The Easiest Rosemary Garlic Focaccia Bread You’ll Ever Make

Focaccia is an Italian flatbread that has won the hearts of home bakers worldwide. Its crispy exterior and soft, airy interior make it a delightful addition to any meal. Today, we’re going to explore how to make an Easy Rosemary Garlic Focaccia Bread, a version that’s incredibly simple yet rich in flavor. This bread requires no kneading, no second proofing, and is so full of garlic and rosemary that each bite feels like a culinary hug. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned pro, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to indulge in a warm, fresh loaf of homemade bread.

How to Make Easy Rosemary Garlic Focaccia Bread

Making rosemary garlic focaccia bread is simpler than you might think! This no-knead recipe is perfect for beginners and results in a soft, fluffy interior with a golden, crispy exterior. Here’s how to make this delicious bread step by step:

Ingredients

• ⅓ cup (80 ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• ¼ teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1 cup (225 grams) lukewarm water
• 2 ½ cups (300 grams) all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Prepare the Rosemary Garlic Oil

   • In a small saucepan, pour the olive oil, add the minced garlic and chopped rosemary.
   • Heat the saucepan over low heat for about 2 minutes. Stir the mixture to prevent the garlic from burning. The goal is to infuse the flavors, so make sure the garlic doesn’t brown.
   • Once the garlic becomes fragrant and slightly golden, remove the saucepan from the heat and set it aside to cool.

2. Activate the Yeast

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the lukewarm water (around 100°F/37°C) with the granulated sugar.
   • Sprinkle the active dry yeast into the water and stir gently to dissolve. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. You should notice the mixture begin to bubble and foam, which indicates that the yeast is active and ready.

3. Prepare the Dough

   • Add the all-purpose flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until all the flour is incorporated, and you no longer see any dry flour. The dough should be wet and sticky, with a high hydration level (about 75%).
   • If the dough seems too dry, you can add a small splash of lukewarm water to adjust the texture.

4. First Rise

   • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and leave it in a warm spot for about 2 hours, or until the dough doubles in size.
   • Be patient – this is the magic moment that allows the dough to become fluffy and light.

5. Prepare the Baking Pan

   • While the dough is rising, prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan. Pour about 1 tablespoon of the rosemary garlic oil into the pan and spread it evenly to coat the surface.

6. Transfer and Shape the Dough

   • Once the dough has doubled in size, gently transfer it to the prepared baking pan. The dough is quite sticky, so you can use your hands or a spatula to spread it out to the edges of the pan.
   • Use your fingers to press dimples into the dough, creating little pockets that will help create the classic focaccia texture. Drizzle the remaining rosemary garlic oil over the top of the dough.

7. Second Rise

   • Let the dough rise again for about 30 minutes at room temperature. This second rise will make the dough even fluffier.

8. Preheat and Bake

   • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
   • Once the dough has risen, place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The focaccia will become golden brown on top and slightly crispy on the edges.
   • If you want an extra crispy crust, you can bake it a little longer, but be sure to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.

9. Cool and Serve

   • Once the focaccia is perfectly baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 15-20 minutes.
   • Slice it into squares and enjoy your homemade rosemary garlic focaccia bread!

Nutritional Facts

Notes

• For extra fluffiness: If you prefer a fluffier texture, increase the amount of water in the dough by 1-2 tablespoons. This will make the dough more hydrated and give the bread a softer, airier structure.
• Storage: Fresh focaccia is best enjoyed within the first 1-2 days. If you need to store it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. Reheat it in a toaster oven to maintain the crispness of the crust.
• No fresh rosemary? You can substitute dried rosemary in a pinch. Use about half the amount (½ tablespoon) since dried rosemary has a more concentrated flavor.
• Customizing the flavor: Feel free to get creative with your focaccia! Try adding olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or parmesan cheese for added flavor.
• Yeast issues: If your yeast doesn’t foam or bubble when mixed with warm water and sugar, it’s likely expired or not activated. Always make sure your yeast is fresh for the best results.

Tips for Baking the Perfect Rosemary Garlic Focaccia

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your focaccia turns out perfectly every time:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always make sure your yeast is fresh and active. Yeast that’s expired or improperly stored can fail to work, leading to flat or dense bread.
• Don’t Skip the Dimples: Pressing dimples into the dough not only creates a beautiful texture but also helps the bread cook evenly.
• Temperature Is Key: Make sure your water is lukewarm (not hot) when activating the yeast. Too hot water can kill the yeast, while cold water can prevent activation.
• Let It Rise: Be patient and give the dough time to rise. Rising is essential for creating that light and fluffy texture.
• Add Toppings: If you like, feel free to experiment with extra toppings before baking, such as olives, cherry tomatoes, or sea salt. These will add even more flavor to your focaccia.

How to Serve Focaccia Bread

Focaccia bread is incredibly versatile and can be served in many delicious ways. Here are a few ideas on how to enjoy your rosemary garlic focaccia:

• As a Standalone Snack
  Focaccia is flavorful enough to be enjoyed on its own, especially when fresh out of the oven. Simply slice and serve with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt for an elegant yet simple snack.

• With Dips and Spreads
  Pair your focaccia with a variety of dips and spreads. Olive tapenade, hummus, or a tangy balsamic vinegar and olive oil dip can enhance the rich flavors of the bread. You could also serve it with a fresh, herbed butter for a comforting touch.

• As a Side Dish
  Focaccia is the perfect companion to many meals. It pairs wonderfully with hearty soups, such as roasted butternut squash soup or tomato basil soup, adding both texture and flavor to your meal. It’s also a great side to pasta dishes, especially those with a rich sauce like spaghetti bolognese.

• For Sandwiches
  You can slice the focaccia horizontally and turn it into a delicious sandwich. The soft, fluffy interior with the crispy, herb-infused crust makes for an excellent base for a variety of fillings. Try using it for a classic Italian panini, filled with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

• For Bruschetta
  Slice the focaccia and toast it lightly, then top with a mixture of diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, and a splash of olive oil. It makes for a delightful appetizer or a light meal.

• For a Picnic or Potluck
  Focaccia is an ideal addition to any picnic or potluck. It’s easy to transport and serves well at room temperature, making it a perfect choice when you need to bring something crowd-pleasing.

Remember, focaccia bread tastes best when it’s fresh, but if you have leftovers, it can easily be reheated in the oven or a toaster oven to bring back its golden, crispy texture. The options are endless, and you can experiment with different toppings or pairings depending on your preferences. Enjoy!

How to Store Rosemary Garlic Focaccia Bread

If you’ve made a batch of rosemary garlic focaccia and you’re not going to finish it right away, don’t worry! This bread stores beautifully and can last for a few days. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

1. Short-Term Storage

For the freshest flavor and texture, store focaccia at room temperature in an airtight container or wrap it in plastic wrap. If you leave it out for too long, it might lose its crispy exterior and become a bit soggy, so be sure to consume it within 2-3 days.

2. Long-Term Storage (Freezing)

If you want to keep your focaccia for a longer time, freezing it is an excellent option. Follow these steps to freeze your focaccia:

• Slice the bread into individual pieces (this makes it easier to thaw and reheat later).
• Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container or a resealable freezer bag.
• Store the focaccia in the freezer for up to 1 month.

3. Reheating Focaccia

To bring your focaccia back to life after freezing or even just after storing it, here are a few ways to reheat it:

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the focaccia in aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out, and warm it for about 10 minutes. You can unwrap it during the last few minutes to crisp up the outside.
• Toaster Oven: If you have a toaster oven, this is perfect for reheating focaccia slices. Toast for 5-7 minutes at a medium setting to achieve a crispy crust.
• Microwave: For quick reheating, wrap your focaccia in a damp paper towel and microwave for 15-20 seconds. It won’t be as crispy as the other methods, but it will retain its softness.

With these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your focaccia for days to come without sacrificing quality.

Creative Ways to Serve Rosemary Garlic Focaccia

While focaccia bread is amazing on its own, it can also be a fantastic complement to a variety of dishes. Here are some creative ways to serve your easy rosemary garlic focaccia bread:

1. Pair with Soups

Focaccia’s soft, fluffy interior makes it an ideal bread for dunking. Serve it with your favorite soup to add flavor and texture. A few great pairings include:

• Roasted Tomato Soup: The rich, savory flavors of roasted tomatoes pair wonderfully with the garlic and rosemary in focaccia.
• Butternut Squash Soup: This sweet and creamy soup balances the herbal, savory notes of the focaccia.
• Minestrone Soup: The hearty vegetables and beans in minestrone are perfectly complemented by the savory focaccia.

2. As a Side for Pasta

Focaccia works beautifully alongside pasta dishes. Whether you’re serving a rich, cheesy lasagna or a light, fresh pasta, the bread adds an extra dimension to the meal. You can use focaccia to scoop up the sauce or to create a “bread bowl” for some pasta dishes.

3. Make Sandwiches

Transform your focaccia into a sandwich by layering it with your favorite deli meats, cheeses, and vegetables. Here’s a simple but delicious sandwich idea:

• Turkey and Pesto Focaccia Sandwich: Spread a layer of pesto on the focaccia, and add thinly sliced turkey, fresh mozzarella, and arugula. The combination of savory turkey and herbaceous pesto with the rosemary focaccia is divine.

4. Add Toppings for a Fun Twist

Focaccia is incredibly versatile when it comes to toppings. You can switch things up by adding different herbs, vegetables, or cheeses to the dough before baking. Some popular options include:

• Olives: Green or black olives are a classic focaccia topping. They bring a salty, briny flavor that pairs well with the bread.
• Cherry Tomatoes: These burst with juiciness as they bake, adding a sweet contrast to the rosemary and garlic.
• Cheese: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan, pecorino, or even mozzarella over the top before baking for an extra layer of flavor.

5. Serve as an Appetizer or Snack

If you’re hosting a gathering or just want a savory snack, focaccia can be served as an appetizer. Slice it into small squares and serve it alongside dips such as:

• Balsamic Vinegar and Olive Oil Dip: Combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a touch of sea salt for a simple yet tasty dipping sauce.
• Garlic Butter: Melt some butter and mix it with minced garlic, herbs, and a pinch of salt. Serve this rich, flavorful butter alongside the focaccia for dipping.

The Benefits of Homemade Focaccia

Making focaccia at home has several advantages over buying it from the store. Here are a few reasons why homemade rosemary garlic focaccia is a great choice:

1. Freshness

There’s nothing like the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through your home. Homemade focaccia has an unbeatable freshness that store-bought versions just can’t match.

2. Control Over Ingredients

When you bake your own focaccia, you get to control the ingredients. You can opt for high-quality olive oil, fresh garlic, and organic flour—ensuring that your bread is made with the best possible ingredients.

3. Customizable

Homemade focaccia is incredibly customizable. You can experiment with different herbs, spices, and toppings to suit your taste. Want a spicier version? Add some chili flakes. Prefer a sweeter bread? Try adding honey and caramelized onions. The possibilities are endless!

4. Satisfaction of Baking

There’s a special satisfaction that comes with baking your own bread. Watching the dough rise and seeing the golden crust form in the oven is incredibly rewarding. Plus, the taste of bread you made yourself is incomparable.

Extra Tips for Perfect Rosemary Garlic Focaccia

While the recipe itself is straightforward, there are a few important details to keep in mind to ensure that your focaccia turns out absolutely perfect:

1. Mastering the Dough Hydration

Rosemary Garlic Focaccia dough is relatively wet, with about 75% hydration (flour to water ratio). The wet dough helps produce that characteristic airy, soft interior. However, it can also be a bit tricky to handle, so here’s how to make sure it’s just right:

• Don’t be afraid of stickiness: The dough should feel sticky, almost like a thick batter, and it should be a bit difficult to knead. This is normal and actually helps give the focaccia its light texture. You can use olive oil on your hands and utensils to handle it without a mess.
• Let it rise fully: Make sure you allow the dough enough time to rise during both the initial and final proofs. If you skip this step, your focaccia will end up denser and flatter than it should be.

2. Use a Light Hand with the Garlic

One of the hallmarks of rosemary garlic focaccia is its bold garlic flavor. But it’s easy to go overboard, especially when using fresh garlic.

• Minced garlic: While using fresh garlic is essential for this recipe, be careful not to burn it while infusing it into the oil. Cooking garlic too long will cause it to turn bitter. Just a couple of minutes of gentle heating in olive oil is enough to bring out the sweet and aromatic flavors without losing its freshness.
• Garlic Placement: If you prefer a more subtle garlic flavor, consider adding half of the minced garlic to the oil mixture and then sprinkling the other half on top of the dough before baking. This allows you to control how garlic-forward the final loaf is.

3. Ensure Even Dimpling

A key characteristic of focaccia is its signature dimples, which help it bake evenly while adding texture. When you press the dough into the pan, use your fingers to create deep dimples but don’t go all the way to the bottom of the dough. The goal is to create indentations without deflating the dough entirely.

• Even spacing: Try to make the dimples evenly spaced across the surface of the dough to ensure uniform baking. The dimples also create little pockets that will hold all the garlic and rosemary oil, enhancing flavor.

4. Check Your Oven Temperature

The baking temperature is crucial for getting that perfectly crisp crust while maintaining a soft, fluffy inside. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) before placing the bread inside. If your oven runs a little cooler or hotter than the stated temperature, keep a close eye on the focaccia during the last few minutes of baking to prevent over-browning or undercooking.

• Oven thermometer: If you’re unsure about your oven’s temperature accuracy, it might be worth investing in an oven thermometer to ensure you’re baking at the right temperature.
• Placement in oven: For the best result, bake your focaccia on the middle rack. This allows for even heat distribution, ensuring the bread cooks through without burning the bottom.

5. Let it Cool Properly

While it’s tempting to dive into a freshly baked loaf of focaccia, allow the bread to cool for about 20 minutes before slicing. This helps the structure set so that you get clean slices instead of a mess of crumbs. If you try cutting the focaccia too soon, it can become a little too soft and sticky.

Ingredient Variations for Rosemary Garlic Focaccia

The beauty of focaccia lies in its versatility. While the classic rosemary garlic version is delicious, there are plenty of ways to experiment with flavors. If you’re looking for something a little different, here are some suggestions:

1. Adding Other Fresh Herbs

While rosemary is the star of the show, you can mix in or swap for other fresh herbs to customize your focaccia to your taste. Consider these options:

• Thyme: Offers a slightly earthy and lemony note.
• Oregano: A classic Italian herb that pairs beautifully with garlic and rosemary.
• Basil: If you want a slightly sweeter and more aromatic flavor, fresh basil can be a great addition.
• Sage: Adds a deep, earthy flavor that complements the garlic beautifully.

You can use these herbs alone or in combination with rosemary for a more complex flavor profile.

2. Cheese Options

For those who want to add a little more richness and flavor to their focaccia, cheese is a perfect option. A few varieties pair particularly well with rosemary garlic focaccia:

• Parmesan: Grated Parmesan can be sprinkled on top before baking for a slightly nutty and savory flavor.
• Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella chunks or shredded mozzarella can be incorporated into the dough or sprinkled on top.
• Feta: Crumbled feta cheese adds a salty, tangy note that contrasts well with the herbs.

3. Toppings for Extra Flavor

Get creative with your focaccia toppings! While garlic and rosemary are the staples, there’s no limit to the combinations you can try. Here are a few ideas:

• Olives: Black or green olives provide a salty and briny contrast to the bread’s soft interior.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Adding sliced cherry tomatoes on top will give the focaccia a burst of sweetness as they bake.
• Caramelized Onions: Sweet caramelized onions add a delicious depth of flavor and pair wonderfully with the garlic.

Making Focaccia Without Yeast

If you’re looking to make a focaccia without yeast, it’s possible, although the texture will differ slightly. You can use baking powder as a substitute. To make yeast-free focaccia, replace the yeast with 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and skip the proofing steps. The resulting bread will be a little denser but still flavorful and perfect for those who are short on time or don’t want to deal with yeast.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Rosemary Garlic Focaccia

1. Can I make rosemary garlic focaccia bread without fresh rosemary?

Yes, if you don’t have fresh rosemary, you can use dried rosemary as a substitute. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary for every tablespoon of fresh rosemary. Keep in mind that dried herbs have a more concentrated flavor, so start with a little less and adjust to taste.

2. Can I use a different type of flour?

While this recipe calls for all-purpose flour, you can experiment with other types of flour. For a slightly denser and more rustic texture, you could try using whole wheat flour. However, keep in mind that whole wheat flour absorbs more liquid, so you may need to adjust the amount of water slightly.

3. How can I store leftover focaccia bread?

To store leftover focaccia, place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. It will keep at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 1 month. Simply slice the bread before freezing for easy reheating, and warm it up in the oven or toaster oven when you’re ready to eat.

4. What’s the best way to reheat focaccia bread?

The best way to reheat focaccia bread is in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes. This helps restore its crisp exterior while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. You can also reheat individual slices in a toaster oven for a quicker option.

5. Can I make this focaccia bread recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough the day before and let it rise overnight in the refrigerator for a slower fermentation. The next day, allow the dough to come to room temperature before continuing with the recipe. This method will enhance the flavor and texture of the focaccia.