Golden Rosemary Focaccia Bread Recipe: Fluffy Herbal Bliss

Bread lovers rejoice as this mouthwatering rosemary focaccia bread recipe delivers an Italian classic straight to your kitchen.

Fragrant herbs and golden crusty edges make this homemade rosemary focaccia a true culinary delight.

The simple yet powerful combination of fresh rosemary and olive oil creates an irresistible aroma that fills every corner of your home.

Soft, pillowy dough studded with aromatic herbs promises a sensory experience that transports you to the rustic kitchens of Italy.

Each dimpled surface tells a story of tradition and comfort, waiting to be savored slice by delectable slice.

With just a few basic ingredients and some love, you can master this beloved Mediterranean bread that turns any meal into a celebration.

Serve it warm alongside soups, salads, or enjoy it on its own for a truly memorable dining experience.

Storage Suggestions for Leftover Focaccia

• Fresh Slice Strategy: Cut focaccia into smaller portions for easy grab-and-go lunches or quick breakfast accompaniments. Perfect for sandwich making or dipping into soups and salads.
• Counter Life Hack: Keep bread at room temperature in a sealed container or wrapped in plastic wrap for 2-3 days. Store away from direct sunlight and heat sources to maintain softness and flavor.
• Freezer Friendship: Wrap individual slices or entire loaf in aluminum foil, then place in freezer-safe bag. Frozen focaccia stays delicious for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or quickly reheat in oven for crispy edges.
• Flavor Revival Technique: Refresh day-old focaccia by spritzing lightly with water and warming in oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. Brings back that fresh-baked crispness and aromatic rosemary essence without losing original texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 9

Ingredients That Go Into Rosemary Focaccia

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides sturdy structure and smooth texture for classic focaccia, selecting unbleached flour ensures better flavor and consistent results.
• Active Dry Yeast: Magical ingredient that makes bread rise and develop rich, complex taste, ensuring freshness by checking expiration date is crucial.
• Warm Water: Activates yeast perfectly, creating ideal environment for dough development, temperature matters significantly for successful fermentation.

• Olive Oil: Adds luxurious richness, creates tender crumb, extra virgin delivers more robust Mediterranean essence.
• Salt: Enhances overall taste, balances flavors, controls yeast activity and strengthens gluten structure.

• Fresh Rosemary: Brings vibrant herbal notes, woody fragrance that transforms simple bread into gourmet experience, choose bright green sprigs with strong aroma.
• Sea Salt: Provides delightful crunchy finish, creates beautiful sparkly surface, select coarse crystals for best texture and visual appeal.

Baking Equipment for Rosemary Focaccia

• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining ingredients and letting yeast activate.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for precise ingredient measurements.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for mixing dough ingredients smoothly.
• Clean Work Surface: Floured countertop or cutting board for kneading dough.
• Baking Sheet: Needed to shape and bake the focaccia bread.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and helps easy removal of bread.
• Damp Kitchen Towel: Covers dough during rising to keep moisture.
• Oven: Required for baking focaccia to golden perfection.

How to Make Rosemary Focaccia Bread

• Yeast Activation

Warm water comes alive with yeast, creating a bubbly and fragrant mixture that signals the start of a delicious bread journey.

• Dough Creation

Mix flour, olive oil, and salt into the yeast mixture, transforming simple ingredients into a soft, pliable dough that promises incredible flavor.

• Dough Transformation

Knead the dough on a clean surface, working it with your hands until it becomes smooth and elastic, developing its characteristic texture.

• Rising Magic

Let the dough rest in a cozy spot, allowing it to expand and develop complex flavors, nearly doubling in size and becoming wonderfully puffy.

• Flavor Preparation

Gently press the dough onto a baking sheet, creating signature dimples that will capture olive oil and rosemary, adding rustic character.

• Herb and Salt Finish

Drizzle the surface with golden olive oil, scatter fresh rosemary, and sprinkle sea salt, creating a fragrant and beautiful bread canvas.

• Baking Perfection

Bake until the focaccia turns a gorgeous golden brown, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that promises a delightful eating experience.

Baking Tips for Herbed Focaccia Success

• Experiment with different herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil instead of rosemary to create unique taste profiles that match your meal or mood.
• Sprinkle grated parmesan, chopped garlic, or sliced olives on top before baking for extra flavor and texture that will wow your guests.
• Wrap cooled focaccia in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer preservation without losing its delicious texture.
• Transform this bread into a sandwich base, slice for dipping in olive oil and balsamic vinegar, or serve alongside soups and salads for a restaurant-quality side dish that elevates any meal.
• If the dough feels too sticky, add flour a tablespoon at a time; if too dry, incorporate a little more water to achieve the perfect elastic consistency that makes focaccia irresistibly soft.

How to Serve Rosemary Focaccia with Meals

• Flavor-Packed Appetizer Companion: Pair this rosemary focaccia with a zesty olive tapenade or creamy herbed goat cheese spread for a Mediterranean-inspired starter that will wow your guests.
• Hearty Meal Sidekick: Slice the focaccia and serve alongside robust soups, Italian pasta dishes, or use as a base for open-faced sandwiches loaded with fresh ingredients and crisp vegetables.
• Dipping Delight: Create a simple olive oil and balsamic vinegar dipping station, allowing guests to customize their bread experience with different herb-infused oils or spicy pepper blends for an interactive dining moment.
• Wine and Bread Social: Match this fragrant focaccia with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light red such as Chianti, transforming your meal into a delightful Mediterranean-style gathering that celebrates fresh flavors and good company.

Rustic Rosemary Focaccia Bread Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Homemade rosemary focaccia bread delivers a rustic Italian classic with herbal notes and crisp edges. Olive oil and sea salt elevate this simple yet sophisticated bread you can savor alongside soups, salads, or as a standalone appetizer.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) warm water (110°F/45°C)
• ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• 4 cups (480 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp / 7 g) active dry yeast
• 2 tsps salt
• 2 tbsps fresh rosemary, chopped
• Sea salt, for sprinkling

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Instructions

1. Yeast Activation: Dissolve yeast in warm water (110°F), letting the mixture become foamy and aromatic for 5-7 minutes.
2. Dough Formation: Blend yeast mixture with flour, olive oil, and kosher salt, mixing until a cohesive, slightly shaggy dough emerges.
3. Kneading Process: Transfer dough to a floured surface, kneading vigorously for 8-10 minutes to develop a smooth, elastic texture that rebounds when pressed.
4. First Fermentation: Place dough in an oil-coated bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise in a warm environment (75°F) for 60-75 minutes until volume doubles.
5. Preparation and Shaping: Preheat oven to 450°F, gently deflate dough, and spread onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, forming a rustic rectangular shape about 1/2 inch thick.
6. Flavor Enhancement: Create signature dimples across the surface, drizzle generously with extra virgin olive oil, then sprinkle with fresh rosemary leaves and flaky sea salt.
7. Baking and Finishing: Bake for 18-22 minutes, rotating midway, until the focaccia turns deep golden-brown and sounds hollow when tapped; cool on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Master Yeast Activation: Ensure water temperature hits exactly 110°F for perfect yeast bloom, creating maximum rising potential.
• Kneading Technique Matters: Develop strong gluten structure by kneading consistently for full 10 minutes, creating elasticity that gives focaccia its signature texture.
• Proofing Environment Critical: Maintain steady 75°F warmth during rising, covering dough to prevent moisture loss and ensure optimal volume expansion.
• Oil Quality Impacts Flavor: Use premium extra virgin olive oil for authentic Italian taste and perfect golden-brown exterior with rich, complex undertones.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg