How to Create Savory Roasted Garlic and Rosemary Focaccia
Do you love the warm, fluffy goodness of homemade bread? If so, focaccia is a great place to start! This Italian favorite is soft, flavorful, and perfect for dipping in olive oil or serving alongside soups and salads. Today, we’ll walk you through an easy recipe to create savory roasted garlic and rosemary focaccia at home. Even if you’re new to bread-making, you can follow along to impress your friends, family, or even just yourself!
What Is Focaccia?
Focaccia is a flat, oven-baked bread that is topped with olive oil and herbs. It has a golden crust and a soft interior, making it irresistible. Traditionally, focaccia is flavored with simple ingredients like rosemary, garlic, and sea salt. While it looks fancy, it’s surprisingly easy to make—and completely worth the effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start, gather your ingredients. You probably already have many of these at home:
For the Dough:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (or one packet)
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (around 110°F or comfortably warm to touch)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for greasing)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Toppings:
- 1 head of garlic (roasted—don’t worry; we’ll explain how to roast it)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh rosemary (a few sprigs to taste)
- Coarse sea salt or flaky salt
- Optional: black pepper or grated Parmesan cheese
Step 1: Roast the Garlic
Roasted garlic gives the focaccia a rich, savory flavor that’s sweeter than raw garlic. Here’s how to roast it:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Peel away the outer layers of the garlic head, but leave the cloves inside.
- Slice the top of the garlic head off, exposing the tops of each clove.
- Place the garlic on a small piece of aluminum foil and drizzle with olive oil. Wrap the foil tightly around the garlic.
- Roast in the oven for about 30 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and golden brown.
- Let it cool, then squeeze the soft garlic out of the cloves. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Dough
Time to get started on the base of your focaccia—soft, pillowy dough.
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Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, mix the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently, then let it sit for about 5–10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes bubbly. This step ensures your yeast is alive and ready to make the dough rise.
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Mix the dough: Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, and mix until a soft dough forms. It should be slightly sticky but not wet.
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Knead: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes. Kneading makes the dough smooth and elastic, which is key for great bread.
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Let it rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise for about an hour in a warm spot, or until it doubles in size.
Step 3: Shape and Top the Dough
Now comes the fun part—adding the toppings!
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Prepare the pan: Grease a baking tray or a 9×13-inch pan with olive oil. Alternatively, you can use parchment paper.
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Shape the dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Stretch and spread the dough into your prepared pan, shaping it evenly.
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Dimple the dough: Use your fingers to press deep dimples all over the surface of the dough. This gives focaccia its signature look.
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Add the toppings: Drizzle olive oil over the dough. Spread the roasted garlic into the dimples, tearing the cloves into smaller pieces if needed. Sprinkle fresh rosemary leaves, coarse sea salt, and optional toppings like black pepper or Parmesan cheese.
Step 4: Bake Your Focaccia
With the toppings in place, it’s time to bake!
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Bake the focaccia for 20–25 minutes, or until it’s golden brown on the top and the edges pull away from the pan slightly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Drizzle with more olive oil if you like.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Cut your freshly baked focaccia into squares or rectangles and serve warm. It pairs beautifully with soups, salads, and pasta dishes. You can also dip it in olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a simple yet delicious appetizer.
Tips for Success
- Let the dough rest: Don’t rush the rising process—it’s what makes the bread soft and fluffy.
- Experiment with toppings: While garlic and rosemary are classic, you can try other combinations like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or caramelized onions.
- Store leftovers: If you have leftovers (unlikely!), store them in an airtight container for up to two days. Reheat in the oven to restore its crispiness.
Final Thoughts
Making roasted garlic and rosemary focaccia at home is easier than you think. With simple ingredients and a little patience, you’ll create a bread that’s not just delicious but also incredibly rewarding. Whether it’s a family dinner or a solo kitchen experiment, homemade focaccia is a definite win.
Give this recipe a try, and let us know how it turned out. Happy baking!
