.
What to Serve With This Focaccia
One of the best things about homemade focaccia is how versatile it can be. Serve slices alongside a fresh salad for a simple lunch, or place it on a grazing board with cheese, vegetables and dips.
You can also serve warm pieces as an appetizer before dinner. For casual entertaining, cut the bread into smaller squares and arrange them on a platter with olive oil for dipping.
For breakfast or brunch, focaccia can be paired with eggs, fresh fruit and other savory dishes. It can also be sliced horizontally and used as the foundation for a simple sandwich.
How to Store Homemade Focaccia
For the best texture, homemade focaccia is generally most enjoyable on the day it is baked. If you have leftovers, allow them to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container or tightly wrapped at room temperature for short-term storage.
To refresh a leftover piece, warm it briefly in the oven. This can help restore some of the crispness on the outside while keeping the center soft.
If you need to keep the bread for longer, freezing individual portions can be a practical option. Wrap them securely, freeze them and reheat when needed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Adding too much flour: Sticky dough is normal for this style of bread.
- Using very hot water: Excessively hot water can negatively affect yeast activity.
- Skipping the second rise: The second rise contributes to the finished texture.
- Stretching too aggressively: Give the dough time to relax if it keeps pulling back.
- Under-oiling the pan: Olive oil is an important part of the focaccia's texture and flavor.
- Cutting immediately: Let the bread cool slightly after baking so it is easier to slice.
Can Beginners Make This Recipe?
Yes. This is a particularly approachable bread recipe for beginners because the technique is relatively straightforward. You mix the dough, allow it to rise, stretch it into an oiled pan, dimple it, add toppings and bake.
You do not need to master complicated shaping techniques. The rustic appearance is part of the charm, so small imperfections are unlikely to hurt the final result.
Why the Recipe Works
The success of this bread comes from balancing hydration, yeast activity, olive oil and resting time. The water hydrates the flour, while instant yeast helps the dough expand. Resting gives the dough time to develop its structure before baking.
Olive oil plays several roles. It enriches the dough, coats the baking vessel and helps create a flavorful exterior. The final dimpling allows the oil to settle into small wells across the surface.
The rosemary and flaky sea salt then provide the finishing layer of flavor, turning a basic bread dough into something that feels special enough for entertaining.
Nutrition Information
Estimated nutrition per serving: Because serving size, flour brand, amount of olive oil and toppings can vary, the following figures are approximate rather than official nutritional values.
| Nutrient | Approximate Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 190–230 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 32–38 g |
| Protein | 5–7 g |
| Fat | 5–8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g or less |
| Fiber | 1–2 g |
| Sodium | 300–500 mg |
Nutrition values are estimates and will change according to the exact ingredients, quantities and serving size used.
Frequently Asked Questions
What flour does Meghan Markle's focaccia use?
The Netflix-published recipe calls for either bread flour or all-purpose flour, giving home bakers some flexibility depending on what they have available.
How long does the dough need to rise?
The recipe calls for approximately two hours for the first rise, followed by another 30 minutes after the dough has been stretched into the baking pan.
What temperature should focaccia be baked at?
The published method preheats the oven to 425°F and recommends baking the focaccia for approximately 20–25 minutes, until lightly golden.
Can I use dried rosemary?
Fresh rosemary is specified in the published recipe, but dried rosemary can be used if fresh is unavailable. Start with a smaller amount because dried herbs have a more concentrated flavor.
Why is my focaccia dough sticky?
A sticky dough is expected. Instead of adding large amounts of flour, use lightly oiled hands and work patiently. Adding too much extra flour can make the finished bread heavier.
Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare it ahead for a gathering, but it is at its best when served relatively fresh. If making it earlier, store it properly and gently reheat it before serving.
Final Thoughts
Meghan Markle’s Focaccia Recipe shows that impressive homemade bread does not have to involve complicated ingredients or advanced baking techniques. With flour, yeast, water, olive oil, rosemary and sea salt, you can create a rustic loaf that looks beautiful on the table and tastes even better when served warm.
The official recipe featured by Netflix emphasizes patience, gentle handling and simple finishing touches rather than complicated bread-making methods.
Whether you are preparing a relaxed weekend meal, hosting friends or simply want to try something new in the kitchen, this easy focaccia is a worthwhile recipe to add to your baking rotation. The golden crust, soft center, fragrant rosemary and salty finish make it a versatile homemade bread that can turn even a simple meal into something memorable.
