Imagine pulling a golden, herb-crusted focaccia from the oven, its aroma filling your kitchen with the most intoxicating blend of roasted garlic and fresh herbs. This isn't just bread—it's a culinary masterpiece that will transform your home cooking and impress even the most discerning food lovers. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned home chef, this Roasted Garlic and Herb Focaccia recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 1 large focaccia
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 2 cups warm water
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 head of garlic, roasted
- Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, etc.)
- Coarse sea salt for topping
Instructions
- Begin by roasting the garlic. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the top off the head of garlic to expose the cloves, drizzle with a little olive oil, and wrap it in aluminum foil. Roast in the oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and golden. Allow to cool slightly before squeezing the cloves out of their skins into a bowl.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and instant yeast. Mix the dry ingredients together until well combined.
- Add the warm water to the dry ingredients. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to mix until a shaggy dough forms. Incorporate the roasted garlic into the dough, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
- Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil into the bowl, and use your hands to knead the dough in the bowl for about 2-3 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. The dough will be sticky; do not add more flour.
- Cover the bowl with a damp kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Once the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
- Transfer the risen dough to the prepared baking sheet. Using your fingers, gently stretch and press the dough into a rectangle or circle, about 1-inch thick. Make sure to create dimples in the surface of the dough as you press.
- Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the top of the dough, ensuring it pools in the dimples. Sprinkle fresh herbs (such as rosemary and thyme) evenly over the surface, and then sprinkle with coarse sea salt to taste.
- Let the dough rest for an additional 15-20 minutes to rise slightly while the oven finishes preheating.
- Once the oven is ready, place the focaccia in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are crispy.
- Remove the focaccia from the oven and let it cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely, or serve warm.
- Slice and enjoy your homemade Roasted Garlic and Herb Focaccia as a delicious appetizer, side dish, or snack!
Tips
- Use warm (not hot) water when activating the yeast to ensure proper rising
- Don't be afraid of the sticky dough—resist adding extra flour, as this keeps the focaccia light and airy
- Create deep dimples in the dough to help capture the olive oil and herbs
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for optimal volume
- Use fresh herbs for the most vibrant flavor
- Allow the focaccia to cool slightly before slicing to maintain its perfect texture
- For extra flavor, experiment with different herb combinations like oregano, basil, or sage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat briefly in the oven to restore crispness
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
