Rosemary and Salt Focaccia Bread
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
1 1/4 cups warm water
1tsp sugar or honey
3tbsp olive oil
2 1/2 cups of all purpose flour
1tsp salt
1-2 tbsp fresh cut rosemary or 1tsp dry
flaky salt for topping
In a lg bowl mix warm water, sugar & years. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy
Stir in olive oil, flour, and salt. Mix with spoon until it comes together, then knead for 5-8 minutes (hand or mixer) until smooth and slightly tacky.
Lightly oil a clean bowl, place dough inside, cover with plastic wrap or damp towel for 1-1 1/2 hours or doubled in size.
Grease 9x13 pan with olive oil
Place dough inside and gently stretch to fill pan. Drizzle olive oil on tp and dimple with fingertips. Sprinkle rosemary and salt.
Let rise, uncovered for 20-30 minutes while pre-heating oven to 400F (200C)
Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Remove from oven, drizzle lightly with olive oil and let cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
Focaccia bread is a versatile Italian flatbread known for its light, airy texture and crispy golden crust. This rosemary and salt focaccia recipe uses active dry yeast and warm water to create a soft dough that rises beautifully, while olive oil keeps the bread moist and flavorful. One key to excellent focaccia is the dimpled surface, made by pressing your fingertips into the dough before baking. These dimples help trap the olive oil and toppings, infusing every bite with rich flavor. Rosemary adds a fragrant, piney aroma that complements the salty crust from the flaky sea salt sprinkled on top. Fresh rosemary is preferred for its vibrant taste, but dried rosemary can work as well. Allowing the dough to rise twice—first until doubled in size, then for a short rest after placing it in the pan—develops the perfect texture: chewy yet tender. Baking at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes creates a golden brown crust while keeping the crumb soft inside. After baking, a light drizzle of olive oil enhances the moisture and adds richness. Letting the focaccia cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing ensures it holds together well. Focaccia is an excellent bread for beginners who want to try homemade bread baking, as the recipe is straightforward and forgiving. You can enjoy it plain, use it for sandwiches, or serve it alongside soups and salads. Additionally, this bread can be customized with other toppings like olives, cherry tomatoes, or grated cheese. Using all-purpose flour works well, though bread flour can deliver a chewier texture. Kneading the dough until smooth and slightly tacky is essential for gluten development, which gives focaccia its structure and airy crumb. If you wish, substitute sugar with honey to add a subtle sweetness that feeds the yeast. In summary, this rosemary and salt focaccia bread offers an easy way to bring fresh, aromatic bread into your kitchen with minimal ingredients and effort, making it perfect for homemade dinners or special occasions.