The Perfect Rosemary Focaccia Bread Recipe for Fluffy Homemade Bliss

Rosemary focaccia bread redefines ordinary baking into an aromatic Mediterranean experience.

Soft, pillowy textures mingle with earthy herbal notes that dance across your palate.

Mediterranean kitchens have long celebrated this versatile flatbread’s incredible potential.

Delicate dimples capture golden olive oil, creating a canvas for robust rosemary intense essence.

The crisp exterior gives way to a tender, cloud-like interior that promises pure comfort.

Professional bakers and home cooks alike cherish this remarkable bread ability to elevate simple ingredients.

Fresh herbs and quality olive oil are the secret weapons that make this recipe shine.

Rosemary Focaccia Bread: Soft, Fragrant, and Irresistible

• Craft Artisan Bread Easily: This focaccia recipe transforms simple ingredients into a professional-quality bread, allowing home bakers to create restaurant-style results with minimal baking expertise.
• Enjoy Herb-Infused Flavor Burst: Fresh rosemary and sea salt create a robust, aromatic profile that elevates the bread from ordinary to extraordinary, delivering an intense Mediterranean-inspired taste experience.
• Master Quick Comfort Food: Ready in just over an hour, this bread provides a warm, satisfying side dish or snack that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas while requiring surprisingly little hands-on preparation time.

Key Ingredients for Perfect Rosemary Focaccia Bread

• Flour: The primary structure of the focaccia, creating a soft and chewy texture.
• Water: Essential for activating yeast and hydrating flour for bread development.
• Yeast: Crucial living organism that helps bread rise and creates airy texture.

• Olive Oil, Sea Salt: Classic Mediterranean flavors that add richness and enhance overall taste of the bread.
• Rosemary: Fresh herb that provides aromatic and earthy notes, traditional in Mediterranean baking.

• Parchment Paper: Ensures easy bread removal and prevents sticking to baking sheet.
• Damp Cloth: Helps create humid environment for dough rising and prevents surface from drying.

How to Make Fluffy and Fragrant Rosemary Focaccia Bread

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Combine warm water and yeast in a large bowl. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly.

Step 2: Create the Dough

• Flour
• Olive oil
• Salt

Mix thoroughly until a soft dough forms.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough to a floured surface. Knead for 10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until the dough doubles in size.

Step 5: Prepare the Oven

Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).

Step 6: Shape the Focaccia

Punch down the risen dough. Press it into a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Create a rectangle or circle about 1/2 inch thick.

Step 7: Add Toppings

• Fresh rosemary
• Sea salt

Step 8: Bake and Serve

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the bread turns golden brown. Allow to cool slightly. Slice and serve warm.

Tips for Getting the Perfect Texture in Focaccia Bread

• Activate Yeast Precisely: Use water between 100-110°F to ensure the yeast blooms correctly without killing its live cultures.
• Knead with Confidence: Develop gluten by stretching and folding the dough, which creates a more tender and airy bread texture.
• Create Signature Dimples: Press fingers firmly but gently into the dough to create deep wells that capture olive oil and enhance crispy edges.
• Control Moisture Levels: Let the dough rise in a draft-free area with consistent warm temperature to achieve optimal volume and softness.
• Customize Your Flavor: Experiment with additional herbs like thyme or oregano, or top with roasted garlic, olives, or caramelized onions for unique variations.

How to Keep Focaccia Bread Fresh for Later Enjoyment

• Refrigeration: Wrap the focaccia tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
• Freezing: Slice the bread and place parchment paper between each slice. Seal in a freezer-safe bag, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 1 month for convenient storage.
• Reheating: Warm slices in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. Spritz with water before heating to restore moisture and crisp the edges. Avoid microwaving, which can make the bread tough and chewy.

Best Toppings to Pair with Rosemary Focaccia Bread

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Choose a bold Italian Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the herbal rosemary notes and rich olive oil flavors of the focaccia.
• Create Mediterranean Appetizer Plate: Serve alongside creamy hummus, marinated olives, roasted red peppers, and soft goat cheese to enhance the bread's rustic Mediterranean character.
• Match with Hearty Soups: Dunk this focaccia into tomato basil soup, minestrone, or creamy potato soup for a comforting and satisfying meal that highlights the bread's texture and herbal undertones.
• Craft a Gourmet Sandwich Base: Use slices of focaccia to create elevated sandwiches with prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, basil leaves, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an Italian-inspired lunch experience.

Creative Twists on Classic Rosemary Focaccia Bread

• Herbed Olive Focaccia: Replace rosemary with a blend of thyme, oregano, and basil for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile. Add chopped kalamata olives into the dough for extra richness.
• Garlic Parmesan Focaccia: Incorporate roasted garlic cloves into the dough and sprinkle grated parmesan cheese on top before baking. Brush with garlic-infused olive oil for intense flavor.
• Sundried Tomato and Basil Focaccia: Mix chopped sundried tomatoes and fresh basil leaves into the dough. Top with extra tomato pieces and fresh basil before baking for a vibrant, tangy version.
• Whole Wheat Rosemary Focaccia: Substitute half the white flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier, more nutritious bread. Add extra seeds like sunflower or pumpkin for crunch and texture.

Rosemary Focaccia Bread Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Fragrant rosemary focaccia bread whispers Mediterranean culinary secrets with its herbal charm and golden-crisp exterior. Olive oil-kissed dough creates a delectable canvas where rustic Italian traditions and home-baked comfort seamlessly dance on your plate.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Flour and Yeast:

• 4 cups (480 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons / 7 grams) active dry yeast

Liquid and Oil Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups (360 milliliters) warm water (110°F/45°C)
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) olive oil, plus more for drizzling

Seasoning and Herbs:

• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• Sea salt, for sprinkling

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Instructions

1. Activate the yeast by dissolving it in warm water (110°F or 43°C), allowing the mixture to become foamy and fragrant for approximately 5-7 minutes.
2. Gradually incorporate flour, extra virgin olive oil, and kosher salt into the yeast mixture, stirring until a shaggy, cohesive dough begins to form.
3. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead vigorously for 8-10 minutes, developing gluten and creating a smooth, elastic texture that springs back when gently pressed.
4. Lightly coat a large ceramic or glass bowl with olive oil, place the dough inside, and cover with a clean, damp kitchen towel to prevent surface drying.
5. Allow the dough to proof in a draft-free, warm environment (around 75°F or 24°C) for 60-75 minutes, or until it has doubled in volume and appears puffy.
6. Position the oven rack in the middle position and preheat to 450°F (230°C), ensuring even heat distribution.
7. Gently deflate the risen dough by pressing down with clean fingertips, then spread it evenly onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, creating a rustic rectangular shape approximately 1/2 inch thick.
8. Create signature focaccia dimples across the surface using fingertips, then drizzle generously with high-quality extra virgin olive oil.
9. Sprinkle freshly chopped rosemary leaves and flaky sea salt evenly over the dough, ensuring balanced flavor distribution.
10. Bake for 18-22 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through, until the focaccia achieves a deep golden-brown color and sounds hollow when tapped.
11. Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes, allowing the bread to set and develop a crisp exterior before slicing.

Notes

• Store leftover focaccia wrapped tightly in plastic or aluminum foil at room temperature for 2-3 days to maintain its soft texture.
• Reheat slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness and warmth.
• Freeze entire loaf or individual slices by wrapping securely in freezer-safe plastic wrap and storing up to 1 month.
• Transform stale focaccia into delicious croutons or breadcrumbs by cutting into cubes and toasting with herbs and olive oil.
• Create variations by substituting rosemary with other herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil for different flavor profiles.
• Add extra toppings such as roasted garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, or caramelized onions to customize your bread’s taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 300 kcal
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 580mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 46g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 9g
• Cholesterol: 0mg