Garlic Herb Focaccia Bread (Print View)
Golden focaccia with roasted garlic, fresh herbs, and a crisp crust, perfect as a snack or side.
# What You'll Need:
→ Dough
01 - 4 cups bread flour
02 - 2 tsp fine sea salt
03 - 2¼ tsp instant yeast
04 - 1½ cups lukewarm water
05 - ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
06 - 1 tsp sugar
→ Garlic & Herb Topping
07 - 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
08 - 3–4 cloves garlic, finely minced
09 - 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
10 - 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
11 - 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
12 - 1 tsp flaky sea salt (for finishing)
13 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
# Step-by-Step Directions:
01 - Combine bread flour, fine sea salt, and sugar in a large mixing bowl.
02 - Dissolve instant yeast in lukewarm water, add to dry ingredients along with ¼ cup olive oil, and mix until a sticky dough forms.
03 - Knead the dough either by hand for 10 minutes or with a stand mixer for 5–6 minutes until smooth and elastic.
04 - Transfer dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour.
05 - Generously oil a 9x13-inch baking pan and press the risen dough evenly into the pan, stretching it to the edges.
06 - Cover the dough loosely and let rise again for 30 minutes.
07 - Preheat oven to 430°F (220°C).
08 - Warm 3 tbsp olive oil with minced garlic in a small saucepan over low heat for 2–3 minutes until fragrant without browning. Remove from heat and stir in chopped rosemary, thyme, and parsley.
09 - Use fingertips to create dimples across the dough surface. Evenly spoon the herbed garlic oil over the dough, pressing some into the dimples. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
10 - Bake for 22–25 minutes until the crust is golden brown and crisp.
11 - Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- It feels like sharing a warm secret with a friend when you let those fragrant herbs and garlic do their magic.
- The balance of a golden crust and pillowy interior makes it a favorite for any occasion, whether snack time or a sandwich base.
02 -
- Don't skip those dimples—they help trap the herbed oil and create that signature focaccia texture.
- Gently warming garlic releases flavor without the bitterness of browning, a subtle step that changes everything.
03 -
- Knead just enough to develop gluten; over-kneading can make focaccia tough.
- Use lukewarm water—not hot—to activate yeast without killing it.