Focaccia is more than just bread—it’s a fragrant, golden slice of Italy that can transform any meal. Soft, fluffy on the inside and crisp on the outside, it’s infused with olive oil, garlic, and aromatic herbs. This easy recipe uses simple ingredients but delivers extraordinary flavor, perfect for cozy dinners, special occasions, or even as a snack with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. We’ve added a touch of sun-dried tomatoes for extra sweetness and texture, making this focaccia truly irresistible.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon fine salt
- Optional: sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or thinly sliced red onion
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Yeast:
In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. Infuse the Oil:
In a small saucepan, warm the olive oil over low heat with garlic, rosemary, oregano, and black pepper for 5–10 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to brown the garlic. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Make the Dough:
Mix part of the infused oil and a little flour into the yeast mixture. Then add the remaining flour and salt, mixing until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Lightly knead on a floured surface just until smooth.
4. First Rise:
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a cloth, and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1–2 hours.
5. Shape the Focaccia:
Preheat oven to 435°F (225°C) and grease a baking pan with some of the infused oil. Transfer the dough to the pan and gently stretch it with your fingers to the edges. Press dimples all over the surface with your fingertips. Optional: scatter sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or red onion slices on top.
6. Second Rest:
Brush the remaining infused oil over the top and let the dough rest for 20 minutes.
7. Bake:
Bake 15–20 minutes until golden brown with a crisp crust. Remove from pan and let cool slightly before slicing to preserve the soft interior.
Serving Suggestion:
Serve warm with extra olive oil, balsamic vinegar, or as a side for soups, salads, and pasta. Perfect for holidays, cozy dinners, or a flavorful snack anytime.
