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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Yeast Activation: Dissolve yeast in warm water (110°F), letting the mixture become foamy and aromatic for 5-7 minutes.
- Dough Formation: Blend yeast mixture with flour, olive oil, and kosher salt, mixing until a cohesive, slightly shaggy dough emerges.
- Kneading Process: Transfer dough to a floured surface, kneading vigorously for 8-10 minutes to develop a smooth, elastic texture that rebounds when pressed.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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