Easy Garlic Herb Focaccia

$- 4 cups all-purpose flour - 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F) - 2 teaspoons active dry yeast - 2 teaspoons sugar - 2 teaspoons salt - ¼ cup olive oil (plus extra for drizzling) - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried) - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried) - Flaky sea salt, for topping Gathering the right ingredients is key for your focaccia. Start with all-purpose flour for a soft base. Warm water helps activate yeast, which gives rise. Sugar feeds the yeast, while salt adds flavor. Olive oil brings moisture and richness. Fresh garlic, rosemary, and thyme give your focaccia a flavorful twist. If you prefer dried herbs, they work too. Flaky sea salt on top adds a nice crunch. - Cups to grams: 1 cup of flour is about 120 grams. - Teaspoons to milliliters: 1 teaspoon equals about 5 milliliters. These conversions help if you prefer precise measurements. Weighing flour ensures consistency. Liquid measurements can help you mix accurately. - Gluten-free flour alternatives: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. - Olive oil substitutes: You can use melted butter or another mild oil. These swaps allow you to enjoy focaccia no matter your diet. Just remember, different flours and oils can change the taste and texture. For the best results, stick to the recipe as much as possible. If you want to explore more, check the Full Recipe. Activating the yeast To start, you need to wake up the yeast. Grab a small bowl and mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir it gently and let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes. You want it to get bubbly and frothy. This shows the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic. Mixing wet and dry ingredients In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture along with olive oil. Stir this until it becomes a shaggy dough. If it feels too sticky, add a bit more flour, one tablespoon at a time. Kneading and rising Now it's time to knead! Place the dough on a lightly floured surface. Knead it for about 5 to 7 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer if you prefer. Once kneaded, place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour. It should double in size. Creating dimples After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Transfer it to a greased baking sheet or a large oven-safe dish. Use your fingers to press the dough down and create dimples all over the surface. This step helps the focaccia hold all that delicious olive oil and herbs. Baking temperature and time Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Once the oven is hot, bake the focaccia for about 20 to 25 minutes. You want it to turn golden brown on top. Cooling down before serving When it's done, take it out of the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before cutting into squares or slices. This cooling time helps the texture set. Enjoy your homemade Easy Garlic Herb Focaccia! For complete instructions, check the Full Recipe. To make great focaccia, avoid common mistakes. One big mistake is using cold water. Always use warm water to help the yeast grow. This makes the dough rise well. Another mistake is overworking the dough. You want it smooth but not too tight. The ideal dough consistency is soft and slightly sticky. If your dough feels too wet, add a little flour. It should easily pull away from your hands. You can enhance the flavor of your focaccia in many ways. Adding extra herbs like basil or oregano can make it special. Try mixing different spices like red pepper flakes or garlic powder. These add warmth and depth to each bite. For flavor infusion, let your dough rise with herbs. Just place some fresh herbs in the bowl as it rises. This way, the dough absorbs all those lovely flavors. Focaccia tastes great with dipping oils. Mix olive oil with balsamic vinegar for a tasty dip. You can also add spices to your oil, like crushed red pepper or garlic. Ideal accompaniments include cheese or olives. A simple salad can also balance the rich taste of the bread. Enjoy your focaccia warm and fresh! For the full recipe, check out Easy Garlic Herb Focaccia. {{image_2}} You can make many fun flavors with focaccia. Here are two great ideas: - Sun-dried tomato and basil focaccia: Mix in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil. This gives a sweet and savory taste. The tomatoes add a nice chew, while the basil offers a fresh kick. - Cheese-stuffed focaccia: For a cheesy twist, add mozzarella or feta cheese between layers of dough. When it bakes, the cheese melts and creates a gooey center. This makes every bite a warm delight. Focaccia can fit many diets too. Here are some options: - Vegan options: To make it vegan, use plant-based oil and skip any dairy toppings. The garlic and herbs will still pack tons of flavor. - Low-carb alternatives: For a low-carb option, swap the flour for almond flour or coconut flour. This change may need some adjustments to the liquid amounts, but it keeps the spirit of focaccia alive. Change your focaccia with the seasons for new tastes: - Summer vegetable focaccia: Add fresh summer veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes right on top. This makes a colorful and tasty dish that screams summer. - Holiday herbed focaccia: In colder months, use herbs like sage, thyme, and parsley. These flavors give a cozy feeling, perfect for holiday gatherings. For more delicious ideas, check out the Full Recipe for Easy Garlic Herb Focaccia! To keep focaccia fresh, store it at room temperature. Place it in a paper bag or wrap it in a clean kitchen towel. This keeps the crust crisp while retaining some moisture. Avoid plastic bags, as they can make the bread soggy. If you want to save focaccia for later, freezing is a great option. Cut it into slices or squares first. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This way, you can take out just what you need. When it comes to reheating focaccia, keep it soft. The oven is the best choice for this. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the focaccia directly on the oven rack for about 10 minutes. This warms it up and keeps the crust crispy. If you use a microwave, be careful. Heat it in short bursts of 10-15 seconds. Cover it with a damp paper towel to add moisture. This helps prevent it from becoming hard. Focaccia lasts about 2-3 days at room temperature. If you store it properly, it can last up to a week in the fridge. After that, it may start to dry out. Look for signs of spoilage. If you see mold or a strange smell, it’s best to toss it. Fresh focaccia should smell like herbs and garlic, not sour or off. Enjoy your Easy Garlic Herb Focaccia from this recipe! To make focaccia bread fluffy, handle the dough gently. Avoid over-kneading, as this can make it tough. After mixing, let it rise in a warm spot. The dough needs enough time to double in size. This rising time gives the yeast a chance to create air pockets. These pockets make the bread light and airy. Yes, you can use whole wheat flour. Whole wheat absorbs more water, so add a bit more liquid. Start with a half cup more water. You may also knead the dough longer for a better texture. The bread will have a nutty taste, which is very nice. Your focaccia may be dense for a few reasons. One common reason is not allowing enough rising time. If the dough doesn’t rise well, it will not be airy. Another reason could be too much flour in the dough. Always measure flour correctly to avoid this issue. If you find your dough too sticky, add flour gradually. Focaccia pairs well with many dishes. You can serve it with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping. It also goes great with soups and stews. Try it with a fresh salad or alongside grilled meats. You can even use it for sandwiches. Enjoy the flavors with your favorite pairings! Focaccia is a simple, flavorful bread that anyone can make. We shared key ingredients, step-by-step methods, and great tips for success. Remember to experiment with herbs and flavors to make it your own. Proper storage ensures freshness, and easy reheating keeps it soft. Don't hesitate to try different variations or serving ideas to delight your taste buds. With practice, your focaccia can bring joy to every meal. Enjoy the process and have fun baking!$

Easy Garlic Herb Focaccia

Create the perfect side dish with this easy garlic herb focaccia recipe! This delightful Italian bread combines the rich flavors of garlic, rosemary, and thyme, making it an irresistible addition to any meal. Follow simple steps to knead, rise, and bake your way to a golden-brown masterpiece that will impress your family and friends. Click through to discover how to make your own delicious focaccia from scratch!

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Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour

1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F)

2 teaspoons active dry yeast

2 teaspoons sugar

2 teaspoons salt

¼ cup olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)

1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)

Flaky sea salt, for topping

Instructions

In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until bubbly and frothy.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture along with the olive oil.

Stir the mixture until a shaggy dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour, a tablespoon at a time.

Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook.

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a greased baking sheet or a large oven-safe dish.

Use your fingers to press the dough down into the pan, creating dimples all over the surface.

In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, and a little olive oil. Spoon this herb mixture over the top of the dough, spreading it evenly.

Drizzle a bit more olive oil over the surface and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown on top.

Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before cutting into squares or slices.

Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 1 hr 35 mins | Servings: 12 pieces

- Presentation Tips: Serve warm, drizzled with a little extra olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. It pairs perfectly with a bowl of olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping!