Oh, this Garlic Herb Focaccia! It just screams sunshine and good times, doesn’t it? Living here in Valencia, the smells wafting from the market, especially the fresh herbs, have always inspired me. There’s something so incredibly comforting about baking bread, and this focaccia recipe is pure magic. It’s got that gorgeous Italian soul, bursting with fragrant rosemary and thyme, all mellowed out with sweet, garlicky goodness. It reminds me of lazy Sunday afternoons, sharing a big crusty loaf with family, maybe dipped in some of our amazing local olive oil. Trust me, this isn’t just bread; it’s a little piece of edible happiness that’s surprisingly simple to bring right into your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Herb Focaccia
Honestly, this recipe is a winner for so many reasons! It’s incredibly simple to put together, making it a fantastic easy garlic herb bread option even if you’re new to baking. The flavor? Oh my goodness, it’s just out of this world – a truly delightful savory herb bread recipe that smells as good as it tastes. Plus, it looks absolutely stunning on any table with those dimples and herbs scattered on top. It’s just gorgeous!
- Super easy to make, perfect for all skill levels!
- Packed with amazing garlic and herb flavor.
- Versatile enough for any meal or occasion.
- Visually impressive with a rustic, homemade charm.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This Garlic Herb Focaccia is your new best friend for entertaining or just a cozy family dinner. It’s perfect for dipping in soup, serving alongside pasta, or even just enjoying on its own as a delicious snack. It really dresses up any meal!
Simple Steps to Homemade Garlic Focaccia Success
Don’t be intimidated by making bread! This recipe breaks everything down into easy-to-follow steps. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to create a beautiful, flavorful loaf of homemade garlic focaccia right in your own kitchen. You’ve got this!
Essential Ingredients for Your Garlic Herb Focaccia
Alright, let’s talk about what you’ll need to make this gorgeous Garlic Herb Focaccia! It’s really all about good quality, simple ingredients that let the flavors shine. You’ll need 500g of strong bread flour – this is key for that lovely chewy texture. We’ll use 350ml of warm water to get our yeast going, and 7g of active dry yeast, of course. Don’t forget the salt, just 10g, and 50ml of good olive oil for the dough itself, plus a little extra for greasing the pan and for drizzling. For that amazing aroma, we’ll need 2 cloves of garlic, minced up fine, and for the herbs, about 2 tablespoons of fresh rosemary and 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme, all chopped up nicely. And for that final flourish, some flaky sea salt for sprinkling on top. Simple, right?
Flour Power for Your Garlic Herb Focaccia
Using strong bread flour is really important here! It has a higher protein content, which means it develops gluten better. That’s what gives our Garlic Herb Focaccia that wonderful chewy texture and lovely structure we’re after.
The Aromatics: Garlic and Herbs
This is where the magic happens! Fresh garlic, minced super fine, gets sweet and mellow when it bakes. And the herbs – oh, the herbs! We’re using fresh rosemary and thyme here, but feel free to play around. They fill your kitchen with the most amazing scent, making this Garlic Herb Focaccia truly irresistible.
Olive Oil: The Heart of Focaccia
Olive oil is basically the soul of focaccia! We knead some right into the dough for tenderness and flavor, and then we generously drizzle more on top before baking. It helps create that slightly crisp crust and keeps the inside wonderfully moist, making our Garlic Herb Focaccia absolutely divine.
Crafting Your Perfect Garlic Herb Focaccia: Step-by-Step
Activating the Yeast and Mixing the Dough
Okay, first things first! Grab a big bowl and pour in your warm water. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and just let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes. You want to see it get nice and foamy – that tells you the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic for our Garlic Herb Focaccia. Then, add your flour and salt. Give it a good mix with a spoon or your hands until it all comes together into a shaggy dough.
Kneading and First Rise for Your Garlic Herb Focaccia
Now, pour in that lovely olive oil. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and get ready to knead! You want to work it for about 8 to 10 minutes until it’s super smooth and elastic. It’s like a little workout for your dough! Pop it into a lightly oiled bowl, cover it up with plastic wrap, and let it rest in a warm spot. Give it 1 to 1.5 hours – it should get nice and puffy, about double its size. This first rise is crucial for our Garlic Herb Focaccia.
Shaping and Second Rise in the Pan
Gently punch down that beautiful risen dough. Now, take your 9×13 inch baking pan and pour about 2 tablespoons of olive oil right into the bottom. Spread it around evenly. Carefully place your dough into the pan and just gently stretch it out with your fingertips until it fills the pan. Don’t force it! Cover it again and let it have another little rest for about 30 minutes. This second rise helps create that lovely texture in our Garlic Herb Focaccia.
Dimpling and Topping Your Garlic Herb Focaccia
Preheat your oven to a nice hot 425°F (220°C). Once the dough has rested, it’s time for the fun part! Use your fingertips to gently press dimples all over the surface of the dough – don’t go all the way through! Drizzle another 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the top, making sure it pools in those little dimples. Now, scatter your minced garlic, chopped rosemary, and thyme all over. This is what makes it a true herb focaccia bread recipe! Finish it off with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
Baking Your Golden Garlic Herb Focaccia
Pop that pan into your preheated oven. Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for a gorgeous golden brown color all over the top, and when you tap the bottom, it should sound nicely hollow. That’s how you know your Garlic Herb Focaccia is perfectly baked and ready to impress!
Tips for Amazing Garlic Herb Focaccia
Want to make sure your Garlic Herb Focaccia turns out absolutely perfect every single time? It’s all about a few little secrets! Don’t worry, they’re super simple and make a huge difference.
Ensuring Active Yeast for Your Garlic Herb Focaccia
Before you even start mixing, make sure your yeast is happy! Just sprinkle it over the warm water and wait a few minutes. If it gets foamy and bubbly, it’s ready to go. If not, grab a new packet – dead yeast means no rise for your beautiful Garlic Herb Focaccia!
Herb Focaccia Bread Recipe Variations
This recipe is fantastic as is, but oh, the possibilities! Feel free to swap out the herbs for what you love. Basil, oregano, or sage are wonderful additions. And for an extra special touch, try adding a tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese right along with the herbs and garlic. It makes this herb focaccia bread recipe even more decadent!
Achieving that Perfect Garlic Focaccia Topping
That generous drizzle of olive oil and sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top? Don’t skimp! The oil helps create those lovely crisp edges and pools in the dimples, while the salt adds that perfect savory crunch. It really elevates the whole experience of your Garlic Herb Focaccia, giving it that classic, irresistible finish.
Serving and Storing Your Delicious Garlic Herb Focaccia
Once your Garlic Herb Focaccia has cooled just a bit, it’s ready to be devoured! It’s absolutely divine served warm, cut into squares. The aroma alone is enough to make everyone gather around the table.
Best Ways to Enjoy Your Garlic Herb Focaccia
This Italian focaccia recipe is so versatile! It’s perfect as a side for pasta dishes, hearty soups, or a fresh salad. Or, honestly, just tear off a piece and enjoy it on its own with a little drizzle of your favorite olive oil. It makes an amazing appetizer or a satisfying snack any time of day!
Storing Leftover Garlic Herb Focaccia
If, by some small miracle, you have any leftovers, just wrap the cooled focaccia tightly in plastic wrap or pop it into an airtight container. It’ll stay lovely at room temperature for a day or two. If it starts to feel a little dry, just pop a slice in the oven for a few minutes to warm it up and bring it back to life!
Frequently Asked Questions about Garlic Herb Focaccia
Got questions about whipping up this amazing Garlic Herb Focaccia? I’ve got you covered! Baking should be fun, not fussy, so let’s clear up any little worries you might have about making this beautiful loaf.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh for my Garlic Herb Focaccia?
Absolutely! If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried ones work too. Just use about 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary and 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme. They’re a bit more concentrated, so a little goes a long way for your Garlic Herb Focaccia!
What makes this an easy garlic herb bread recipe?
It’s all about the simple steps! The dough comes together really quickly, and most of the time is just waiting for it to rise. There’s no fancy shaping or complicated techniques, making it a truly easy garlic herb bread that anyone can master.
How do I get the dimples in my Garlic Herb Focaccia?
Those lovely dimples are super easy to make! Once your dough has had its second rise in the pan, just lightly oil your fingertips and gently press them into the dough, all over the surface. Don’t push all the way through; you just want little indentations!
Can I make this rosemary garlic focaccia ahead of time?
You can definitely prepare the dough a day in advance! After the first rise, punch it down, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge overnight. Let it come to room temperature for about an hour before shaping and baking. It makes getting that rosemary garlic focaccia ready even quicker!
Estimated Nutritional Information for Garlic Herb Focaccia
Just a little note that these numbers are estimates, as things can change a bit depending on the exact brands you use and how much you drizzle! But generally, one slice of this delicious homemade Garlic Herb Focaccia has about 250 calories, 35g carbs, 6g protein, and 10g fat. It’s a tasty treat!
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Garlic Herb Focaccia: 5 Easy Steps
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple recipe for delicious Garlic Herb Focaccia, perfect for any occasion. This bread is infused with fresh herbs and garlic, offering a savory and aromatic experience.
Ingredients
- 500g strong bread flour
- 350ml warm water
- 7g active dry yeast
- 10g salt
- 50ml olive oil, plus extra for greasing
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- Flaky sea salt, for topping
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Pour in 50ml of olive oil and knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Gently punch down the dough. Pour 2 tablespoons of olive oil into a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Transfer the dough to the pan and gently stretch it to fill the pan.
- Cover the pan and let the dough rest for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Dimple the surface of the dough with your fingertips. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Scatter the minced garlic, rosemary, and thyme over the dough. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese with the herbs.
- Experiment with different herbs like basil, oregano, or sage.
- Ensure your yeast is active for proper dough rising.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Garlic Herb Focaccia, homemade garlic focaccia, herb focaccia bread recipe, easy garlic herb bread, Italian focaccia recipe, rosemary garlic focaccia, garlic olive oil focaccia, focaccia bread with herbs, savory herb bread recipe, quick focaccia bread