Description
Crispy, fluffy focaccia bread with garlic, perfect for pairing with pasta, soup, or as a stand-alone snack.
Ingredients
4 cups (500g) bread flour
1 ½ cups (360ml) warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
2 ¼ teaspoons (7g) instant yeast or active dry yeast
1 teaspoon sugar
2 teaspoons sea salt
¼ cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil (plus more for greasing)
6 large fresh garlic cloves, minced or roasted
2 tablespoons fresh parsley or rosemary, chopped
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or olive oil for vegan option)
½ cup (50g) parmesan or mozzarella cheese (optional)
1 teaspoon flaky sea salt for topping
Instructions
1. If using active dry yeast, mix with warm water and sugar, then let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy. Skip this step for instant yeast.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour and sea salt. Add the yeast mixture (or water if using instant yeast) and olive oil. Stir until a sticky dough forms.
3. Cover and let rise for 1–2 hours in a warm spot, or overnight in the fridge for deeper flavor.
4. While dough rises, gently sauté or roast garlic in butter and olive oil until golden. Stir in fresh herbs.
5. Generously oil a baking pan. Transfer dough, stretching gently to fit. Press deep dimples across the surface with your fingertips.
6. Cover and let rise again for 1 hour until puffy.
7. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown with crisp edges.
8. Brush immediately with garlic butter. Sprinkle with cheese if using. Slice or tear and serve warm.
Notes
Bread flour gives a chewier texture, but all-purpose flour works too.
Roasting garlic results in a sweeter, milder flavor than raw garlic.
Avoid refrigerating baked focaccia to preserve its tender crumb.
For gluten-free variation, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and check my gluten-free focaccia recipe.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 slices
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg