Garlic Herb Focaccia Recipe
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.
- 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
Scale
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://cookwithlea.com/garlic-herb-focaccia-recipe/
