Rosemary Focaccia Bread Recipe

If you’re looking for a delicious, aromatic bread to elevate your meals, Rosemary Focaccia is a perfect choice. This Italian flatbread is soft, fluffy, and infused with the earthy, fragrant flavor of rosemary. Whether you’re enjoying it as a side, dipping it in olive oil, or making it the star of your sandwich, this focaccia bread will be a hit!

Let’s dive into this simple yet flavorful recipe, and I’ll guide you through each step to create this mouthwatering treat. 😋🍞

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🌟 Why You’ll Love This Rosemary Focaccia Bread

• Fluffy and Soft Texture – The dough is airy and light, making each bite perfect.
• Aromatic and Flavorful – Rosemary brings an earthy depth to the bread.
• Simple Ingredients – Just a few pantry staples for an amazing result.
• Versatile – Enjoy it as a side, snack, or sandwich base.
• Easy to Make – With step-by-step instructions, you’ll be baking like a pro in no time! 🔥

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🛒 Key Ingredients for Rosemary Focaccia Bread

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this irresistible bread:

🍞 For the Bread Dough:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour – For the perfect dough texture.
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt – Adds flavor and balances the bread.
• 1 teaspoon sugar – Feeds the yeast and promotes rising.
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast – The secret to a fluffy texture.
• 1 ½ cups warm water – Helps activate the yeast.
• ¼ cup olive oil – Adds richness to the dough.
• 1 tablespoon honey – For a touch of sweetness.

🌿 For the Rosemary Topping:

• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary – Finely chopped for an aromatic punch.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – For drizzling over the top.
• Sea salt flakes – A sprinkle for a burst of flavor on top.

💡 Substitutions & Variations:

• Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free flour blends for a gluten-free option.
• Other Herbs – Try thyme, oregano, or basil for a different herbal twist.
• Add-ins – Throw in olives, garlic, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.

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👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

🔥 Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar.
2. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
3. Add the yeast mixture, olive oil, and honey to the dry ingredients. Mix with a spoon until combined, and then knead by hand or with a stand mixer for 5–7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

💡 Pro Tip: If the dough is too sticky, add a little flour, one tablespoon at a time. If it’s too dry, add a little more water.

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🌱 Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

1. Lightly oil a large bowl and place the dough inside, turning it once to coat in oil.
2. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until the dough doubles in size.

💡 Pro Tip: If it’s cold in your kitchen, you can place the bowl in an oven with the light on to create a warm environment for the dough.

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🍞 Step 3: Shape the Focaccia

1. After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air.
2. Transfer the dough onto a well-floured surface and gently stretch it into a rectangle or circle, about 1-inch thick.
3. Transfer the dough to a greased baking sheet or a baking dish, and gently press your fingers into the dough to create those characteristic dimples.

💡 Pro Tip: Use your fingertips to press down firmly, but don’t pierce the dough completely.

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🌿 Step 4: Add the Toppings

1. Drizzle the dough with olive oil, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
2. Sprinkle the chopped rosemary evenly over the dough, pressing it slightly into the dough.
3. Add a generous pinch of sea salt flakes to enhance the flavor.

💡 Pro Tip: For extra flavor, add a few extra rosemary sprigs on top before baking.

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🔥 Step 5: Bake the Focaccia

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Bake the focaccia for 20–25 minutes until the bread is golden brown and crispy on top.
3. If you prefer an extra crispy crust, you can broil it for the last 2–3 minutes.

💡 Pro Tip: Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even cooking.

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🍞 Step 6: Cool and Serve

1. Once the focaccia is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
2. Drizzle a little extra olive oil on top for a rich, finishing touch.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

This rosemary focaccia bread is incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways:

• As a Side – Serve alongside a hearty soup or salad for a complete meal.
• For Dipping – Pair with balsamic vinegar and olive oil for dipping.
• Make Sandwiches – Slice the focaccia and fill it with your favorite sandwich fillings, like turkey, cheese, or roasted vegetables.
• Snack – Perfect as a quick snack with a bit of olive oil and balsamic drizzle!

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🧊 Storing and Reheating Rosemary Focaccia

📦 Storing Leftovers:

• Let the focaccia cool completely before storing.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• You can also wrap it in plastic wrap and then foil to freeze for up to 1 month.

🔥 Reheating Instructions:

• Oven – Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore its crispy texture.
• Microwave – For a quicker option, microwave for 20-30 seconds, though it may soften the crust.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?

Yes! Simply substitute the honey with maple syrup and omit the honey glaze. You can also use dairy-free alternatives like olive oil in place of butter.

2. How Can I Make This Focaccia Extra Fluffy?

To make the focaccia extra fluffy, ensure that the dough rises properly. Also, avoid overworking the dough when shaping it, as this can result in a denser loaf.

3. Can I Use Dried Rosemary Instead of Fresh?

Fresh rosemary gives the best flavor, but if you only have dried rosemary, you can use it as a substitute. Use 1 tablespoon of dried rosemary for every 2 tablespoons of fresh rosemary.

4. Can I Add Toppings to the Focaccia?

Absolutely! You can add toppings like olives, cherry tomatoes, garlic, or even cheese. Just make sure not to overload the dough with too many toppings, as it may affect the rise.

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🍞 Conclusion – A Must-Try Bread!

This Rosemary Focaccia bread is truly a showstopper! With its fluffy texture, aromatic rosemary, and rich olive oil, it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party, using it for sandwiches, or simply enjoying it with a bowl of olive oil and balsamic vinegar, this bread is guaranteed to impress. 🌿🍞

Baking focaccia at home might seem intimidating, but this simple recipe makes it so easy. With just a few ingredients and a little time, you’ll have fresh, homemade focaccia that rivals anything you can buy from the bakery. Try it out today, and you’ll be hooked on the deliciousness of homemade rosemary focaccia! 😋🔥