Mastering Homemade Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Bread: An Easy & Authentic Recipe
Unlock the secret to baking extraordinary bread in your own kitchen with this incredible Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Bread recipe. Imagine a flatbread that boasts a remarkably crispy, golden-brown crust on both the top and bottom, giving way to an irresistibly airy and tender interior. Each bite is a symphony of robust garlic and aromatic rosemary, making it truly loaded with flavor. This versatile Italian delight is absolutely perfect for dipping into rich olive oil, dunking into your favorite sauces, or even transforming into the most delectable sandwiches. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this surprisingly simple yet utterly sophisticated homemade focaccia.
Why Homemade Focaccia Bread is a Game Changer
If the thought of baking bread from scratch has ever seemed daunting, prepare to be pleasantly surprised. Making focaccia bread at home is incredibly straightforward and rewarding. This beloved Italian flatbread bakes beautifully in a standard baking pan after just a single, relatively short rise. Unlike more complex artisan loaves, focaccia is forgiving and accessible for bakers of all skill levels. While our signature recipe features the classic pairing of fresh garlic and rosemary, the beauty of homemade focaccia lies in its adaptability. You can easily customize the focaccia dough and top it with an endless array of your favorite herbs, spices, or seasonal vegetables, making each batch uniquely yours.
The Ultimate Focaccia Bread Recipe: Versatility in Every Slice
This Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Bread isn’t just easy to make; it’s also wonderfully versatile, making it a staple you’ll want to add to your recipe rotation. Enjoy it simply on its own, allowing the rich flavors of olive oil, garlic, and rosemary to shine. For an elevated experience, dip warm pieces into a high-quality extra virgin olive oil, a tangy balsamic vinegar, or a delightful blend of both. It also serves as an exceptional base for hearty sandwiches, providing a flavorful and sturdy foundation for all your favorite fillings. When entertaining guests, I frequently serve homemade focaccia as an elegant appetizer alongside a variety of dips, such as a vibrant Asian Bean Dip or a creamy Cool Spinach Dip. Leftover focaccia maintains its deliciousness the next day, but if you desire to restore that initial crispness, a quick warm-up in the toaster oven works wonders. If this rosemary focaccia captures your heart, you’ll surely adore exploring other delightful bread recipes like Pepperoni Pizza Bread, Everything Sauerkraut Bread, or Dorothy’s Cheesy Bacon Pull Apart Bread.
Effortless Garlic Bread Focaccia: A Beginner-Friendly Journey
This straightforward focaccia recipe is designed for ease of execution, ensuring a successful baking experience even if this marks your very first time making Italian bread from scratch. You’ll quickly discover that focaccia is one of the most forgiving and easiest breads to bake. Its simple process requires only one rise, which means you’ll have warm, fragrant bread ready to enjoy in a surprisingly short amount of time. Forget complicated kneading techniques or multiple proofing stages; this recipe simplifies the art of bread-making without compromising on flavor or texture. It’s truly the perfect entry point for anyone eager to delve into the satisfying world of homemade bread.
Essential Ingredients for Your Homemade Focaccia Bread
Crafting the perfect focaccia begins with a few simple, high-quality ingredients. You’ll be amazed at how these basic components transform into such a flavorful and satisfying bread. For the complete list of ingredients with precise measurements and detailed instructions, please scroll down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Olive Oil: A cornerstone of Italian cooking, olive oil is crucial for both flavor and texture. I highly recommend using extra virgin olive oil for its rich, fruity notes, but regular olive oil will also yield delicious results. It contributes to the golden crust and moist interior.
- Warm Water: The perfect temperature for activating your yeast. Aim for water between 105-115°F (40-46°C). Water that’s too hot can kill the yeast, while water that’s too cold won’t activate it effectively.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning the dough and enhancing all the other flavors. Any type of salt works well in this bread recipe – whether you prefer fine table salt, coarse kosher salt, or flaky sea salt for sprinkling on top before baking, the choice is yours.
- All-Purpose Flour: You don’t need specialized bread flour for this recipe! Standard all-purpose flour provides the ideal texture for focaccia, contributing to its signature airy crumb.
- Instant Dry Yeast: This is a baker’s best friend for its convenience, as it can be mixed directly into the dry ingredients and typically requires only one rise. If you only have active dry yeast on hand, you can use it, but remember to proof it in the warm water first and allow a slightly longer rising time for your dough.
- Fresh Garlic: Minced fresh garlic cloves are key to the aromatic, savory flavor profile of this focaccia. The more, the merrier if you’re a true garlic lover!
- Fresh Rosemary Sprigs: Chopped fresh rosemary adds a beautiful fragrance and distinct herbaceous flavor that pairs wonderfully with garlic. Using fresh sprigs rather than dried makes a noticeable difference in the final taste.
How to Make Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Bread: Step-by-Step Guide
If you’ve always believed that homemade bread was a labor-intensive endeavor, prepare to have your mind changed. This focaccia recipe comes together with remarkable ease, promising perfect results with minimal effort. Follow these simple steps to bake a loaf of the most delightful homemade focaccia.
First Step: Prepare the Dry Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine your all-purpose flour, salt, and instant dry yeast. Take a whisk and thoroughly blend these ingredients together. This ensures the yeast is evenly distributed, which is crucial for a consistent rise.
Second Step: Incorporate Wet Ingredients. Create a small well in the center of your flour-yeast mixture. Pour in the warm water (ensure it’s between 105-115°F/40-46°C) and 3 tablespoons of olive oil. The olive oil adds richness and helps create that signature focaccia texture.
Third Step: Mix the Dough. Using your hands or an electric mixer fitted with a dough hook, beat the mixture until all ingredients are well combined and a shaggy, soft dough forms. This typically takes 1-2 minutes. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as necessary to ensure everything is incorporated.
Fourth Step: Prepare for Rising. Pour the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil into a 9×13 inch rectangular baking pan, ensuring the bottom and sides are thoroughly coated. This generous amount of oil contributes to the wonderfully crispy bottom crust. Scoop the soft dough into the oiled pan. Gently spread it out a bit, but don’t worry about perfection; it will relax and expand during the rise. Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it has noticeably increased in size and looks bubbly.
Fifth Step: Preheat Your Oven. While the dough is completing its rise, preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190°C). This allows the oven to reach a consistent temperature, which is important for even baking.
Sixth Step: Dimple and Season. Once the dough has risen beautifully, remove the cover. Using your fingers, gently but firmly poke deep indentations (dimples) all over the surface of the dough. These dimples are characteristic of focaccia and help create pockets for olive oil and toppings. Drizzle the dough generously with a little extra olive oil over the top and sprinkle it evenly with a pinch of flaky sea salt or kosher salt. This adds both flavor and a lovely texture to the crust.
Seventh Step: Add Toppings and Bake. Now, evenly scatter the minced garlic and chopped fresh rosemary over the dimpled and oiled dough. Once topped, transfer the pan to your preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the focaccia is beautifully golden brown on top and thoroughly cooked through. The bottom should also be crispy and golden.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
Once your magnificent focaccia bread has cooled to room temperature, it’s ready to be enjoyed! For storing, simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will remain wonderfully fresh and flavorful for 3-4 days at room temperature. For longer storage, focaccia freezes exceptionally well. Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then a layer of aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and refresh in a warm oven or toaster for a few minutes. This delightful bread is truly excellent served with a flavorful herbed dipping oil, a robust marinara sauce, or a creamy hummus. It’s also fantastic with a simple green salad or as a side to a hearty pasta dish.
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If you’re as smitten with this recipe for the best homemade focaccia bread as we are, don’t let it slip away! Make sure to pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you navigate away. Sharing is caring, and your friends will thank you for introducing them to this incredible bread!
Frequently Asked Questions About This Easy Focaccia Recipe
- How is focaccia different from other breads? Focaccia distinguishes itself as a yeasted flatbread. Unlike traditional sandwich bread that aims for significant height, focaccia is typically baked in a pan and remains relatively flatter. Its characteristic texture includes a wonderfully crispy top and bottom crust, with no distinct “side crust” as you might find on a loaf. This flat profile allows for maximum surface area for delicious toppings and oil.
- What makes focaccia bread special? Focaccia is renowned for being a hearty and rich bread. It often contains a higher proportion of yeast compared to many regular bread recipes, which contributes to its airy, open crumb structure. Additionally, it tends to be made with more protein and fats (primarily from olive oil) which lend it a tender texture and distinct flavor. The generous use of olive oil is a hallmark of authentic focaccia.
- How are you supposed to eat focaccia bread? The beauty of focaccia lies in its incredible versatility. It can be enjoyed in a multitude of ways:
- Dipping: A classic method is to tear off pieces and dip them into high-quality balsamic vinegar or extra-virgin olive oil.
- Sandwiches: Its sturdy yet tender nature makes it an ideal base for a focaccia sandwich, loaded with your favorite sandwich fillings like cured meats, cheeses, and fresh vegetables.
- Appetizer/Side: Serve it alongside soups, salads, or pasta dishes, or as an appetizer with various dips and spreads.
- Pizza Substitute: The base can be used as a delicious alternative to traditional pizza dough for a unique focaccia pizza.
- Toast: Leftovers can be lightly toasted for a crispier texture.
- What do you call focaccia in Italy? In Italy, it’s simply called “focaccia.” The name itself is derived from the Latin word “panis focacius,” meaning “hearth bread,” referring to how it was traditionally baked in the ashes of a hearth.
- How to make this recipe gluten-free? To adapt this recipe for a gluten-free diet, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be aware that the texture might be slightly different, and you may need to adjust the amount of liquid slightly, as gluten-free flours absorb liquids differently. Look for blends designed for yeast baking.
- How do you pronounce Focaccia? It is pronounced ‘fuh-ka-chuh.’
- What is Focaccia? Focaccia is a popular Italian flatbread known for its rustic appearance and delicious taste. It can be prepared in both sweet and savory variations, though savory is far more common. It’s typically baked in a baking pan, which contributes to its signature crispy top and bottom, often adorned with dimples created by fingers, which hold olive oil and seasonings.
Creative Substitutions & Customizations for Your Focaccia
One of the most exciting aspects of baking focaccia is the freedom to get creative and personalize it to your taste. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavor profiles to suit your personal preferences or dietary needs. Make it truly your own!
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Herb Variations: If fresh rosemary isn’t quite your thing, or if you simply want to try something different, feel free to substitute with other fresh herbs. Thyme, oregano, basil, or a mix of Italian herbs would all be fantastic choices. Finely chop them and sprinkle generously over the dough before baking.
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Dried Herb Option: No fresh herbs on hand? No problem! A good quality Italian seasoning blend can be a wonderful substitute. Sprinkle about 1-2 teaspoons over the dough along with the garlic for a comforting, familiar flavor.
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Gluten-Free Focaccia: For those avoiding gluten, a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend can be used instead of regular all-purpose flour. Be sure to select a blend that is suitable for yeast baking, and you might need to slightly adjust the water content as gluten-free flours can absorb liquid differently.
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Alternative Oils: While extra virgin olive oil is traditional and highly recommended for its flavor, you can experiment with other mild-flavored oils if needed, though the classic Italian essence might be slightly altered.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Focaccia Every Time
Achieving a perfectly crispy, airy focaccia is easier than you think, especially with a few handy tips and tricks:
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Roasted Tomato Garlic Focaccia: For an extra burst of flavor and a beautiful visual, place halved cherry tomatoes or thin slices of larger tomatoes directly onto the surface of the dough after dimpling and before baking. As they roast, they’ll release their juices, infusing the bread with a sweet, tangy essence.
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Cheesy Garlic Focaccia Bread: Elevate your focaccia with a sprinkle of cheese! While the focaccia is still warm from the oven, immediately sprinkle a touch of freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top. The residual heat will melt it slightly, creating a delicious, savory crust.
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Endless Topping Possibilities: The world of focaccia toppings is vast and exciting. Don’t limit yourself to just garlic and rosemary. Experiment with your favorite ingredients: thinly sliced onions (caramelized or raw), olives, sun-dried tomatoes, thinly sliced bell peppers, various cheeses (like mozzarella or feta), chili flakes for a kick, or even different herb combinations. Let your creativity run wild!
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Focaccia Pizza Base: Transform your focaccia into a delicious pizza! Once the focaccia is baked and cooled, you can use it as a sturdy, flavorful crust for quick pizzas. Top with your favorite marinara sauce, cheese, and toppings, then bake until heated through and cheese is bubbly.
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Store Leftovers Smartly: To maintain freshness and prevent your focaccia from drying out, always store any leftovers in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature. This will help preserve its tender interior and crisp exterior for a few days.
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Embrace the Dimples: Don’t be shy when poking those dimples! Deeper indentations not only create the classic focaccia look but also capture the olive oil and seasonings, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
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Warm Place for Rising: A consistent warm environment is crucial for yeast activity. If your kitchen is cool, try placing the dough in a slightly warmed (but turned off) oven, near a sunny window, or on top of a warm appliance.
More Delicious Bread Recipes to Love
If you enjoyed baking this Garlic Rosemary Focaccia, you’re sure to find joy in exploring these other delightful bread recipes:
- Homemade Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread (pictured above)
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Sourdough Focaccia
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Olive Garden Breadsticks
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Peasant Bread
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Irish Soda Bread
Savor the perfect blend of pungent garlic and fragrant rosemary in every crispy and chewy bite of this exceptional Garlic Rosemary Focaccia bread. Its robust flavor and satisfying texture make it a fantastic addition to any meal, whether it’s a special occasion or just a casual weeknight dinner. Enjoy the simple pleasure of homemade bread!
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Print Recipe
Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Bread
Equipment
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Herb Scissors
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Whisks for Cooking, 3 Pack Stainless Steel Whisk
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Kitchenaid Stand Mixer
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KitchenAid Hand Mixer
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9×13 Pyrex Baking Dish with a Lid
Ingredients
- 5 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 3 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 Tablespoon instant dry yeast
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- Fresh rosemary sprigs chopped
Instructions
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt and yeast. Whisk well.
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Create a well in the center of the flour mixture and add the warm water and 3 tbsp olive oil.
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Use your hands or an electric mixer to beat the dough until well combined. 1-2 minutes.
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Pour the remaining 2 Tablespoons olive oil into a 9×13-inch pan and scoop the batter into the oiled pan.
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Allow to rise for 1 hour in a warm place.
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Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
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Using your fingers, gently poke the dough to create holes. Drizzle the dough with a little extra olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
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Add the garlic and rosemary.
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Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Nutrition