Easy Rosemary Garlic Focaccia Bread Recipe to Bake at Home

My weekend baking adventures led me to discover an incredible rosemary garlic focaccia bread that instantly became a kitchen favorite.

Fragrant herbs dance across a golden surface, promising pure comfort with every slice.

Kneading soft dough feels like a gentle meditation, connecting you to centuries of bread-making tradition.

Mediterranean influences shine through this rustic Italian classic, where simple ingredients create extraordinary flavors.

Salt crystals glisten against the olive oil-brushed crust, inviting curious palates to explore its delectable landscape.

Crisp edges and pillowy centers make this focaccia irresistible for sharing during casual gatherings or quiet moments of culinary indulgence.

Let this recipe inspire you to transform your kitchen into a warm, aromatic sanctuary.

FAQs

• What is the purpose of dimpling the focaccia dough?

Dimpling the dough helps create small pockets that capture olive oil and seasonings, adding flavor and creating a signature focaccia texture with crispy, golden indentations.

• Why use warm water when activating yeast?

Warm water (around 110°F) activates the yeast by providing an ideal temperature for the microorganisms to wake up and start producing carbon dioxide, which helps the dough rise properly.

• Can I substitute dried rosemary for fresh?

Yes, you can use dried rosemary, but use about one-third the amount of fresh rosemary since dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor. Crush the dried rosemary between your fingers to release more aroma before adding to the dough.

Why Rosemary Garlic Focaccia Bread Is So Popular

• Craft Rustic Comfort: Dive into a homemade bread experience that brings warmth and authentic Italian bakery vibes right to your kitchen.
• Master Simple Techniques: Discover how easy it is to create a professional-looking bread with basic ingredients and straightforward steps, perfect for baking beginners.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Impress family and friends with a delicious side dish that pairs wonderfully with soups, salads, or as a standalone snack that everyone will love.
• Sensory Delight: Enjoy the incredible aroma of rosemary and garlic filling your home while creating a golden, crispy bread with a soft, tender interior that guarantees pure culinary satisfaction.

Ingredients Needed for Rosemary Garlic Focaccia Bread

• Flour: The foundational ingredient that provides structure and texture to the focaccia bread.
• Water: Essential liquid that activates the yeast and helps form the dough.
• Yeast: A crucial leavening agent that helps the bread rise and develop a light, airy texture.

• Rosemary, Minced Garlic: Fresh herbs that add aromatic flavor and depth to the focaccia bread.
• Salt, Sea Salt: Enhances the overall taste and helps balance the flavors of the bread.

• Olive Oil: Adds richness, moisture, and a subtle fruity flavor to the focaccia bread.

Step-by-Step Rosemary Garlic Focaccia Bread Instructions

Step 1: Activate Yeast Mixture

Combine warm water with yeast in a spacious mixing bowl. Allow the mixture to sit and become frothy, which typically takes about 5 minutes.

The yeast will start to bubble and look slightly foamy, indicating it’s ready for the next stage.

Step 2: Create Dough Base

• Flour
• Olive oil
• Chopped rosemary
• Salt

Stir these ingredients into the yeast mixture until a rough, shaggy dough begins to form.

The texture will be uneven and slightly sticky at this point.

Step 3: Knead and Develop Dough

Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface.

Work the dough by pushing, folding, and turning for approximately 10 minutes. Continue kneading until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly springy when touched.

Step 4: First Rise

Place the kneaded dough into an oiled bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.

Let the dough rest in a warm, draft-free location for about an hour. The dough should expand and nearly double in size during this period.

Step 5: Shape and Prepare Focaccia

Gently deflate the risen dough by pressing down. Transfer it to an oiled baking sheet and stretch the dough to fill the pan’s surface.

Use your fingertips to create signature focaccia dimples across the surface.

Step 6: Add Flavorful Toppings

Drizzle olive oil generously over the dough.

Sprinkle minced garlic and sea salt across the surface, ensuring even distribution of flavors.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).

Slide the prepared focaccia into the hot oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the bread turns a beautiful golden brown color and looks crispy around the edges.

Tips for Baking Rosemary Garlic Focaccia Bread

• Use lukewarm water between 100-110°F to ensure active, bubbly yeast without killing it.
• Crush fresh rosemary between fingers before adding to release more aromatic oils and enhance taste.
• Knead until dough becomes smooth and elastic, which helps develop gluten for better bread structure.
• Press fingertips firmly into dough to create signature focaccia dimples, allowing olive oil to pool and create crispy edges.
• Brush extra olive oil on top during baking for a glossy, crisp, and beautifully bronzed surface that's visually appealing and deliciously crunchy.

Flavorful Twists on Rosemary Garlic Focaccia Bread

• Whole Wheat Wonder: Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier, more nutritious bread.
• Herb Garden Mix: Swap rosemary for a blend of thyme, oregano, and basil to create a Mediterranean-inspired focaccia.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend and xanthan gum to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Veggie Boost: Add roasted vegetables like bell peppers or caramelized onions on top for extra flavor and nutrition.

Pairing Ideas for Rosemary Garlic Focaccia Bread

Select a full-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the herbal rosemary and garlic notes of the focaccia.

Create a dipping experience by serving the focaccia with a high-quality extra virgin olive oil blended with fresh herbs like basil or thyme.

The bread’s crispy texture and rich flavor perfectly balance a warm, tangy tomato soup for a comforting meal combination.

Arrange the focaccia alongside cured meats, aged cheeses, and marinated olives for a Mediterranean-inspired appetizer spread.

How to Store Rosemary Garlic Focaccia Bread

• Wrap focaccia tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, keeping it at room temperature for 1-2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Preserve freshness by sealing in an airtight container.
• Slice focaccia, wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 350F (175C). Wrap focaccia in aluminum foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Unwrap last 2-3 minutes for crispy edges.

Rosemary Garlic Focaccia Bread Recipe

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4.9 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Mediterranean kitchens come alive with this rosemary garlic focaccia bread, blending rustic Italian flavors and aromatic herbs. Crisp exterior and pillowy center promise a sensory journey that invites eager hands to break and share warm, herb-infused slices with loved ones.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary (chopped)
• 6 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 teaspoons salt

Leavening Agent:

• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast

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Instructions

1. Activate yeast by combining with warm water and allow to foam for 5 minutes.
2. Create dough by incorporating flour, olive oil, rosemary, and salt until mixture becomes slightly rough and cohesive.
3. Transfer dough to floured surface and massage thoroughly for 10 minutes, developing smooth and stretchy texture.
4. Place dough in lightly oiled container, cover, and allow to expand in warm environment for approximately 1 hour until volume doubles.
5. Deflate risen dough and spread across prepared baking sheet, gently stretching to fill entire pan surface.
6. Prepare oven at 425F (220C) for baking.
7. Create decorative indentations across dough surface using fingertips.
8. Enhance flavor by drizzling additional olive oil, sprinkling minced garlic and sea salt across focaccia.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes until exterior achieves golden brown coloration and crisp edges.

Notes

• Ensure water temperature is lukewarm (around 110°F) to activate yeast without killing it, preventing bread from failing to rise.
• Use fresh rosemary for maximum aromatic flavor, finely chopping to distribute evenly throughout the dough.
• Experiment with additional toppings like sliced olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or grated Parmesan for unique variations.
• Allow bread to cool slightly before slicing to maintain its soft, airy texture and prevent moisture loss.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 220 kcal
• Sugar: 0.3 g
• Sodium: 290 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg