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There is something truly magical about homemade bread, and this Garlic Rosemary Herb Focaccia Recipe is a shining star among them. Imagine a golden, crispy crust infused with fragrant garlic and fresh herbs, yielding a soft, airy interior that just melts in your mouth. It’s the perfect rustic yet elegant bread that feels both comforting and a touch gourmet, guaranteed to bring a smile to anyone’s face. This recipe shows you how to create that irresistible focaccia at home with simple ingredients and a bit of patience, rewarding you with a loaf that’s bursting with flavor and aroma.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two parts side by side on a white marbled surface. On the left, there is a round, slightly rough dough ball sprinkled with flour around it. A pale measuring spoon is placed near the dough. On the right, there is a clear glass measuring cup filled with airy, light beige dough that has risen, with bubbles visible inside. The cup is placed on the same white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

For a recipe as wonderfully fragrant as this Garlic Rosemary Herb Focaccia Recipe, the ingredients are beautifully straightforward yet carefully chosen. Each one plays an essential role—from the olive oil’s fruity richness to the fresh herbs’ vibrant scents—coming together to create that iconic focaccia character.

Warm water: Activates the yeast and helps develop the perfect dough texture.
Granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast, promoting a nice rise and subtle sweetness.
Instant or active dry yeast: The rising hero of your focaccia, ensuring the dough gets fluffy and airy.
Extra virgin olive oil: Adds a luscious richness and creates that beautifully crisp crust.
Kosher salt: Enhances flavors and balances the dough without overpowering.
All-purpose or bread flour: Provides the structure and chewiness that make focaccia so inviting.
Minced garlic: Imparts a warm, punchy aroma that fills your kitchen—and your bread—with irresistible charm.
Fresh herbs (basil, thyme, rosemary): Layer delightful complexity and freshness that perfectly complement the garlic.
Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper: Final touches that add crunch and a slight kick to every bite.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Garlic Rosemary Herb Focaccia Recipe

Step 1: Activate and Mix the Yeast

Start by whisking half of the warm water with sugar and yeast to awaken those magical little bubbles that will help your focaccia rise beautifully. Letting this mixture rest for five minutes creates a foamy head that signals the yeast is alive and ready, the foundation for your dough’s airy texture.

Step 2: Form the Dough

Adding in the remaining water, olive oil, salt, and part of the flour, you’ll gently combine the ingredients on low speed. As you add more flour, the dough starts to take shape. This stage is all about developing the right balance—not too sticky but still soft, prepping for that satisfying knead ahead.

Step 3: Knead for Perfect Texture

Whether using your stand mixer or working the dough by hand, kneading is crucial. It builds gluten strands to create that coveted chewiness. If the dough feels a little tacky, add flour sparingly. The ‘windowpane test’ is your best friend here—if the dough stretches thin without tearing, you’re right on track!

Step 4: Let It Rise and Develop Flavor

Coat your dough lightly in oil and let it rest in a warm spot, covered snugly. This rise is where the dough doubles in size and begins building its irresistible flavor. Creating a cozy, warm environment—like the slightly warm oven trick—helps if your kitchen is chilly.

Step 5: Shape, Rest, and Chill

Transfer your dough to a well-oiled pan, then stretch and press it gently to fit. If the dough resists and shrinks back, giving it a short rest helps relax the gluten. Pop it into the refrigerator for at least an hour, but overnight really enhances depth of flavor, making this step well worth the wait.

Step 6: Prepare Toppings and Preheat Oven

Mix fresh minced garlic and herbs with the remaining olive oil, creating that luscious topping mixture. As your oven heats up to a high temperature, you’re setting the stage for a crust that’s crisp on the outside and tender inside.

Step 7: Dimple, Drizzle, and Bake

Using your fingers, dimple the surface of the dough, charmingly rustic and perfect for trapping pockets of the olive oil-herb mixture. Generously spread this topping over the dough, sprinkle with coarse salt and pepper, then bake until beautifully golden, finishing with a quick broil for an extra toasted top if you like.

How to Serve Garlic Rosemary Herb Focaccia Recipe

The image shows two parts side by side on a white marbled surface. On the left, there is a small white bowl with green chopped herbs, next to a jar with a brown brush dipped in a yellow oily sauce, some garlic cloves, fresh green leaves, and some red tomatoes in the corner. On the right side, there is a white rectangular pan filled with a dough that is topped with drizzles of yellow oil and sprinkled green herbs spread evenly across the surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A delicate drizzle of olive oil or a few extra fresh herb sprigs turn this focaccia from delicious to divine. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before serving amps up the flavor and gives that inviting crunch that makes each bite memorable.

Side Dishes

This focaccia shines alongside soups and salads—imagine a steamed bowl of tomato basil soup or a crisp Mediterranean salad. It also pairs beautifully with cheeses and charcuterie, making it a perfect companion for any casual or elegant meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the focaccia like a pizza or cut into rustic squares for casual sharing. You can even use it as a sandwich base for caprese or roasted vegetable stacks. A fun twist is serving it warm with flavored butters or tapenades, transforming simple bread into a standout dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover focaccia tightly in plastic wrap or foil and keep it at room temperature for up to two days. It maintains its wonderful texture longer this way, ready to delight with minimal reheating.

Freezing

You can freeze cooled focaccia for up to three months. Slice it first for easier thawing or freeze the whole loaf wrapped well. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a few hours before enjoying.

Reheating

To revive that just-baked crispness, warm slices in the oven at 300°F (149°C) for about 5 minutes. The microwave works too, but the oven method helps the herb-scented crust shine and prevents sogginess.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! Dried herbs work well—just use about half the amount compared to fresh herbs to avoid overpowering the bread. They’ll still lend plenty of wonderful aroma and flavor.

How long should I let the dough rise for the best results?

The initial rise should take 2 to 3 hours at room temperature until doubled. Then resting the shaped dough overnight in the refrigerator enhances the flavor dramatically, but if you’re short on time, at least 1 hour is essential.

Why do I need to dimple the dough before baking?

Dimpling creates pockets to trap olive oil and herbs on the surface, which is key to focaccia’s signature crisp crust and rich flavor. It also prevents the dough from puffing up unevenly during baking.

Can I make this focaccia without a stand mixer?

Definitely! Kneading by hand works beautifully and lets you connect more with the dough. Just be prepared to knead on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.

What can I serve this focaccia with?

Think Mediterranean: soups, salads, grilled vegetables, cheeses, or charcuterie. It also pairs well as a snack with dips like hummus or even drizzled with balsamic glaze for a sophisticated touch.

Final Thoughts

In every bite of this Garlic Rosemary Herb Focaccia Recipe, you’ll experience the magic of homemade bread elevated by the simplest, freshest ingredients. It’s a rewarding project for your kitchen that guarantees smiles around your table, whether for a casual lunch or a special occasion. Give it a try—you won’t regret filling your home with that warm, herb-scented welcome!

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