Garlic Herb Focaccia Bread Easy and Flavorful Recipe

If you crave warm, homemade bread that bursts with flavor, you've found the right recipe! My Garlic Herb Focaccia Bread is easy to make and incredibly tasty. In this post, I’ll guide you through each step, share helpful tips, and reveal how to add your unique touch. Whether you're a first-time baker or a seasoned pro, this focaccia will impress you and your guests. Let’s get started on this delicious journey!

Ingredients

Complete List of Ingredients

To make Garlic Herb Focaccia Bread, you need:

- 4 cups all-purpose flour

- 1 tablespoon instant yeast

- 1 teaspoon sugar

- 2 teaspoons salt

- 1 ½ cups warm water (around 110°F)

- 1/4 cup olive oil, plus more for drizzling

- 5 cloves garlic, minced

- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped

- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped

- Coarse sea salt for sprinkling

Importance of Each Ingredient

Each ingredient plays a key role in the flavor and texture of the bread:

- All-purpose flour gives the bread its structure. It helps create a chewy and soft crumb.

- Instant yeast makes the dough rise quickly. It adds air pockets to the bread.

- Sugar feeds the yeast. This helps it grow and creates a slight sweetness.

- Salt adds flavor. It also controls yeast activity and strengthens the dough.

- Warm water activates the yeast. It must be warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.

- Olive oil adds richness and flavor. It keeps the bread moist and tender.

- Garlic provides a strong, savory taste. It’s the star of this focaccia.

- Rosemary and thyme add fresh herbal notes. They enhance the overall flavor.

- Coarse sea salt on top gives a nice crunch and salty finish.

Substitutions and Alternatives

If you want to change things up, here are some easy swaps:

- Flour: You can use whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste.

- Yeast: Active dry yeast works too; just proof it first in warm water.

- Olive oil: Use avocado oil for a different flavor or canola oil for a neutral taste.

- Garlic: Garlic powder can replace fresh garlic in a pinch. Use about 1 teaspoon.

- Herbs: Try basil or oregano if you don’t have rosemary or thyme.

- Sea salt: Kosher salt can replace coarse sea salt for topping.

Feel free to mix and match based on what you have at home.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation and Mixing

To start, gather your ingredients. In a large bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and instant yeast. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. You want it to become frothy. This shows the yeast is active. Next, add the flour, salt, and olive oil. Use a wooden spoon to mix until the dough starts to form.

Kneading and Rising

Now, transfer the dough to a floured surface. Knead it for about 8 to 10 minutes. You want it to feel smooth and elastic. If you have a stand mixer with a dough hook, you can use that instead. Once kneaded, shape the dough into a ball. Place it in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it to coat. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour. It should double in size.

Baking the Focaccia

After the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a baking sheet or cast-iron skillet with olive oil. Punch down the dough and transfer it to the baking sheet. Use your fingers to gently stretch the dough to fit the pan. In a small bowl, mix minced garlic, rosemary, and thyme. Press your fingers into the dough to make dimples. Sprinkle the herb mixture over the dough. Drizzle with more olive oil and add coarse sea salt on top. Let it rest for an additional 20 minutes. Bake in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes. It should be golden brown. Once done, remove it from the oven, let it cool slightly, then slice and serve warm.

Tips & Tricks

Achieving the Perfect Texture

To get that soft and airy texture, focus on kneading. Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes. This helps develop gluten. Gluten gives the bread its structure. Use a stand mixer if you want less work. Just let it mix until smooth.

Let the dough rise in a warm spot. This helps it grow. The dough should double in size. If it does not, your yeast may be old. Always check the expiration date of your yeast.

Flavor Enhancements

To enhance the flavor, add fresh herbs. Rosemary and thyme are great choices. They add depth and aroma. You can also try adding grated cheese. Parmesan or mozzarella works well.

Drizzling olive oil on top adds richness. It creates a nice golden crust. Sprinkle coarse sea salt for a crunch. This helps balance the flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One common mistake is adding too much flour. This can make the bread dense. Always measure your flour correctly. Use a kitchen scale for accuracy.

Another mistake is not letting the dough rise enough. Patience is key. If you rush, the bread may turn out flat.

Finally, avoid opening the oven too often. Each time you do, heat escapes. This can affect the baking time. Keep the oven closed until the timer goes off.

Variations

Adding Cheese or Other Herbs

You can make this focaccia even better by adding cheese. Try mozzarella or feta for a tasty surprise. Mix in 1 cup of your favorite cheese when you knead the dough. For herbs, consider basil, oregano, or even parsley. Each herb gives a new flavor twist. You can also add sun-dried tomatoes or olives for a more robust taste. Be creative with your choices!

Gluten-Free Version

Want a gluten-free focaccia? Use 4 cups of gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour. Make sure it has xanthan gum for best results. Follow the same steps as in the recipe. The dough may be a bit stickier, so add more flour if needed. The baking time stays the same, but keep an eye on it. You want a golden brown crust.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your focaccia warm with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping. It pairs great with soups and salads. Use it as a sandwich base for fun lunch ideas. You can also slice it into bites for a party appetizer. The focaccia is tasty on its own, but these serving ideas make it shine!

Storage Info

How to Store Leftover Focaccia

To store leftover focaccia, wrap it in plastic wrap or foil. You can also place it in a zip-top bag. This keeps the bread soft and fresh. Store it at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option.

Freezing Instructions

To freeze your focaccia, first let it cool completely. Then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Next, place the wrapped focaccia in a freezer-safe bag. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight.

Reheating Tips

To reheat focaccia, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take the bread out of its wrapping. Place it on a baking sheet and warm it for about 10-15 minutes. This method revives its crispy crust and soft inside. For a quick option, you can microwave it for about 20-30 seconds. Enjoy your focaccia warm!

FAQs

How long does it take to make garlic herb focaccia bread?

Making garlic herb focaccia bread takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes. This includes prep and cooking time. First, you mix and knead the dough, which takes about 15 minutes. Then, let it rise for 1 hour. After that, you bake it for 20-25 minutes.

Can I make focaccia bread without yeast?

Yes, you can make focaccia without yeast. You can use baking powder instead. This will give you a quick and easy version. However, it will not have the same texture. Yeast helps create that lovely rise and chewiness.

What are the best toppings for focaccia bread?

The best toppings for focaccia include garlic, herbs, and coarse sea salt. I love using fresh rosemary and thyme for flavor. You can also add cheese, olives, or sun-dried tomatoes. Feel free to experiment with toppings you love!

You’ve learned about the key ingredients and their importance. You saw how to mix, knead, and bake focaccia bread. Tips helped you avoid common mistakes and enhance texture and flavor. You discovered tasty variations, storage tips, and even answered common questions.

Now, you can confidently create your own focaccia. Enjoy the process and share it with others. Great bread starts with great ingredients and simple steps!