Welcome to your new favorite bread recipe! This Garlic Herb Focaccia Bread is simple, tasty, and sure to impress. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a warm, fluffy loaf filled with rich garlic and herb flavors. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, this recipe will guide you step by step. Get ready to enjoy a delightful homemade treat that pairs perfectly with any meal!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: This focaccia is infused with aromatic garlic and fresh herbs, creating a mouthwatering taste that's perfect as a side or snack.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is beginner-friendly and requires minimal effort.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it warm with olive oil for dipping, or use it as a base for sandwiches or bruschetta.
- Perfect Texture: The dimpled surface creates a delightful combination of crispy edges and a soft, chewy interior that everyone loves.
Ingredients
To make the garlic herb focaccia, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast
- 1 3/4 cups warm water
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh herbs (rosemary and thyme)
- Coarse sea salt
Each ingredient plays a key role in making this focaccia soft and full of flavor. The flour gives the bread structure, while the yeast helps it rise. Salt adds taste, and sugar feeds the yeast. Warm water activates the yeast, making it bubbly and lively. Olive oil brings moisture and richness. Garlic and herbs add delicious aromas and tastes, while coarse sea salt finishes it off with a nice crunch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation of Yeast Mixture
Start by gathering your ingredients. In a large bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let this sit for about 5 minutes. You will see bubbles form on the top. This means the yeast is alive and ready to work.
Kneading the Dough
Next, add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix everything until it forms a soft dough. Now, it’s time to knead. Place the dough on a floured surface. Knead for about 8 to 10 minutes. You want the dough to become smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook if you prefer. This will take about 5 to 7 minutes.
First Rise and Shaping
Once you finish kneading, place the dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour. You want the dough to double in size. After it rises, punch it down gently. Transfer it to a greased baking sheet and stretch it to fit. Use your fingers to make dimples all over the dough. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, and coarse sea salt on top. Cover it again and let it rise for another 30 minutes. While it rises, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Texture
To get focaccia with a soft inside and a crispy crust, you need the right dough. Use all-purpose flour for a balanced texture. Knead your dough well for 8-10 minutes to develop gluten. This gluten helps the dough rise and gives it a nice chew. If you want a golden crust, use a bit more olive oil on the pan and on top. The oil helps create that beautiful, crispy edge.
Best Practices for Rising
For the best rise, keep your dough in a warm place. I like to put it near the oven while it preheats. Cover it with a damp cloth to keep it moist. Let the dough rise until it doubles in size. This usually takes about an hour. If your kitchen is cool, it may take longer. Just be patient; good things take time!
Enhancing Flavor with Herbs
Herbs are the magic that make focaccia special. Fresh rosemary and thyme add a lovely aroma. You can mix them into the dough or sprinkle them on top. Don’t forget the garlic! Minced garlic adds a punch of flavor. Use coarse sea salt on top for a nice crunch. Feel free to experiment with other herbs you love, like basil or oregano.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs will provide a more vibrant flavor compared to dried. If using dried herbs, reduce the quantity slightly as they are more concentrated.
- Perfect Dimpling: Make sure to press your fingers deeply into the dough to create dimples. This helps the olive oil and toppings to settle in and adds to the focaccia's texture.
- Warm Rising Environment: For optimal rising, place the dough in a slightly warm area, such as an oven preheated to the lowest setting for a few minutes, then turned off.
- Storing Focaccia: To keep your focaccia fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. If you need to store it longer, freeze it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.
Variations
Cheese-Filled Focaccia
Transform your focaccia by adding cheese. You can use mozzarella, feta, or goat cheese. After shaping the dough, add cheese in the center before sealing it. This creates a cheesy, gooey center. Bake as usual and enjoy the warm, melty surprise in every bite.
Seasonal Herb Focaccia
Seasonal herbs can change the taste of your focaccia. Use fresh basil in summer or sage in fall. Mix these herbs into the dough or sprinkle them on top. This adds a fresh twist and makes the bread taste vibrant and alive, perfect for any season.
Olive and Sun-Dried Tomato Focaccia
For a Mediterranean flair, add olives and sun-dried tomatoes. Chop them finely and fold them into the dough. You can also place them on top before baking. This gives the focaccia a savory taste and a beautiful look, making it a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
Storage Info
Short-term Storage Tips
Store your garlic herb focaccia in an airtight container. Keep it at room temperature. It stays fresh for about 2 days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it in plastic wrap. This helps to keep the bread soft. Avoid putting it in the fridge, as it can dry out.
Freezing Instructions
If you have extra focaccia, freezing is a great option. First, let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. After that, place it in a freezer bag. It can stay in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw it at room temperature.
Reheating Recommendations
To enjoy your focaccia again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the focaccia directly on the oven rack. Heat it for about 10-15 minutes. This will make the crust crispy again. You can also use a microwave for a quick fix. Heat it for about 20-30 seconds, but the crust won't be crispy.
FAQs
How long does focaccia bread last?
Focaccia bread lasts about 2 to 3 days at room temperature. To keep it fresh, store it in a paper bag. Avoid plastic bags, as they trap moisture and make the bread soggy. You can also refrigerate it, but this may dry it out. For longer storage, freeze the focaccia. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil to protect it. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour. It will give the focaccia a denser texture and a nutty flavor. To keep the dough soft, mix half whole wheat flour with half all-purpose flour. This balance helps maintain the right rise and texture. You may also need to add a bit more water for whole wheat flour.
What can I serve with garlic herb focaccia?
Garlic herb focaccia pairs well with many dishes. Here are some ideas:
- Olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping
- Soups, like minestrone or tomato
- Salads, especially Caesar or caprese
- Charcuterie boards with meats and cheeses
- Grilled veggies or roasted meats
This bread is versatile and enhances many meals. Feel free to get creative with your pairings!
You learned how to make focaccia bread with simple steps and fine ingredients. From preparing the yeast to baking, each step builds flavor and texture. Use herbs, cheese, or olives to create your own tasty twists. Remember to store it right for the best taste later. With these tips, you can impress anyone with your baking skills. Enjoy your fresh focaccia, and share it with friends and family. Happy baking!
