Name: Easy Rosemary Garlic Focaccia Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups all purpose flour; 1 tsp instant yeast; 1 tsp kosher salt (plus more for topping); 1 cup lukewarm water (mix ¼ cup boiling water with ¾ cup cold water); 2 tbsp olive oil; Butter for greasing; 2 tsp minced or chopped garlic; Fresh rosemary leaves

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Introduction

Enjoy the rustic charm of Homemade Rosemary Garlic Focaccia, a soft and fragrant Italian bread perfect for any occasion. This easy recipe uses simple ingredients to create a flavorful, golden crust with aromatic garlic and fresh rosemary.

The image shows a thick, round focaccia bread with a golden brown top sprinkled with coarse salt and small green rosemary leaves. One large slice has been cut and laid in front of the main round piece, showing the airy, soft texture inside with visible small holes and some rosemary inside too. The crust looks crunchy and rough with browned parts where the dough bunched up in uneven rows. The focaccia is placed on a dark board, with a detailed close-up view capturing the different textures of the crust and soft inside. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp instant yeast
1 tsp kosher salt (plus more for topping)
1 cup lukewarm water (mix ¼ cup boiling water with ¾ cup cold water)
2 tbsp olive oil
Butter for greasing
2 tsp minced or chopped garlic (optional)
Fresh rosemary leaves (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, instant yeast, and salt. Add the lukewarm water and mix with a spatula until all the liquid is absorbed and a sticky ball of dough forms.
Step 2: Lightly rub the dough surface with olive oil to prevent sticking. Let the dough rest at room temperature for about 1½ hours, until it doubles in size.
Step 3: Butter an 8 or 9-inch dish well and pour in 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Place the dough in the dish and roll it around to coat evenly. Let it rest for another 30 minutes.
Step 4: Preheat your oven to 425° F (220° C).
Step 5: Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over the dough and scatter the minced garlic and rosemary on top. Use greased fingers to press deep dimples into the dough while spreading it to fill the dish.
Step 6: Sprinkle extra kosher salt over the top, then bake on the center rack for about 25 minutes until the focaccia is golden brown and crisp on the edges.
Step 7: Let the bread cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with butter or a seasoned olive oil dip.

Tips & Variations

For a softer crust, brush the focaccia with olive oil right after baking.
Add sliced olives or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor toppings.
If fresh rosemary isn’t available, dried rosemary works well—just use about half the amount.
Use a stand mixer with a dough hook for easier mixing and kneading.

Storage

Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep it longer, wrap tightly and freeze for up to one month. Reheat in a warm oven at 350° F until warmed through to restore crispness.

How to Serve

A square clear glass baking dish contains a golden-brown focaccia bread with a rough textured top. The bread shows deep soft ridges forming a spiral pattern across the top. Fresh green rosemary sprigs are placed evenly, sticking out through the bread's surface. Coarse white salt crystals are lightly scattered over the crust. The dish rests on a loosely folded white cloth on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make focaccia without fresh rosemary?

Yes, you can substitute dried rosemary for fresh. Use about half the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. Alternatively, omit rosemary and focus on garlic or add other herbs like thyme or oregano.

How do I make the focaccia extra fluffy?

Make sure your yeast is fresh and allow the dough to rise fully until doubled in size. Also, gently pressing dimples without deflating the dough too much helps maintain the airy texture.