Description
This easy focaccia recipe delivers a cozy, fragrant bread with a golden crust and soft interior, infused with fresh rosemary and garlic. Perfect for any meal or snack, it fills your kitchen with inviting aromas and is simple enough for both beginners and seasoned bakers to enjoy making at home.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/3 cups warm water (around 100°F / 38°C)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (natural)
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (divided)
Toppings and Flavorings
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary needles
- 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced (natural flavoring)
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Prepare and Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, mix warm water with brown sugar (natural), then sprinkle the instant yeast evenly over the surface. Let this sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active and ready.
- Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour and fine sea salt. Pour in the yeast mixture along with half of the extra virgin olive oil. Stir with a spoon until a sticky dough forms. Knead the dough either by hand or using a stand mixer with a hook attachment for about 8 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Lightly oil a clean bowl, place the dough inside, and cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Set it in a warm spot to rise for 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
- Shape and Layer Flavors: Gently press the risen dough into a well-oiled rectangular baking pan, creating dimples across the surface with your fingertips. Drizzle the remaining olive oil generously on top. Evenly sprinkle fresh rosemary needles, sliced garlic cloves, and finish with a light dusting of sea salt.
- Second Rise and Bake: Let the dough rise uncovered for 20 minutes while preheating the oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the focaccia for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust turns golden and crisp. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use room-temperature water to ensure proper yeast activation without stressing the dough.
- Pressing dimples into the dough traps olive oil and herbs for classic flavor and appearance.
- Choose a heavy baking pan to retain heat for an evenly golden crust.
- Fresh herbs like rosemary and garlic provide vibrant flavor unmatched by dried versions.
- Let the focaccia rest slightly before slicing to help the crumb set and prevent tearing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of focaccia)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1.5g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: focaccia, homemade bread, rosemary bread, garlic bread, Italian bread, easy focaccia recipe, savory bread, herb bread
