Print

Fluffy Fresh Herb Focaccia Bread

fresh herb focaccia bread - featured image
Print Recipe

A soft, fluffy homemade focaccia bread infused with fresh rosemary and thyme, perfect for any occasion and easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 1/2 cups (440g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp / 7g) active dry yeast
  • 1 1/2 tsp sea salt (fine or flaky)
  • 1 1/4 cups (300ml) warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
  • 2 tbsp fresh rosemary leaves, roughly chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
  • Coarse sea salt or flaky Maldon salt for sprinkling
  • Optional: 1 clove minced garlic

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast by stirring warm water and yeast in a large mixing bowl. Let sit for 5-7 minutes until frothy.
  2. Add flour, sea salt, and 1/4 cup olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or dough whisk until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until doubled in size.
  4. Drizzle a generous amount of olive oil into a 9×13 inch baking sheet, spreading it evenly.
  5. Transfer the risen dough onto the oiled pan and gently stretch and press it out to about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick using oiled hands.
  6. Cover the dough again and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes until slightly puffed.
  7. Use fingertips to press deep dimples all over the surface of the dough.
  8. Sprinkle chopped rosemary, thyme, and optional minced garlic evenly over the dough. Drizzle more olive oil over the top and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
  9. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the focaccia for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
  10. Remove from oven, brush with more olive oil while warm, and let cool slightly before slicing.

Notes

Do not overwork the dough; keep it sticky for fluffiness. Use plenty of olive oil for moisture and flavor. Be gentle when dimpling to keep air bubbles intact. Watch oven closely after 20 minutes to avoid burning. The bread stores well at room temperature for 2 days and freezes up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: focaccia, fresh herb bread, rosemary, thyme, homemade bread, easy focaccia, rustic bread, olive oil bread

Find it online: https://tessierecipes.com/fluffy-fresh-herb-focaccia-bread-recipe-easy-homemade-rustic-bread-tutorial/