Garlic Herb Focaccia Recipe

Introduction

Garlic Herb Focaccia is a heavenly delight that transforms any meal into a feast. With its golden-brown crust, fragrant garlic, and fresh herbs, this soft and pillowy bread is perfect for dipping in olive oil or enjoying as a side dish. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced baker, this recipe fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and delicious flavors.

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tsp salt
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh rosemary or thyme, chopped

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit until frothy, about 5 minutes.
2. Step 2: Add flour, salt, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil into the mixture. Mix until combined.
3. Step 3: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Step 4: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
5. Step 5: Punch down the dough gently to release air bubbles. Transfer it onto a greased baking sheet and stretch it into a rectangle shape.
6. Step 6: Drizzle remaining olive oil over the dough. Use your fingers to create dimples all over the surface. Sprinkle minced garlic and fresh herbs generously on top.
7. Step 7: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the focaccia for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown and fragrant.

Tips & Variations

• Use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour for a chewier texture.
• Substitute garlic with roasted onions or add olives for a Mediterranean twist.
• Don’t skimp on the olive oil; it adds moisture and flavor to the bread.
• Knead the dough well to develop gluten for a fluffy texture.
• Make sure your water is warm but not hot to activate yeast properly without killing it.

Storage

Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To reheat, warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to regain its crispiness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

What kind of flour is best for Garlic Herb Focaccia?

All-purpose flour works well, but using bread flour can give your focaccia a chewier texture and better structure.

Can I freeze Garlic Herb Focaccia?

Absolutely! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before reheating in the oven.

Garlic Herb Focaccia Recipe

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Garlic Herb Focaccia is a heavenly Italian bread featuring a golden-brown crust infused with fragrant garlic and fresh herbs. This soft, pillowy bread is perfect for dipping in olive oil or serving as a delightful side dish. Suitable for both beginner and seasoned bakers, it fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and makes a fantastic addition to any meal or gathering.

• Author: lea
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Makes approximately 8 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp active dry yeast
• 2 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

Flavorings

• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh rosemary or thyme, chopped

Instructions

1. Activate Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active and ready.
2. Mix Dough: Add the all-purpose flour, salt, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine into a rough dough.
3. Knead Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. This step develops gluten to create structure and fluffiness.
4. First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and set in a warm spot. Allow the dough to rise until it has doubled in size, about 1 hour.
5. Punch Down & Shape: Gently punch down the risen dough to release trapped air. Transfer the dough onto a greased baking sheet and stretch it into a rectangle, doing your best to maintain an even thickness.
6. Add Oil, Garlic & Herbs: Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil evenly over the dough. Using your fingers, create dimples all over the surface to build texture that holds the toppings. Sprinkle minced garlic and chopped fresh herbs over the top to infuse flavor.
7. Bake: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the focaccia for 20 to 25 minutes or until it turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom, indicating it is cooked through.

Notes

• Use fresh, good-quality olive oil for the best flavor and moisture.
• Kneading is crucial for gluten structure; don’t rush this step.
• Feel free to substitute garlic with roasted onions or add olives for variation.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to restore crispness.
• You can freeze focaccia tightly wrapped for up to 3 months.
• Bread flour can be used instead of all-purpose flour for a chewier texture.

Keywords: baking, easy recipes, focaccia, garlic bread, herb bread, homemade bread, Italian bread