Name: Garlic Herb Focaccia Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3½ cups all-purpose flour; 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet); 1 teaspoon sugar; 1½ teaspoons salt; 1¼ cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C); ¼ cup olive oil, plus more for drizzling; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1½ teaspoons dried rosemary (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped); 1 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano; Flaky sea salt, for topping

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If you have been searching for that irresistible bread to elevate your meal times, this Garlic Herb Focaccia Recipe is a total game changer. Imagine soft, pillowy dough with a glistening golden crust rich with olive oil, and a captivating bouquet of garlic and herbs that fills your kitchen with warmth and comfort. This Italian classic is versatile enough to serve as a side, a hearty sandwich foundation, or simply dipped in a little good-quality olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Once you experience the perfect balance of flavors and textures in this recipe, it will undoubtedly become one of your go-to breads for gatherings or quiet nights in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a close-up of focaccia dough with many small dimples across the surface, filled with a mix of olive oil and herbs that create shiny greenish pools. The dough looks soft and airy with a pale cream color, and tiny pieces of garlic or herb bits are scattered on top. A white silicone brush is gently spreading the oil and herbs mix over the dough, with visible liquid sheen reflecting light. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, quality ingredients is key to creating the perfect Garlic Herb Focaccia Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering that soft crumb, crispy-olive-oil-kissed crust, and aromatic herbal punch we all love.

3½ cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of your focaccia, giving it structure without being too dense.
2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet): This activates the dough, producing those lovely air pockets that make focaccia so airy.
1 teaspoon sugar: Feeds the yeast to kickstart fermentation and adds a touch of subtle sweetness.
1½ teaspoons salt: Brings out the flavors and balances the richness of the olive oil.
1¼ cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C): Essential for activating the yeast and hydrating the flour for a tender crumb.
¼ cup olive oil, plus more for drizzling: The star fat that creates a crisp crust and luxuriously moist interior.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses every bite with fragrant, savory goodness.
1½ teaspoons dried rosemary (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped): Adds that unmistakable piney herbal note essential for focaccia.
1 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano: Adds depth and complexity to the herbaceous flavor profile.
Flaky sea salt, for topping: Provides bursts of salinity and a pleasing crunch on the crust.

How to Make Garlic Herb Focaccia Recipe

Step 1: Proof the yeast

Start by mixing warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast in a large bowl. Allow it to sit undisturbed for 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy. This tells you the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic on your dough, helping it rise beautifully.

Step 2: Mix the dough

To the yeast mixture, add the flour, salt, and olive oil. Stir everything together until you have a soft, slightly sticky dough forming. This initial mix doesn’t have to be perfect—just combine your ingredients so you can move to kneading.

Step 3: Knead until smooth

Turn your dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 6 to 8 minutes. This effort develops the gluten, creating elasticity and that wonderfully chewy texture you expect in focaccia.

Step 4: First rise

Place your dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1½ hours, until it doubles in size. This transformation is key to a light and airy crumb later on.

Step 5: Prepare for baking

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with olive oil. Once your dough has risen, press it evenly into the pan. Use your fingers to create those signature dimples across the surface—these indentations will hold the olive oil and herbs magnificently.

Step 6: Add toppings and rest

Generously drizzle olive oil over the dough surface, then sprinkle the minced garlic, rosemary, thyme (or oregano), and flaky sea salt evenly. Let your dough rest for 15 minutes; this brief pause allows the flavors to meld and the focaccia to relax before baking.

Step 7: Bake to golden perfection

Bake your focaccia in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until it turns a mouthwatering golden brown on top. The kitchen will fill with the wonderful aroma of garlic and herbs, signaling delight is moments away.

Step 8: Cool and enjoy

Once baked, let your focaccia cool slightly in the pan before slicing. This cooling period helps it set so each piece cuts cleanly without squashing the tender crumb inside.

How to Serve Garlic Herb Focaccia Recipe

Garlic Herb Focaccia Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

For an extra touch of indulgence, brush the top of your focaccia with a little more olive oil immediately after baking. This keeps the crust silky and soft. You can also sprinkle some freshly chopped herbs or a pinch of Parmesan for a savory finish that dazzles every time.

Side Dishes

This Garlic Herb Focaccia Recipe pairs wonderfully with soups, like a creamy tomato or hearty minestrone, as well as fresh salads featuring bright, crisp greens. It’s also fantastic alongside pasta dishes or as an accompaniment to a cheese and charcuterie board.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your focaccia warm with small bowls of dipping oils like garlic-infused olive oil or balsamic vinegar. Or try layering slices with mozzarella, roasted vegetables, and fresh basil to make sophisticated sandwiches. The possibilities are endless, and every presentation invites compliments!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your focaccia fresh, store it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This method preserves its lovely softness and prevents it from drying out.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, slice the focaccia and freeze individual portions in freezer bags with as much air removed as possible. This makes it easy to thaw exactly what you need without wasting any bread.

Reheating

Reheat your focaccia in a warm oven (about 350°F / 175°C) for 5 to 10 minutes or until heated through and the crust is revived. You can also use a toaster oven for smaller slices to maintain that fresh-baked texture.

FAQs

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried in the Garlic Herb Focaccia Recipe?

Absolutely! Fresh herbs not only brighten the flavor but also add a lovely burst of color. Just remember to use about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried since fresh ones are less concentrated.

Is this Garlic Herb Focaccia Recipe vegan-friendly?

Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan and dairy-free. The use of olive oil as the fat source and no animal-based additives makes it perfect for vegan diets.

Can I make this focaccia without a stand mixer?

Definitely! Kneading by hand is traditional and effective. Just allow yourself a bit of elbow grease during the 6 to 8 minutes of kneading, and your dough will come together beautifully.

How important is the resting time before baking?

The 15-minute rest after dimpling and adding toppings helps the dough relax and the flavors meld, giving you a more tender crumb and better herb infusion. It’s worth taking this small amount of extra time.

Can I add toppings like olives or cherry tomatoes?

Yes, aside from herbs and garlic, incorporating toppings like sliced olives or halved cherry tomatoes before baking adds wonderful texture and pops of flavor to make your focaccia even more special.

Final Thoughts

Creating this Garlic Herb Focaccia Recipe at home is not only rewarding but also a joyful way to fill your kitchen with delicious aromas while crafting a versatile bread. Whether you enjoy it fresh from the oven, paired with your favorite meals, or get creative with garnishes and toppings, this recipe promises to become a beloved staple. So roll up your sleeves and dive in—your taste buds will thank you for it!