Herb Focaccia Bread Recipe

This Herb Focaccia Bread is a delightful addition to any meal, especially perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings. With its soft, airy texture and aromatic herb-infused flavor, it pairs wonderfully with soups, salads, and roasted dishes.

The recipe is simple to follow and requires minimal ingredients, making it an accessible choice for both novice and experienced bakers.

Easy Herb Focaccia Bread Recipe

This focaccia bread is topped with fresh herbs and olive oil, creating a fragrant and flavorful loaf. The recipe takes about 2 hours from start to finish, including rising time, and yields one large loaf that serves 8.

Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons salt
1 tablespoon sugar
1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
1 3/4 cups warm water (about 110°F)
1/4 cup olive oil, plus more for drizzling
2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped (or other herbs like thyme or oregano)
Coarse sea salt for topping

Instructions

Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle yeast on top and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
Mix Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
Knead: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Shape: After rising, punch down the dough and transfer it to a greased baking sheet. Stretch and shape it into a rectangle or circle, about 1 inch thick.
Second Rise: Cover the dough again and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
Prepare Topping: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Use your fingers to create dimples all over the surface of the dough. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with chopped herbs and coarse sea salt.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before slicing.