Day two of my #VLOGMAS2021 continues as I try for the very first time making the Rosemary Focaccia bread. It is quite simple and looks great once it is cooked. Focaccia is a flat leavened oven-baked Italian bread, similar in style and texture to pizza; in some places, it is called "pizza bianca". Focaccia can be served as a side dish or as sandwich bread. Are you ready to elevate your bread-baking game? Look no further than this delightful Rosemary Focaccia Bread recipe. With its fragrant rosemary infusion and perfectly crispy crust, this bread is a game-changer in your culinary repertoire. Whether you're an experienced baker or a newbie in the kitchen, this recipe is your ticket to bread heaven.
For the Bread Enthusiasts
If you're passionate about baking and crave the aroma of
fresh bread wafting through your kitchen, this Rosemary Focaccia Bread recipe
is tailor-made for you. It's a recipe that rewards patience and attention to
detail, resulting in a bread that's a visual masterpiece and a treat for your
taste buds. The combination of warm water, sugar or honey, yeast, and olive oil
creates a dough that's easy to work with and ensures a light, airy crumb.
Why Rosemary Focaccia Bread?
Rosemary Focaccia Bread is a classic Italian bread that has
won the hearts of food enthusiasts worldwide. Its simplicity is its strength -
the recipe relies on a few quality ingredients and the magic of time. Here's
why it's a must-try:
- Aromatherapy
in the Kitchen: The scent of fresh rosemary infusing the bread as it
bakes is an experience in itself. It'll transport you to a rustic Italian
kitchen.
- Versatility:
Focaccia bread is incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it as an appetizer
with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar, as a sandwich bread, or
alongside your favorite pasta dish.
- Texture
and Flavor: The combination of flaky sea salt and olive oil creates a
crispy, golden crust, while the interior remains tender and flavorful.
- Impress
Your Guests: If you're hosting a dinner party, serving homemade
Rosemary Focaccia Bread will undoubtedly earn you culinary nods
INGREDIENTS
Ingredients You'll Need
Equipment:
- Mixing
bowls
- Measuring
cups and spoons
- A
clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap
- Baking
sheet
- Parchment
paper
- Oven
Ingredients:
- 1 1/3
cups warm water
- 2
teaspoons sugar or honey
- 1
packet instant or dry active yeast
- 3 1/2
cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4
cup olive oil
- 2
teaspoons flaky sea salt
- 2
sprigs fresh rosemary
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Activate the Yeast
- In a
small bowl, combine warm water and sugar or honey. Stir until the sugar
dissolves.
- Sprinkle
the yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until
it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active.
2. Make the Dough
- In a
large mixing bowl, combine the flour and 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt.
- Pour
in the activated yeast mixture and 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Stir
until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough
- Flour
a clean surface and turn the dough out onto it.
- Knead
the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You
can add a bit more flour if it's too sticky.
4. First Rise
- Place
the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or
plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1-2 hours,
or until it doubles in size.
5. Shape and Second Rise
- Preheat
your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Punch
down the dough and transfer it to the prepared baking sheet.
- Gently
press it out to cover the entire sheet.
- Cover
the dough with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise again
for 20-30 minutes.
6. Add Rosemary and Olive Oil
- Using
your fingers, create dimples in the dough.
- Drizzle
the remaining olive oil over the dough and sprinkle with fresh rosemary
leaves.
- Sprinkle
the remaining sea salt over the top.
7. Bake to Perfection
- Bake
in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the focaccia is golden
brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
8. Serve and Enjoy
- Let
the Rosemary Focaccia Bread cool slightly before slicing and serving.
- Pair
it with your favorite dips, soups, or use it to make scrumptious
sandwiches.
Notes and Tips
- If
you want a more intense rosemary flavor, you can infuse the olive oil with
rosemary by heating it gently and letting it cool before using.
- Feel
free to experiment with toppings like olives, cherry tomatoes, or even
caramelized onions.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for a longer shelf life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh? A: Yes,
you can use dried rosemary, but keep in mind that dried herbs are more
concentrated in flavor, so use them sparingly.
Q: Can I make this bread gluten-free? A: You can try
using a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may vary slightly.
Q: How can I make the focaccia extra crispy? A: For a crisper crust, you can brush the dough with a bit of extra olive oil before baking.
Rosemary Focaccia Bread – FAQs
1. What is rosemary focaccia bread?
Rosemary focaccia is a soft, airy Italian flatbread topped with fresh rosemary, olive oil, and coarse salt, known for its fragrant herb flavor and slightly crispy crust.
2. How is focaccia different from regular bread?
Focaccia is flatter, has a tender crumb, and is richly flavored with olive oil and toppings like herbs, making it a flavorful accompaniment or snack.
3. Can I add other toppings?
Yes, ingredients like olives, cherry tomatoes, garlic, or sea salt flakes can be added to customize your focaccia.
4. How long does it take to make?
Typically about 2 to 3 hours including dough rising and baking time.
5. How should I store focaccia?
Store at room temperature in an airtight container for 1-2 days or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition Card – Approx. per 100g
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value (DV) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 270 kcal | — | Varies with oil amount |
| Protein | 7 g | 14% | From flour |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g | 15% | Mainly starch |
| Sugars | 1 g | — | Naturally occurring |
| Fat | 7 g | 11% | From olive oil |
| Sodium | 350 mg | 15% | Depends on added salt |
| Fiber | 3 g | 12% | From flour |
Dietary Compatibility & Notes
| Diet Type | Compatible? | Suggestions |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-Free | ❌ No | Use gluten-free flour blends |
| Dairy-Free | ✅ Yes | Typically dairy-free |
| Keto/Low-Carb | ❌ No | High in carbs |
| Paleo | ❌ No | Contains grains |
| Whole30 | ❌ No | Not compliant |
| Vegetarian | ✅ Yes | No animal products |
| Vegan | ✅ Yes | Uses no animal products |
Baking Tip:
Dimple the dough generously before baking to hold olive oil and rosemary, enhancing flavor and texture.
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