If you’ve ever indulged in a warm, fragrant, and buttery slice of focaccia bread, you know that this simple Italian creation can be one of the most comforting things to eat. With its golden, crispy edges, pillowy-soft interior, and bold garlic and herb flavors, focaccia is more than just a side dish—it’s a treat that stands on its own. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, a side for your favorite Italian dishes, or as a snack on its own, this homemade garlic herb focaccia will quickly become a household favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Garlic Herb Focaccia
Focaccia bread is a type of flatbread that’s known for its light, airy texture and rich, flavorful toppings. While it’s easy to find at the store, nothing beats the taste of fresh, homemade focaccia. Here are just a few reasons why this recipe will quickly win you over:
- Simple Ingredients – You don’t need fancy ingredients to make focaccia. Basic pantry staples like flour, yeast, olive oil, garlic, and herbs are all you need for this recipe.
- Customizable – While this recipe calls for garlic and herbs, you can add your favorite toppings like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or cheese for a personalized twist.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether you’re making it for dinner, a party, or just for a delicious snack, focaccia is versatile enough to suit any occasion.
- Mouthwatering Aroma – The garlic and herb combination will make your kitchen smell amazing as it bakes. It’s the kind of aroma that invites everyone into the kitchen!
- Soft & Crispy Texture – The key to the perfect focaccia is achieving the right balance between a crispy crust and a soft, airy interior, and this recipe guarantees both.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Homemade Garlic Herb Focaccia
Making focaccia at home is incredibly easy, especially when you have all the right ingredients. Here’s what you need:
The Best Homemade Garlic Herb Focaccia: A Simple Recipe for Perfection
Ingredients
- Flour: All-purpose flour works perfectly for focaccia. It gives the bread the structure it needs without being too dense.
- Active Dry Yeast: This is what helps the dough rise and gives the bread that soft airy texture.
- Warm Water: Yeast thrives in warm water so make sure it’s not too hot or too cold.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil is a key ingredient in focaccia both in the dough and for drizzling on top. It helps give the bread its rich flavor and crispiness.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential to the garlic herb flavor. It adds a rich savory note to the focaccia.
- Herbs: A combination of rosemary thyme, and oregano works wonderfully for an aromatic and flavorful focaccia.
- Salt: Salt is necessary to balance out the flavors and enhance the taste.
- Honey or Sugar: A small amount of sweetener helps activate the yeast and gives the dough a slight sweetness.
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of warm water (about 110°F or 45°C) with 1 teaspoon of active dry yeast and 1 tablespoon of honey or sugar. Stir gently to combine and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. This means the yeast is active and ready to work its magic.
- Step 2: Make the Dough In a large bowl, combine 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add it to the flour along with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Mix until a sticky dough forms. You can use a spoon or your hands to bring the dough together.
- Step 3: Knead the Dough Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for 5-7 minutes. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much. You want the dough to be soft, smooth, and elastic.
- Step 4: Let the Dough Rise Lightly oil the bowl and place the dough inside. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until it has doubled in size. This is when the yeast works its magic, creating the air pockets that make focaccia so light and fluffy.
- Step 5: Shape the Dough Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Turn it out onto a greased baking sheet (about 9×13 inches) and gently stretch it with your hands to fit the shape of the pan. You can make it as thick or thin as you like, but traditionally, focaccia is about ½ inch thick.
- Step 6: Add the Toppings Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Drizzle about 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the top of the dough, spreading it out evenly. Then, press your fingers into the dough to create dimples, which is a signature characteristic of focaccia. Sprinkle finely chopped garlic and a blend of fresh or dried herbs (rosemary, thyme, and oregano) over the top. For extra flavor, you can also sprinkle a bit of sea salt.
- Step 7: Bake the Focaccia Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. The smell will be absolutely irresistible! Keep an eye on it as oven temperatures can vary.
- Step 8: Let It Cool and Serve Once your garlic herb focaccia is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Slice it into squares or strips and serve warm. It’s perfect for dipping into olive oil or balsamic vinegar, or just enjoying as is.
Notes
Conclusion: The Perfect Garlic Herb Focaccia at Home
Making focaccia at home is a satisfying experience, and with this garlic herb version, you’ll enjoy an aromatic, flavorful bread that will impress everyone at the table. With its crispy, golden crust and soft, airy interior, homemade focaccia is the ideal way to elevate any meal or enjoy on its own. So, gather your ingredients, follow this simple recipe, and treat yourself to the best homemade garlic herb focaccia you’ve ever tasted!
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