Garlic Focaccia
Fluffy Italian olive oil bread topped with roasted garlic and herbs.
Details
Ingredients
- 500g flour
- 2 tsp yeast
- 1.5 cups warm water
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Garlic cloves
- Rosemary and flaky salt
Instructions
- 1
Mix dough ingredients. Knead.
- 2
Let rise 1 hour.
- 3
Stretch into pan. Dimple with fingers.
- 4
Top with oil, garlic, and herbs.
- 5
Bake at 220°C (425°F) for 20-25 mins.
About This Recipe
The aroma of freshly baked focaccia is a testament to the simple elegance of Italian baking, a tradition rooted deeply in Liguria where this flatbread likely originated. More than just a bread, focaccia is a canvas for regional flavors, often enjoyed plain or topped with local ingredients as a breakfast staple, an accompaniment to meals, or a satisfying snack. Our Garlic Focaccia celebrates this heritage, elevating the classic with a generous infusion of roasted garlic and fragrant rosemary. The secret to its distinctively airy, yet chewy crumb lies in the high hydration dough and the unique dimpling technique, which creates pockets for olive oil to pool, resulting in an irresistibly golden, crisp crust. A high-quality extra virgin olive oil is paramount, not merely a cooking fat but a foundational flavor, enriching the dough and crisping the exterior. While this recipe highlights garlic and rosemary, focaccia welcomes experimentation; sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or caramelized onions are popular additions. Serve warm alongside a vibrant antipasto platter, dipped into a robust balsamic vinegar, or as the foundation for gourmet sandwiches.
Tips & Tricks
- • When dimpling the dough, press your fingers deeply enough to create distinct indentations without tearing through the base, ensuring those delightful pockets for the olive oil to gather and crisp during baking.
- • For a delightful variation, scatter halved cherry tomatoes, pitted Kalamata olives, or thinly sliced red onion over the dough before baking instead of or in addition to the garlic and rosemary.
- • Leftover focaccia is best stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two days. Reheat slices briefly in a toaster oven or a warm oven to revive its crust and tender crumb.
- • This aromatic focaccia makes an excellent accompaniment to hearty Italian soups and stews, a vibrant green salad, or as a sophisticated base for open-faced sandwiches with cured meats and cheeses.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (approximate)