Name: Roasted Garlic Focaccia with Rosemary
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 cup olive oil (divided); 1 large head garlic (cut in half widthwise); 1 envelope (2 teaspoons) active dry yeast; 1 ½ cups warm water; 4 cups white flour (all-purpose); 2 teaspoons fine grain sea salt; Just under 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary (coarsely chopped); flaky sea salt (for finishing)

If you’ve ever walked into a bakery and been greeted by the warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked bread, you know just how comforting that scent can be. Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that captures that essence—Roasted Garlic Focaccia with Rosemary. This bread is not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious, boasting a golden-brown crust and a soft, airy inside. Topped with fragrant rosemary and the rich flavor of roasted garlic, it’s perfect for dipping in olive oil, serving alongside your favorite soups, or enjoying straight out of the oven.

Why It Works Every Time

Roasting the garlic brings out its natural sweetness, transforming the pungent raw flavor into a mellow, caramelized delight. Pairing it with fresh rosemary adds an aromatic depth that elevates the focaccia to new heights. The high hydration dough ensures a light and airy texture, while the generous olive oil enhances the bread’s moisture and flavor. This combination is what makes this Roasted Garlic Focaccia with Rosemary a guaranteed hit, every time you make it.

Ingredient Breakdown

1 cup olive oil: This will give your focaccia a luscious texture and rich flavor.
1 large head of garlic, cut in half widthwise: Roasting this creates a sweet and buttery taste that complements the bread beautifully.
1 envelope (2 teaspoons) active dry yeast: Essential for leavening the dough and giving it that wonderful rise.
1 ½ cups warm water: Helps activate the yeast and hydrate the flour for a perfect dough consistency.
4 cups white flour: The backbone of your focaccia; all-purpose flour works best here.
2 teaspoons fine grain sea salt: Enhances the flavor of the bread.
Just under 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped, fresh rosemary (from 3-4 sprigs): Adds a fragrant herbal note.
Flaky sea salt: For finishing, giving that beautiful crunch and additional flavor.

Toolbox for This Recipe

Large mixing bowl: To mix and knead the dough.
Measuring cups and spoons: Precision is key in baking.
Plastic wrap or kitchen towel: To cover the dough during its rise.
Baking sheet: For baking the focaccia.
Silicone spatula: Handy for mixing and scraping down the sides of the bowl.
Oven mitts: Essential for safely handling hot pans.

Mastering Roasted Garlic Focaccia with Rosemary: How-To

Step 1: Roast the Garlic

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the halved garlic head on a piece of aluminum foil, drizzle with a tablespoon of olive oil, and wrap it tightly. Roast for about 30-35 minutes, until the cloves are soft and golden. Allow it to cool slightly before squeezing the roasted garlic into a bowl. Mash it with a fork until smooth.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy. This ensures your yeast is active. Next, stir in the roasted garlic, remaining olive oil, and fine grain sea salt.

Step 3: Mix in the Flour

Gradually add the white flour to the mixture, stirring until a shaggy dough forms. The dough will be sticky, which is normal for focaccia.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can also do this in a stand mixer with a dough hook for about 4 minutes on medium speed.

Step 5: First Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 6: Shape the Focaccia

Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Transfer the dough to a greased baking sheet and stretch it out to fit the pan, using your fingers to create dimples all over the surface.

Step 7: Second Rise

Cover the dough again and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes. During this time, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

Step 8: Top and Bake

After the second rise, drizzle the top of the focaccia with olive oil, sprinkle with fresh rosemary, and finish with flaky sea salt. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Remove the focaccia from the oven and let it cool slightly on a wire rack. Slice and serve warm, or let it cool completely for later enjoyment.

Flavor-Forward Alternatives

Herb Variations: Try using thyme, oregano, or basil for a different herbaceous note.
Cheese Lovers: Add shredded mozzarella or parmesan on top before baking for a cheesy twist.
Olive Addition: Incorporate chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes into the dough for extra flavor.
Spicy Kick: Mix in some red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.

Behind-the-Scenes Notes

Focaccia is one of those magical breads that seems complex but is genuinely straightforward. The key is patience during the rising times; they allow the flavors to develop and the texture to become light and airy. If you find yourself short on time, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight. Just ensure you bring it back to room temperature before shaping.

Storage & Reheat Guide

To keep your Roasted Garlic Focaccia with Rosemary fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for up to a month. To reheat, simply pop it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

Common Questions

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of white flour?

Yes, you can substitute some or all of the white flour with whole wheat flour. Just keep in mind that the texture will be denser, and you may need to adjust the water content slightly.

What if my dough doesn’t rise?

If your dough doesn’t rise, it could be due to inactive yeast. Always check if your yeast is fresh by dissolving it in warm water with a bit of sugar before adding it to your dough.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum to help mimic the elasticity of gluten.

How can I enhance the flavor of the focaccia?

Experiment by adding various toppings before baking, such as sliced olives, cherry tomatoes, or different herbs. You can also infuse your olive oil with garlic or chili for added depth.

Healthy-ish Favorites

See You at the Table

As you gather around the table to enjoy your warm, homemade Roasted Garlic Focaccia with Rosemary, you’ll find that it’s more than just bread; it’s an experience. The aroma fills your kitchen, inviting everyone to take a seat and share in the moment. Whether you serve it at a dinner party, as a side to your favorite soup, or simply enjoy it with a drizzle of olive oil, this focaccia is sure to impress. So roll up your sleeves, unleash your inner baker, and enjoy the process. Happy baking!