Heavenly Herb Focaccia
Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of our Heavenly Herb Focaccia, the perfect companion for cozy evenings spent with loved ones. Inspired by long days on the farm, this focaccia is more than just bread; it’s a celebration of simplicity and the joy of sharing. The aromatic herbs and olive oil create a fragrant crust that beckons for tearing apart and devouring. Bake a batch after a busy Saturday, pairing it with warm tea or a refreshing beer, and gather around the wood stove to savor each slice. Enjoy the process, embrace the mess, and relish every bite. After all, cooking is about love and connection—may this focaccia bring you joy and comfort with every nibble.
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
unbleached bread flour
5 1/4 cups (measured)
sugar
2 tablespoons (measured)
kosher salt
4 teaspoons (measured)
instant yeast
1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) (measured)
warm water
2 1/2 cups (heated)
olive oil
4 tablespoons, divided (measured)
crushed rosemary
1 dash (optional for topping)
crushed thyme
1 dash (optional for topping)
coarse salt
to taste (for sprinkling)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the unbleached bread flour, sugar, kosher salt, and instant yeast. Pour in the warm water and stir until just combined.
2
If using a stand mixer, attach the paddle and mix on low speed for about 30 seconds until a sticky ball forms. Switch to the dough hook and knead on medium-low speed for 3 minutes. Let the dough rest for 5 minutes, then knead for an additional 3 minutes until it is smooth and elastic, but still quite wet.
3
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. With floured hands, stretch the dough gently to almost double its size, then fold it over itself. Rotate the dough a quarter turn and repeat this stretching and folding process four times.
4
Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the dough and gently knead it a couple of more times.
5
Lightly oil a large bowl with 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil. Place the dough inside, turning it over once to coat it in the oil. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap. Allow the dough to rise at room temperature until it has doubled in size, or refrigerate it overnight for a slow rise.
6
Once the dough has risen, prepare a 13x18-inch rimmed baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper and drizzling 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the surface. Transfer the dough onto the sheet, guiding it gently from the bowl.
7
Drizzle another tablespoon of olive oil over the top of the dough. Use your fingertips to dimple the surface of the dough, pressing down and stretching it out towards the edges of the pan. If the dough is resistant, allow it to rest for 20 minutes before continuing to stretch and dimple.
8
Preheat your oven to 475°F. Allow the dough to rise on the baking sheet for about 30 minutes or until it swells to about 1.5 times its original size.
9
Before baking, sprinkle the top with coarse sea salt and any additional toppings you desire (like rosemary or thyme). Carefully place the pan in the oven and reduce the temperature to 450°F. Bake for approximately 20 minutes or until the focaccia is golden brown on top and bottom.
10
Remove from the oven and carefully transfer the focaccia to a wire rack to cool slightly. Brush the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over the top for extra flavor and shine.
11
Cut into squares, serve warm, and enjoy with your favorite beverages!
Nutrition Information
5.6g
Fat
42.5g
Carbs
7.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Heavenly Herb Focaccia?
Heavenly Herb Focaccia is a warm, comforting bread inspired by farm life, featuring aromatic herbs, olive oil, and a fragrant crust.
What type of flour is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 5 1/4 cups of measured unbleached bread flour for the best structure and texture.
Can I use sugar in the dough?
Yes, the recipe requires 2 tablespoons of sugar to help feed the yeast and assist with browning.
How much salt is needed for the dough?
You will need 4 teaspoons of measured kosher salt for the dough itself.
What kind of yeast should I use?
The recipe uses 1 package, or 2 1/4 teaspoons, of instant yeast.
How much water is required for the focaccia dough?
The recipe requires 2 1/2 cups of heated warm water.
How much olive oil do I need in total?
You need a total of 4 tablespoons of olive oil, which is divided for use in the dough, the pan, the dimpling process, and the final glaze.
What herbs are suggested for the topping?
Optional herb toppings include a dash of crushed rosemary and a dash of crushed thyme.
Do I need a specific type of salt for the topping?
Yes, coarse salt is used for sprinkling on top of the dough before it goes into the oven.
Can I use a stand mixer for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment initially and then switch to a dough hook.
How long should I knead the dough with a stand mixer?
Knead on medium-low speed for 3 minutes, let it rest for 5 minutes, and then knead for an additional 3 minutes.
What is the correct texture for the dough?
The dough should be smooth and elastic, though it will remain quite wet.
What is the 'stretch and fold' process?
Gently stretch the dough to almost double its size, fold it over itself, rotate a quarter turn, and repeat four times.
How long should the dough rise at room temperature?
Allow the dough to rise until it has doubled in size.
Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough tightly covered in plastic wrap overnight for a slow rise.
What size baking sheet is used for this focaccia?
The recipe is designed for a 13x18-inch rimmed baking sheet.
How do I prepare the baking sheet?
Line the sheet with parchment paper and drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the surface.
What does 'dimpling' the dough mean?
Using your fingertips to press down into the surface of the dough, creating small indentations while stretching it to the edges of the pan.
What if the dough is too resistant to stretch?
If the dough resists stretching, let it rest for 20 minutes before continuing to stretch and dimple.
How long is the second rise on the baking sheet?
The dough should rise on the baking sheet for about 30 minutes until it swells to 1.5 times its size.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
Preheat the oven to 475°F, then reduce it to 450°F once the focaccia is placed inside.
How long does the focaccia take to bake?
Bake for approximately 20 minutes or until the bread is golden brown on both the top and bottom.
What should I do immediately after taking it out of the oven?
Transfer it to a wire rack to cool slightly and brush the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over the top.
How many calories are in a serving of this focaccia?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
What is the nutritional content regarding fat and protein?
Each serving has 5.6g of fat and 7.5g of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in one serving?
There are 42.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
What are some suggested beverage pairings for this bread?
This focaccia pairs wonderfully with warm tea or a refreshing beer.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total, including optional toppings and oil divisions.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
Tags include focaccia, herb bread, yeast bread, easy recipe, homemade bread, and comfort food.
How should the focaccia be sliced for serving?
The bread should be cut into squares and served while still warm.