This garlic herb focaccia bread is a deliciously soft and flavorful Italian bread, perfect for serving as an appetizer or side dish. Infused with garlic and fresh herbs, it offers a delightful aroma and taste.
The recipe is simple and requires basic baking techniques. You can customize it with toppings like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or cheese to suit your preferences.
Overview of Focaccia Bread
Focaccia bread is a staple in Italian cuisine, known for its soft and airy texture. This bread is often enjoyed as an appetizer or side dish, making it a versatile addition to any meal. The unique characteristic of focaccia is its dimples, which not only add to its visual appeal but also create pockets for olive oil and toppings.
The combination of garlic and fresh herbs, particularly rosemary, infuses the bread with a delightful aroma. This recipe highlights the simplicity of making focaccia, requiring just a few basic ingredients and techniques. The result is a golden-brown loaf that is both inviting and delicious.
Ingredients for Success
To create this garlic herb focaccia, you will need a handful of essential ingredients. All-purpose flour serves as the base, while instant yeast helps the dough rise. Salt and sugar enhance the flavor, and warm water activates the yeast, creating the perfect dough consistency.
Olive oil is crucial, not only for the dough but also for drizzling on top before baking. The minced garlic and fresh rosemary provide the signature taste that makes this focaccia stand out. A sprinkle of sea salt before baking adds a finishing touch, elevating the overall flavor profile.
Preparation Steps
The preparation of focaccia is straightforward, starting with mixing the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Once combined, the warm water and olive oil are added, leading to a sticky dough. Kneading the dough is essential, as it develops the gluten, resulting in a light and airy texture.
After kneading, the dough undergoes its first rise in a greased bowl, where it doubles in size. This step is crucial for achieving the desired fluffiness. Once risen, the dough is shaped and placed in a greased baking pan, followed by a second rise that allows it to expand further.
Creating the Signature Dimples
One of the most recognizable features of focaccia is its dimples. After the second rise, use your fingers to gently press into the dough, creating small indentations. This technique not only adds visual interest but also helps to hold the olive oil and toppings.
Drizzling olive oil over the surface before adding minced garlic and rosemary enhances the flavor and ensures a crispy crust. The dimples also allow the toppings to infuse into the bread as it bakes, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
Baking to Perfection
Preheating the oven is a vital step in the baking process. The high temperature ensures that the focaccia develops a golden-brown crust while remaining soft on the inside. Baking for 20-25 minutes allows the flavors to meld and the bread to rise beautifully.
Once out of the oven, letting the focaccia cool slightly before slicing is recommended. This ensures that the texture remains intact and allows the flavors to settle. Serving the bread warm or at room temperature makes it an ideal accompaniment to various dishes.
Serving Suggestions
This garlic herb focaccia is incredibly versatile and can be served in numerous ways. It pairs wonderfully with soups, salads, or as a standalone snack. Consider serving it with a small bowl of olive oil for dipping, enhancing the experience with additional flavor.
For a more substantial dish, slice the focaccia to create sandwiches or use it to soak up sauces. The possibilities are endless, making it a delightful addition to any meal or gathering. Enjoying this bread fresh out of the oven is a treat that is sure to impress family and friends alike.
Easy Garlic Herb Focaccia Bread Recipe
This focaccia bread features a light and airy texture, topped with a fragrant mixture of garlic and herbs. The recipe takes about 2 hours from start to finish, including rising time, and yields one large loaf.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 1/4 cup olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt for topping
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, salt, and sugar.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the warm water and olive oil. Stir until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Baking Pan: Grease a baking sheet or a 9×13 inch pan with olive oil.
- Shape the Dough: Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to the prepared pan. Stretch and press it into an even layer.
- Second Rise: Cover the dough again and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Add Toppings: After the second rise, use your fingers to create dimples in the dough. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with minced garlic, chopped rosemary, and sea salt.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the focaccia to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Servings: 12 slices
- Calories: 180kcal
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 24g