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To make garlic herb focaccia bread, you need simple and fresh ingredients. Here’s the list: - 4 cups all-purpose flour - 1 packet (2¼ teaspoons) instant yeast - 1 tablespoon sugar - 2 teaspoons salt - 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F/43°C) - ¼ cup olive oil, plus more for drizzling - 6 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped - 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped - Coarse sea salt for topping Each ingredient plays a key role in flavor and texture. The all-purpose flour gives the bread its structure. Instant yeast helps it rise quickly, while sugar feeds the yeast. Salt adds taste, and warm water activates the yeast. Olive oil keeps the bread moist and adds richness. Fresh garlic and herbs offer a burst of flavor. Finally, coarse sea salt gives a nice crunch on top. When you gather all these ingredients, you set the stage for a delicious focaccia. Make sure to use fresh herbs for the best taste. The aroma of garlic and herbs will fill your kitchen as it bakes. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by mixing warm water, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl. Let it sit for about five minutes. You want it bubbly and foamy. This step wakes up the yeast and helps the bread rise. Next, add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mix. Stir it with a wooden spoon until a rough dough forms. Then, transfer the dough to a floured surface. Knead it for five to seven minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. After kneading, place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm spot for one hour. It should double in size, which means it’s ready for the next step. Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently. Move it to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Press it out into a rectangle or circle, about half an inch thick. Use your fingers to make dimples all over the surface. This helps hold the toppings. Drizzle olive oil over the dough. Sprinkle minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, and coarse sea salt on top. Cover it loosely with a towel and let it rest for another 30 minutes while your oven preheats to 400°F (200°C). Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until golden brown. The edges should be crispy. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Enjoy your warm, garlic herb focaccia! To get your focaccia to rise well, start with warm water. The water should be around 110°F (43°C). This warmth helps the yeast grow. Mix the yeast with sugar and water, then let it sit for five minutes. You want it bubbly and foamy. This means the yeast is active. After mixing in the flour, knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes. This builds strength in the dough. Place it in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for one hour. It should double in size. Herbs make focaccia special. Use fresh rosemary and thyme for the best taste. Chop them finely. Mix them into the dough or sprinkle them on top. Garlic adds a nice punch, too. Mince six cloves of garlic and spread them evenly on the dough before baking. The more herbs you use, the more flavor your bread will have. You can also try mixing in dried herbs if fresh ones aren't available. The right olive oil is key for great focaccia. I recommend using extra virgin olive oil. It has a rich flavor that enhances the bread. Drizzle some on top before baking and use a bit in the dough. It helps the crust become crispy and adds depth to the taste. Look for high-quality brands for the best results. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh rosemary and thyme will elevate the flavor profile of your focaccia. If possible, avoid dried herbs for a more vibrant taste. Perfect Dimpling: When creating dimples in the dough, use your fingertips to press gently. This helps to hold the olive oil and toppings better, ensuring a flavorful crust. Preheat Your Oven: Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 400°F (200°C) before baking. This ensures that the focaccia rises perfectly and develops a crispy crust. Let It Rest: Allowing the dough to rest after shaping helps to relax the gluten, resulting in a lighter and fluffier bread. {{image_2}} Cheese-stuffed focaccia is a fun twist. You add gooey cheese to the center. Use mozzarella or feta for great taste. Just divide the dough in half. Place cheese in the middle and cover it with the second half. This makes a cheesy delight that melts in your mouth. Mediterranean herb focaccia uses fresh flavors. You can add oregano, basil, or parsley. Mix these herbs into the dough for a fragrant lift. Top it with sun-dried tomatoes or olives for extra flavor. This variation gives a taste of the Mediterranean with every bite. Sweet focaccia is a treat for dessert lovers. Drizzle honey on top before baking. Add chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds for crunch. This focaccia is soft, sweet, and perfect with coffee. It makes a great snack or a light breakfast option. To keep your garlic herb focaccia fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. You can also place it in a zip-top bag. Store it at room temperature for up to three days. If you notice it becoming hard, try toasting it lightly. This will help revive its texture. Freezing focaccia is simple. First, let it cool completely. Then, wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat focaccia, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the focaccia on a baking sheet. Heat it for about 10-15 minutes. This will warm it through and make it crispy again. If you want, drizzle a bit of olive oil on top before warming. This adds extra flavor. You can tell when focaccia is done by checking its color. It should be golden brown on top. You can also tap the bottom. A hollow sound means it's cooked through. If it looks light, bake it for a few more minutes. Yes, you can use active dry yeast. Just remember to activate it first. Mix it with warm water and sugar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it bubbles. Then, add it to your dough like instant yeast. Garlic herb focaccia pairs well with many dishes. Here are some tasty ideas: - Soups, like tomato or minestrone - Salads, such as Caesar or mixed greens - Dips, like olive oil with balsamic vinegar - Cheeses, including mozzarella and feta Yes, you can make gluten-free focaccia. Use a gluten-free flour blend. Look for recipes that use xanthan gum to help with texture. Follow the rising and baking steps as you would with regular dough. You learned how to make delicious focaccia bread step by step. From gathering ingredients to using the right oil, each part is key. You can vary the flavors or store your bread for later. Remember, even small changes can bring big taste. Making focaccia is fun and rewarding, whether for a meal or a snack. Embrace your inner baker and enjoy this tasty treat. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep baking!

Garlic Herb Focaccia Bread

A delicious and aromatic focaccia bread infused with garlic and fresh herbs.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Course Bread
Cuisine Italian
Servings 12
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet instant yeast (2¼ teaspoons)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1.5 cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
  • 0.25 cups olive oil, plus more for drizzling
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
  • 1 pinch coarse sea salt for topping

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and instant yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes or until bubbly and foamy.
  • Add the all-purpose flour, salt, and ¼ cup of olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until a rough dough forms.
  • Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  • Once risen, punch down the dough and transfer it to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Press it gently into a rectangle or circle, about ½ inch thick.
  • Using your fingers, create dimples all over the surface of the dough. Drizzle olive oil generously over the top, and then sprinkle the minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, and coarse sea salt evenly.
  • Cover the dough loosely with a towel and let it rest for another 30 minutes while preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Bake the focaccia for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on the edges.
  • Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.

Notes

For extra flavor, let the dough rise longer if time permits.
Keyword bread, focaccia, garlic, herbs