Easy Rosemary Garlic Focaccia Bread Recipe

Introduction

This easy rosemary garlic focaccia bread is a fragrant and flavorful Italian classic that’s perfect for any meal. Its tender crumb and crispy edges make it a delightful treat to bake at home with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 tsp instant yeast
• 1 tsp kosher salt (plus more for topping)
• 1 cup lukewarm water (mix ¼ cup boiling water with ¾ cup cold water)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Butter for greasing
• 2 tsp minced or chopped garlic (optional)
• Fresh rosemary leaves (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium size bowl, whisk together the flour, instant yeast, and salt. Add the lukewarm water and use a spatula to mix until all the liquid is absorbed and the ingredients form a sticky ball of dough.
2. Step 2: Rub the surface of the dough lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking. Allow the dough to rest on the counter at room temperature for about 1½ hours, until it roughly doubles in size.
3. Step 3: Coat an 8 or 9-inch dish generously with butter and pour 1 tablespoon of olive oil inside. Place the dough in the dish and roll it around to coat all sides with oil. Let it rest for an additional 30 minutes.
4. Step 4: Preheat your oven to 425° F (220° C).
5. Step 5: Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over the dough, then sprinkle the minced garlic and fresh rosemary on top. Use greased fingers to press deep dimples into the dough while spreading it evenly to fill the dish.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle additional kosher salt over the top, then bake on the center rack for about 25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and crisp around the edges.
7. Step 7: Let the focaccia cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with butter or seasoned olive oil for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• For a softer crust, cover the focaccia with a clean towel while it cools.
• Add olives or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
• Use fine sea salt instead of kosher salt for a more delicate topping.
• If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, increase the minced garlic to 1 tablespoon.

Storage

Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep it fresh longer, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in a warm oven for 5–10 minutes to restore crispness before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, but you’ll need to proof active dry yeast in warm water with a pinch of sugar for 5–10 minutes until bubbly before adding it to the flour.

What if I don’t have fresh rosemary?

Dried rosemary can be used as a substitute, but use about half the amount since it has a more concentrated flavor.

Easy Rosemary Garlic Focaccia Bread Recipe

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4.6 from 92 reviews

This Easy Rosemary Garlic Focaccia Bread recipe yields a fragrant, golden, and crispy homemade Italian bread, flavored with fresh rosemary and garlic. Perfect as an appetizer, a side for soups and salads, or simply served with olive oil for dipping, this focaccia is simple to prepare with a soft, chewy texture and aromatic toppings.

• Author: Victoria
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 tsp instant yeast
• 1 tsp kosher salt (plus more for topping)

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup lukewarm water (made by mixing ¼ cup boiling water with ¾ cup cold water)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (plus 2 tbsp more for coating and topping)

Toppings

• 2 tsp minced or chopped garlic (optional)
• Fresh rosemary leaves (optional)
• Butter for greasing the dish

Instructions

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, instant yeast, and kosher salt until evenly combined.
2. Add Water and Form Dough: Pour in the lukewarm water and use a spatula to mix until the liquid is fully absorbed and a sticky dough forms.
3. First Rise: Lightly rub olive oil over the surface of the dough to prevent sticking. Cover and allow the dough to rest at room temperature for about 1½ hours until it doubles in size.
4. Prepare Baking Dish: Generously butter an 8 or 9-inch baking dish, then add 1 tbsp of olive oil and swirl to coat the entire surface.
5. Shape Dough: Place the risen dough into the prepared dish and roll it around to coat with oil. Allow it to rest for another 30 minutes to relax and rise slightly.
6. Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and get ready for baking.
7. Top and Dimple Dough: Drizzle the remaining 1 tbsp of olive oil over the dough along with the minced garlic and fresh rosemary leaves. Using well-oiled fingers, press down on the dough to create deep dimples and stretch the dough to fill the dish evenly.
8. Season and Bake: Sprinkle additional kosher salt over the top. Bake the focaccia on the center rack for about 25 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and crisp around the edges.
9. Cool and Serve: Let the focaccia cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with butter or your favorite seasoned olive oil for dipping.

Notes

• For an extra flavorful crust, you can brush the top with additional olive oil immediately after baking while still warm.
• The garlic and rosemary are optional but highly recommended for authentic focaccia flavor.
• If you prefer a thicker focaccia, use a smaller baking dish or double the recipe.
• Store leftovers wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze slices for longer storage.

Keywords: focaccia, rosemary garlic bread, Italian bread, easy bread recipe, homemade focaccia, garlic bread, rosemary focaccia