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To make a great garlic herb focaccia bread, you need: - 4 cups all-purpose flour - 2 teaspoons instant yeast - 2 teaspoons salt - 1 tablespoon sugar - 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F/43°C) - 1/4 cup olive oil (plus more for drizzling) - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped - Flaky sea salt for topping - Freshly cracked black pepper to taste These ingredients create a dough that is soft, rich, and full of flavor. The garlic and herbs add a lovely aroma. You can tweak the recipe to suit your taste. Here are some ideas: - Use fresh basil instead of rosemary. - Add sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist. - Swap out olive oil for melted butter if you prefer. - For a cheese lover, sprinkle some Parmesan or mozzarella on top before baking. These options can change the flavor and make your focaccia unique. Having the right tools makes cooking easier. For this recipe, you will need: - Large mixing bowl - Whisk or spoon - Wooden spoon or spatula - Lightly floured surface for kneading - Baking sheet - Parchment paper - Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap for covering These tools help you mix, knead, and bake with ease. Enjoy making your focaccia bread! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by gathering your ingredients. In a large bowl, mix 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of instant yeast, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Use a whisk or spoon to mix well. This step ensures that each bite of your focaccia has a balanced flavor. Next, slowly add 1 ½ cups of warm water and 1/4 cup of olive oil into the dry mix. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. This dough may look rough, but that’s perfect for now! Now it’s time to knead. Transfer your shaggy dough to a floured surface. Knead for about 5-7 minutes. Push and fold the dough with your hands until it feels smooth and elastic. If the dough sticks, sprinkle a little more flour, but don’t overdo it. You want a soft texture. Kneading helps develop gluten, which gives the bread its nice structure. Once you finish kneading, shape the dough into a ball. Place it in a greased bowl and cover it with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour. You want it to double in size. This rising process allows air bubbles to form, making your focaccia light and fluffy. Don’t rush this step; it’s key to great bread! To get that soft and airy texture, knead the dough well. You want it smooth and elastic. A good rule is to knead for 5-7 minutes. If it feels sticky, add just a little flour. Be careful not to add too much. This keeps the bread light. One big mistake is not letting the dough rise enough. If you rush this step, your bread will be dense. Always cover your dough while it rises. This keeps it warm and helps it grow. Also, don't skip the dimpling step. It gives focaccia its unique look and texture. To boost the flavor, use fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme. Their oils bring a great taste. You can also mix in some grated cheese before baking. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top enhances every bite. For an extra kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs provide a vibrant flavor that dried herbs cannot match. Opt for freshly chopped rosemary and thyme for the best taste. Perfect Dimpling: Creating deep dimples in the dough not only adds texture but also helps to hold the olive oil and toppings, enhancing the flavor. Temperature Control: Ensure your water is at the right temperature (110°F/43°C) to activate the yeast effectively. Too hot or too cold may hinder rising. Resting Time is Key: Allow the shaped dough to rest before baking. This helps develop the flavors and ensures a light, airy texture in the final bread. {{image_4}} You can make your focaccia even tastier by adding cheese or olives. Cheese like mozzarella or parmesan melts well and adds a creamy texture. Simply sprinkle shredded cheese over the dough before baking. For olives, use green or black olives. Chop them and mix them into the dough or scatter them on top. This adds a salty, briny flavor that pairs perfectly with the herbs. Feel free to play with herbs to find your favorite flavor. Besides rosemary and thyme, you can try basil, oregano, or even sage. Mix and match these herbs to create a unique taste. For a twist, add some crushed red pepper for heat or lemon zest for brightness. Each combination brings its own charm to the focaccia. If you need a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it has xanthan gum, which helps mimic the texture of wheat flour. Follow the same steps in the recipe, but the dough may need less water. Keep an eye on the baking time, as gluten-free dough can cook faster. Enjoy delicious focaccia that fits your diet! To keep your focaccia fresh, wrap it well. Use plastic wrap or aluminum foil. If you have a bread box, it works great too. Store it at room temperature for up to three days. Avoid putting it in the fridge; this can make it dry out. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing. To freeze focaccia, first let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Place it in a freezer bag. It can stay good for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it, remove it from the freezer. Let it thaw at room temperature. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes for the best taste. For the best flavor, eat focaccia soon after baking. If you need to store it, keep it in a cool, dry place. Adding a slice of bread to the bag can help keep it soft. You can also drizzle a bit of olive oil on top before storing. This adds moisture and keeps it tasty! It takes about 2 hours to make Garlic Herb Focaccia Bread. This includes 1 hour for the dough to rise and 20-25 minutes for baking. The prep time is around 30 minutes. Planning for this time helps you enjoy fresh bread right from the oven. Yes, you can use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast. If you do, dissolve it in warm water first. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it bubbles. Then mix it into your dough. This step wakes up the yeast and helps it work well. Focaccia pairs well with many things. Here are some ideas: - Olive oil for dipping - Balsamic vinegar - Fresh herbs for garnish - Cheese like mozzarella or parmesan - Soups or stews for a hearty meal These choices enhance the flavor and make your meal special. Enjoy! Garlic herb focaccia bread is easy and fun to make. You learned about the key ingredients, helpful tools, and step-by-step instructions. I shared tips to improve texture and flavor while avoiding common mistakes. You can even try fun variations with cheese or herbs. Remember to store your bread well to keep it fresh. Making focaccia is rewarding, and you’ll impress your friends and family. Enjoy baking and experimenting with your new skills!

Garlic Herb Focaccia Bread

A deliciously soft and flavorful focaccia bread infused with garlic and fresh herbs.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 55 minutes
Course Bread
Cuisine Italian
Servings 8
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons instant yeast
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1.5 cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
  • 0.25 cups olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
  • to taste flaky sea salt for topping
  • to taste freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, salt, and sugar using a whisk or spoon to ensure even distribution.
  • Gradually incorporate the warm water and 1/4 cup of olive oil into the dry mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough begins to form.
  • Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for approximately 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If sticky, add a small amount of flour as needed but avoid over-flouring.
  • Shape the kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover it securely with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Allow it to rise in a warm location for around 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
  • During the final moments of the rising time, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
  • Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Transfer it to the prepared baking sheet, using your fingertips to stretch and shape it into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick.
  • In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, and a pinch of flaky sea salt. Evenly scatter this herb and garlic mixture over the surface of the dough.
  • Using your fingertips, create deep dimples all over the surface of the dough. This characteristic texture is essential for traditional focaccia.
  • Drizzle a generous amount of olive oil over the top and season with flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
  • Allow the shaped dough to rest for an additional 20-30 minutes while you keep the oven preheated.
  • Bake the focaccia in the hot oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden brown and the edges are slightly crisp.
  • Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly on the baking sheet before slicing into pieces.

Notes

Serve warm, drizzled with extra olive oil and accompanied by a side of balsamic vinegar for dipping. Garnish with fresh herbs for a touch of color!
Keyword bread, focaccia, garlic, herbs