FOCCASIA BREAD
Focaccia bread with herbs is a rustic Italian classic, known for its airy crumb and fragrant topping. This easy recipe delivers golden, olive-oil-rich bread infused with fresh herbs for irresistible flavor.
INGREDIENTS
All-purpose flour: 500 g / 4 cups
Warm water: 350 ml / 1½ cups
Active dry yeast: 7 g / 2¼ tsp (1 packet)
Butter (melted): 70 g / 5 tbsp (¼ cup)
Salt: 10 g / 2 tsp
Sugar: 5 g / 1 tsp
Olive oil: 60 ml / ¼ cup (plus extra for drizzling)
Fresh rosemary: 15 g / 2 tbsp, chopped
Fresh thyme: 10 g / 1 tbsp, chopped
Sea salt flakes: 5 g / 1 tsp, for topping
PREP TIME
20 minutes (plus 1–2 hours rising)
COOKING TIME
20–25 minutes
STEP-BY-STEP COOKING INSTRUCTIONS
1. Activate yeast – Mix warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Combine flour and salt – In a large bowl, mix flour and salt.
3. Add wet ingredients – Pour yeast mixture and olive oil into flour. Mix until dough forms.
4. Knead dough – Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. First rise – Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–2 hours until doubled.
6. Prepare pan – Grease a baking tray with olive oil. Spread dough evenly into the tray.
7. Second rise – Cover and let rise for 30 minutes until puffy.
8. Dimple and top – Press fingertips into dough to create dimples. Drizzle olive oil, sprinkle herbs and sea salt.
9. Bake – Bake at 220°C / 425°F for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
10. Cool slightly – Remove from oven, cool for 10 minutes, then slice and serve warm.
HELPFUL COOKING TIPS
1. Generous olive oil – Don’t skimp; it gives focaccia its signature richness.
2. Use fresh herbs – Rosemary and thyme add fragrance; experiment with basil or oregano too.
3. Dimple deeply – Finger dimples help trap oil and herbs, creating flavor pockets.
4. Bake hot – A high oven temperature ensures crisp crust and airy crumb.
5. Cool slightly before slicing – This keeps the crumb structure intact and prevents gumminess.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (PER SLICE, ~60 G)
Calories: ~180 kcal
Carbohydrates: ~28 g
Protein: ~5 g
Fat: ~6 g
Fiber: ~2 g
DIETARY TAGS
Vegetarian
Nut-free
ALLERGEN INFORMATION
Contains gluten (from flour)
Contains yeast
Contains olive oil (safe for most, but check sensitivities)
contains dairy - butter