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If you’re ready to impress your taste buds, this Garlic Herb Focaccia Bread recipe is your ticket to flavor heaven! With just a few simple ingredients, you can bake up a warm, soft loaf infused with garlic and fresh herbs. Whether you’re dipping it in olive oil or enjoying it plain, this bread elevates any meal. Let’s get started on this easy and delicious journey to homemade perfection!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: This focaccia is infused with garlic and fresh herbs, creating a mouthwatering aroma and taste that elevates any meal.
- Easy to Make: The straightforward steps make this bread approachable for bakers of all skill levels, ensuring success every time.
- Perfect Texture: The result is a crispy exterior with a light, airy interior, making it ideal for dipping in olive oil or serving alongside soups.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the herbs or add toppings like olives or sun-dried tomatoes to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
– 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
– 1 teaspoon sugar
The main ingredients create the base for your focaccia. All-purpose flour gives a soft texture. The active dry yeast helps the dough rise. Warm water activates the yeast, while sugar feeds it.
Flavor Enhancers
– ¼ cup olive oil
– 6 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
– 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
Flavor enhancers make your focaccia special. Olive oil adds richness and moisture. Garlic brings a robust taste, while fresh rosemary and thyme add earthy notes. These herbs mix well with the bread’s texture.
Seasoning
– 1 tablespoon sea salt
– Coarse sea salt for sprinkling
Seasoning is key to great focaccia. Sea salt enhances the bread’s flavor. Coarse sea salt adds a nice crunch on top. You can adjust the salt to your taste, but don’t skip it!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Yeast Mixture
To start, you need to combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. In a small bowl, mix 1 ½ cups of warm water (about 110°F) with 1 teaspoon of sugar. Then, add 1 packet of active dry yeast. Let this sit for about 5-10 minutes. You will see bubbles forming. This means the yeast is active.
Making the Dough
Next, we will make the dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 tablespoon of sea salt. Create a well in the center of the flour. Pour the yeast mixture and ¼ cup of olive oil into the well. Mix it all together until a dough starts to form.
Once combined, knead the dough on a lightly floured surface. Do this for about 10 minutes. The dough should feel smooth and elastic.
Rising and Shaping the Dough
Now, it’s time for the dough to rise. Place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a damp kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour. The dough should double in size.
After the first rise, punch down the dough to release air. Transfer it to a greased baking sheet or a 12×16 inch baking pan. Use your fingers to stretch and press the dough into an even rectangle. Cover it again and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
Adding Flavors and Baking
After the second rise, use your fingers to create dimples all over the dough. In a small bowl, mix 6 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons of chopped rosemary, and 1 tablespoon of chopped thyme with a couple of tablespoons of olive oil. Brush this herb mixture generously over the dough, making sure it gets into the dimples.
Finally, sprinkle coarse sea salt over the top. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the focaccia for 20-25 minutes. It should turn golden brown and be crispy on the edges. Remove it from the oven and drizzle with more olive oil if you like. Allow it to cool slightly before slicing. Enjoy your homemade garlic herb focaccia!
Tips & Tricks
Ensuring Perfect Texture
To get a great texture, kneading is key. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes. Use your palms to push the dough and fold it back. This builds strength. You want a smooth and elastic dough.
The rising part is also important. After kneading, place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a damp kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for about one hour. This helps the dough double in size. The more it rises, the fluffier your focaccia will be.
Flavor Customization
You can change the flavor of your focaccia easily. Try adding different herbs or toppings based on your taste. For a twist, mix in oregano or basil. You can also add toppings like olives or cherry tomatoes. These add color and taste. Just remember not to overload the dough.
Serving Suggestions
Focaccia pairs well with many foods. Serve it with olive oil for dipping. You can also enjoy it alongside soups or salads. Another great idea is to use it for sandwiches. The soft, flavorful bread makes a tasty base. Don’t forget to share it with friends!
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme provide a vibrant flavor. If using dried herbs, reduce the quantity as they are more potent.
- Perfect Dough Temperature: Ensure your water is around 110°F for optimal yeast activation. Too hot can kill the yeast, while too cold may not activate it properly.
- Dimples are Key: The dimples in the dough allow the olive oil and herb mixture to seep in, adding flavor and ensuring a beautiful texture.
- Let it Rest: Allowing the dough to rest after shaping helps develop flavor and texture, leading to a lighter, airier focaccia.
Variations
Cheese-Filled Focaccia
You can make your focaccia extra special by adding cheese. Here are some options:
– Mozzarella: Add fresh mozzarella pieces before baking. It melts beautifully.
– Parmesan: Grate Parmesan on top before baking for a nice crust.
– Feta: Crumble feta into the dough for a tangy flavor.
– Cheddar: Mix shredded cheddar into the dough for a rich taste.
Experiment with your favorite cheeses to find the perfect blend!
Sweet Focaccia
You can also transform focaccia into a sweet treat. Here are some ideas for toppings:
– Honey: Drizzle honey on top after baking for a nice glaze.
– Fruit: Add slices of peaches or berries before baking for natural sweetness.
– Cinnamon Sugar: Sprinkle a mix of sugar and cinnamon on top before baking.
– Chocolate Chips: Fold in chocolate chips for a rich dessert option.
These sweet variations make a great breakfast or snack!
Gluten-Free Focaccia
If you need a gluten-free option, you can still enjoy focaccia. Use these ingredients:
– Gluten-Free Flour: Substitute all-purpose flour with a good gluten-free blend.
– Xanthan Gum: Add xanthan gum if your flour mix doesn’t contain it. This helps with texture.
– Extra Liquid: You may need to increase the liquid since gluten-free flours absorb more.
Follow the same steps in the recipe for a tasty gluten-free focaccia!
Storage Info
Short-term Storage
To keep your focaccia fresh for a few days, place it in a food-safe bag. You can also wrap it in plastic wrap. Store it at room temperature. This method helps maintain its soft texture. Avoid refrigerating, as cold air can dry it out.
Long-term Storage
If you want to save focaccia for later, freezing works well. Let the focaccia cool completely before freezing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, simply leave it in the fridge overnight. You can also let it sit at room temperature for a couple of hours.
Reheating Tips
To enjoy focaccia again, you need to reheat it properly. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the focaccia on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes until it feels warm and soft. If you prefer a crispy exterior, you can drizzle a little olive oil before reheating. This method helps keep its texture nice and tasty.
FAQs
How do I make focaccia bread crispy?
To make focaccia crispy, start with a hot oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) before baking. Use enough olive oil on the dough and the baking pan. This helps create a nice crust. When you add dimples to the dough, make sure they are deep. This allows the oil and herbs to soak in well. Bake until the edges are golden brown. If you want extra crunch, leave it in for a minute or two longer.
Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can use bread flour. Bread flour has more protein than all-purpose flour. This can give your focaccia a chewier texture. However, it may also make the dough a bit harder to stretch. If you prefer a softer bread, stick with all-purpose flour. Both flours can work, but they will change the final result slightly.
How long does homemade focaccia last?
Homemade focaccia stays fresh for about 2-3 days at room temperature. Store it in a bread bag or wrap it in foil to keep it soft. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. To enjoy it again, just thaw it at room temperature and reheat it in the oven for a few minutes.
In this post, we explored making focaccia bread from scratch. We discussed key ingredients like flour, yeast, and flavor enhancers. The step-by-step guide helped you prepare, shape, and bake your focaccia perfectly. Remember tips for texture, flavor, and storage to elevate your bread-making skills. With the many variations available, you can easily customize your focaccia. Enjoy your fresh, homemade bread with loved ones! Baking focaccia is both fun and rewarding. Happy bakin
Garlic Herb Focaccia Bread
A delicious and aromatic focaccia bread infused with garlic and herbs.
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 25 minutes mins
Total Time 2 hours hrs
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Italian
Servings 12
Calories 150 kcal
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ tsp)
- 1.5 cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon sea salt
- 0.25 cup olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- to taste coarse sea salt for sprinkling
In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and sea salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and ¼ cup olive oil.
Mix together until a dough begins to form, then knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Once risen, punch down the dough and transfer it to a greased baking sheet (or a 12x16 inch baking pan).
Using your fingers, stretch and press the dough into an even rectangle. Cover again and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
After the second rise, use your fingers to create dimples all over the surface of the dough.
In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, and a couple tablespoons of olive oil. Mix well.
Brush the herb garlic mixture generously over the dough, ensuring it gets into the dimples.
Sprinkle coarse sea salt generously over the top.
Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on the edges.
Remove from oven and drizzle with additional olive oil if desired. Let cool slightly before slicing.
Drizzle with extra olive oil before serving for added flavor.
Keyword bread, focaccia, garlic, herbs
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