If you love freshly baked bread, you’ll adore this Garlic Herb Focaccia recipe! With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you'll create a warm, flavorful loaf right in your kitchen. Garlic and fresh herbs blend perfectly to make your home smell incredible. Whether it’s for dinner or a snack, this focaccia is a hit. Let’s get started on making your new favorite bread!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor Combination: This focaccia is infused with aromatic garlic and fresh herbs, creating a delightful flavor that will elevate any meal.
- Perfect Texture: The combination of a crispy exterior and a soft, airy interior makes each bite of this focaccia a satisfying experience.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Versatile Serving Options: This focaccia can be enjoyed on its own, used for sandwiches, or served as a side with soups and salads.
Ingredients
To make garlic herb focaccia, you need simple, fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1/4 cup olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Coarse sea salt for topping
These ingredients come together to create a soft, fluffy bread with a lovely garlic and herb flavor. The all-purpose flour gives the bread structure, while the yeast helps it rise. Sugar feeds the yeast, making it active and bubbly. Salt adds flavor and controls yeast growth.
Olive oil not only adds richness but also keeps the bread moist. Warm water helps activate the yeast, making the dough rise nicely. Garlic brings a punch of flavor, and fresh herbs like rosemary and parsley add a fragrant note. Finally, coarse sea salt on top gives a nice crunch and enhances the taste.
Each ingredient plays a key role, so use fresh items for the best results. Now that you know the ingredients, you're ready to start your focaccia journey!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Yeast Mixture
Start by mixing warm water, sugar, and instant yeast in a large bowl. This helps the yeast wake up and get ready to work. Let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes. You will know it’s ready when the mixture is frothy and bubbly. This step is key to a good rise.
Making the Dough
Next, add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms. It should look messy but hold together. This means you have the right texture.
Proofing the Dough
Now, transfer the dough to a floured surface. Knead it for about 5 to 7 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. This step builds the dough's structure. Once ready, place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm area for about 1 to 2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Shaping and Topping the Focaccia
After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer it to a greased baking sheet or pan that is about 12x17 inches. Use your fingers to stretch and spread the dough to fit the pan. Create dimples all over the surface with your fingertips. In a small bowl, mix minced garlic, chopped rosemary, chopped parsley, and some olive oil. Brush this herb mixture over the dough, filling the dimples. Sprinkle coarse sea salt on top for extra flavor.
Baking the Focaccia
Let the dough rest for another 20 to 30 minutes. This helps it rise a bit more. While it rests, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Once rested, bake the focaccia for about 20 to 25 minutes. It should turn golden brown. After baking, let it cool slightly before slicing. Serve it warm for the best taste.
Tips & Tricks
Achieving Perfect Texture
To get a soft and airy focaccia, knead the dough well. Knead for 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth. This helps develop gluten, which gives the bread structure. Make sure your water is warm, around 110°F. Too hot or too cold water can affect the yeast. After kneading, let the dough rise until it doubles in size. This can take 1-2 hours.
Flavor Enhancements
For richer flavor, use fresh herbs. I love adding rosemary and parsley, but feel free to mix in thyme or basil. The garlic adds a punch, so don't skip it! When brushing the herb and garlic mix on the dough, be generous. It seeps into the dimples and adds a burst of taste. Also, sprinkle coarse sea salt on top before baking for extra crunch and flavor.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If your focaccia is too dense, it likely did not rise enough. Make sure to give it ample time to proof. If it’s dry, you may have over-kneaded or baked it too long. Check your oven's temperature with a thermometer; this ensures accurate baking. If the bottom burns, place a baking sheet below the focaccia to catch heat. Adjust your baking time as needed to avoid these issues.
Pro Tips
- Use Warm Water: Make sure the water is around 110°F; too hot could kill the yeast, while too cold will slow down the rising process.
- Knead Well: Kneading the dough properly develops gluten, giving the focaccia its characteristic texture. Aim for a smooth, elastic dough.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with different herbs and toppings like thyme, oregano, or olives to create unique flavor profiles.
- Don't Skip the Dimples: Creating dimples in the dough not only enhances the appearance but also helps to hold the olive oil and herb mixture, infusing flavor.
Variations
Adding Different Herbs
You can change the taste of your focaccia by using different herbs. Try using thyme, oregano, or basil. These herbs add a new flavor. You can mix and match to find your favorite. Dried herbs work well too if fresh ones are not available. Just use less, as dried herbs are stronger. Sprinkle them into the dough or mix them into the garlic oil for added flavor.
Cheese-Stuffed Focaccia
For a cheesy twist, make a cheese-stuffed focaccia. You can add mozzarella, feta, or goat cheese. After shaping your dough, create a pocket in the center. Fill it with your chosen cheese. Then, fold the dough over to seal the cheese inside. This keeps the cheese warm and gooey. Bake as usual, and you will have a cheesy surprise in every slice.
Toppings and Infusions
Get creative with toppings and infusions! You can add sliced tomatoes, olives, or caramelized onions. For a sweet twist, try adding honey or balsamic glaze after baking. Drizzle these on top for a lovely finish. You can also infuse your olive oil with garlic and herbs before using it. This adds depth to the flavors. Each variation makes the focaccia unique and fun to make.
Storage Info
Best Practices for Storing Focaccia
To keep your focaccia fresh, store it in a sealed bag or container. Place it at room temperature for up to two days. If you want it to last longer, keep it in the fridge. Wrap it well to prevent drying out.
Reheating Tips
When you want to enjoy leftover focaccia, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bread on a baking sheet. Heat it for about 10 minutes. This brings back its crispy crust and soft inside. You can also warm it in a toaster oven for a quick fix.
Freezing Options
If you have extra focaccia, freezing is a great choice. Slice the bread before freezing. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and then in foil. Store it in the freezer for up to three months. When you want to eat it, let it thaw at room temperature. Then, reheat as mentioned above for best results.
FAQs
What is the best way to store homemade focaccia?
Store homemade focaccia in an airtight container. This keeps it soft and fresh. You can also wrap it in plastic wrap. If you plan to eat it later, store it in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze the focaccia. Slice it first for easy thawing.
Can I use dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast. Just remember to activate it first. Mix it with warm water and sugar. Let it sit until it bubbles. This shows the yeast is alive. Then, follow the recipe as usual. The focaccia will still rise well.
How do I know when the focaccia is done baking?
Check the color and texture. Focaccia should be golden brown on top. Tap the bottom; it should sound hollow. If it does, the bread is ready. You can also check the internal temperature. It should reach 190°F (88°C).
What can I serve with garlic herb focaccia?
Garlic herb focaccia pairs well with many dishes. You can serve it with soups, salads, or stews. It’s great with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping. You can also enjoy it with cheese or charcuterie boards.
How long does it take for focaccia to rise?
Focaccia usually takes 1-2 hours to rise. This depends on your room temperature. Warmer areas speed up the process. After the first rise, let it rest again for 20-30 minutes. This ensures a light, airy texture.
You now have a clear guide to making delicious focaccia. We covered the essential ingredients, easy steps, and unique tips for perfect results. You can add your favorite herbs or create fun toppings. Remember to store it properly for freshness, and don’t hesitate to experiment. Focaccia is versatile and fun to make. Enjoy baking and sharing this delightful bread with friends and family! Your kitchen will soon fill with amazing aromas.
