Name: Savory Herb Focaccia
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon sugar; 2 teaspoons active dry yeast; 3/4 cup warm water; 3 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for drizzling); 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary); 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; Coarse sea salt, for topping

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Savory Herb Focaccia is a soft, fluffy, and fragrant Italian bread that is perfect for serving as a side dish, snack, or even as the base for sandwiches. With its golden, crispy crust and a rich, flavorful herb-infused dough, this focaccia is a great addition to any meal. The best part? It’s simple to make, requiring minimal ingredients, yet delivers incredible flavor and texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Savory Herb Focaccia is incredibly versatile, and the flavor possibilities are endless. The dough is lightly seasoned with fresh herbs, olive oil, and a touch of sea salt, giving it a beautifully aromatic taste that pairs well with just about anything. It’s perfect for dipping in olive oil, serving with pasta, or enjoying on its own. Plus, this focaccia is easy to make at home, and the result is a warm, fresh bread that’s far superior to store-bought versions.

Savory Herb Focaccia

Ingredients

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
1 tablespoon sugar
1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped)
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped)
1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
1/2 teaspoon sea salt (for topping)
Optional: Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or basil) for garnish

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes, until it becomes frothy and bubbly.
Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until the dough begins to come together.
Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. You can also knead in a stand mixer using a dough hook for 5-6 minutes.
First Rise: Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl, covering with a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Shape the Focaccia: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Transfer it to a greased baking sheet or a 9×13-inch pan. Use your fingers to press the dough out into an even rectangle, about 1 inch thick. Create dimples in the dough by pressing your fingertips into the surface.
Add the Toppings: Drizzle olive oil generously over the top of the dough, then sprinkle the rosemary, thyme, garlic powder (if using), and sea salt on top. You can also add fresh herbs for extra flavor and color.
Second Rise: Let the dough rest for 15-20 minutes to rise slightly while the oven finishes preheating.
Bake: Bake the focaccia in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy, and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Serve: Remove the focaccia from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with extra olive oil for dipping or alongside your favorite dish.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 8 servings. Prep time is about 20 minutes, with a rise time of 1.5 hours, and bake time is 20-25 minutes.

Variations

Cheese-Filled Focaccia: Add mozzarella or parmesan cheese to the dough or sprinkle cheese on top before baking for a cheesy twist.
Olive or Sun-Dried Tomato Focaccia: Add chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted garlic to the dough or top before baking for extra flavor.
Spicy Focaccia: Add red pepper flakes or chili oil to the dough or as a topping for a spicy kick.
Sweet Focaccia: For a sweet version, skip the herbs and sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon before baking.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover focaccia at room temperature for up to 2 days in an airtight container. To keep it fresh longer, wrap it in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Focaccia can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
Reheating: Reheat focaccia by wrapping it in foil and warming it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warm.

FAQs

Can I use a bread machine for this recipe?

Yes, you can use a bread machine to knead the dough. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for making dough and allow it to rise accordingly.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free version. Make sure to check the flour blend’s package for proper instructions.

Can I add other herbs?

Absolutely! You can experiment with basil, oregano, sage, or thyme for additional flavor profiles. Fresh or dried herbs work well.

How do I make the focaccia crispier?

To get an even crispier crust, drizzle more olive oil on top before baking and bake the focaccia a little longer (but keep an eye on it to avoid burning).

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the recipe for a larger batch. Just make sure to use a larger baking pan and adjust the baking time slightly if needed.

Conclusion

Savory Herb Focaccia is an incredibly versatile and delicious bread that will become a favorite in your kitchen. With its fluffy interior, crispy exterior, and aromatic herbs, it’s perfect as a side for pasta, soups, salads, or just on its own with a drizzle of olive oil. This easy homemade focaccia is a perfect addition to any meal and is sure to impress anyone who tries it!