Herb-Infused Roasted Garlic Focaccia
Experience the delightful aroma and flavor of this Herb-Infused Roasted Garlic Focaccia. This charming bread benefits from slow-roasted garlic, which lends a mellow sweetness, complemented by the earthy fragrance of fresh rosemary. Made using a convenient crockpot method, this focaccia is not only easy to whip up but truly a crowd-pleaser. Perfect as a side to your favorite pasta, as a sandwich bread, or simply enjoyed warm with a drizzle of olive oil, it’s bound to disappear quickly—so be prepared to share or you might just finish it all yourself!
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Water
1 cup (Fresh, room temperature.)
Olive Oil
1 tablespoon (Extra virgin is preferred.)
Bread Flour
3 cups (Measured for accuracy.)
Salt
1 teaspoon (Kosher or sea salt.)
Active Dry Yeast
1 teaspoon (Quick-acting bread machine yeast.)
Roasted Garlic Cloves
10 cloves (Roasted until soft and caramelized.)
Coarse Salt
1/2 teaspoon (For topping.)
Fresh Rosemary
1 teaspoon (Chopped, or whole leaves if using fresh.)
Instructions
1
In your bread machine, add the water and olive oil first, followed by the bread flour, salt, and yeast, in that order.
2
Set the machine to the dough cycle. When it beeps to add additional ingredients (at the end of the cycle), incorporate the roasted garlic cloves.
3
Lightly grease a pizza pan or cookie sheet with olive oil. Once the dough cycle is complete, remove the dough and lightly punch it down on a floured surface.
4
Shape the dough into a round, rolling it out to approximately a 10 to 11-inch circle. Cover with plastic wrap and allow it to rise for 20 minutes in a warm area.
5
After the dough has risen, remove the plastic wrap and use your fingertips to poke indentations all over the surface of the dough without punching through.
6
Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the focaccia, then sprinkle with the coarse salt and fresh rosemary. Cover again and let it rise for another 15 minutes.
7
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Once preheated, remove the plastic wrap from the dough and bake it in the oven for 20 minutes until golden brown.
8
Cool the focaccia on a wire rack before slicing and serving it warm. Enjoy your delightful Herb-Infused Roasted Garlic Focaccia!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Herb-Infused Roasted Garlic Focaccia?
It is a savory Italian-style flatbread featuring slow-roasted garlic for sweetness and fresh rosemary for an earthy fragrance, typically prepared using a bread machine for the dough.
How many servings does this recipe produce?
This recipe yields 8 servings, making it perfect for a family meal or a small gathering.
Can I use a bread machine for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe specifically recommends using a bread machine on the dough cycle to mix and prepare the dough before shaping and baking.
What ingredients do I need for the focaccia dough?
You will need water, olive oil, bread flour, salt, and active dry yeast.
When should I add the roasted garlic cloves?
Incorporate the roasted garlic cloves at the end of the bread machine's dough cycle when it beeps to add additional ingredients.
How long should the dough rise after shaping?
The dough requires two rises: an initial 20-minute rise after shaping, and a final 15-minute rise after adding toppings and indentations.
What is the recommended baking temperature?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for the best baking results.
How long does the focaccia take to bake?
The focaccia should bake for approximately 20 minutes until it reaches a golden brown color.
Why do I need to poke indentations in the dough?
Poking indentations creates small wells that hold the olive oil, salt, and herbs, ensuring the flavor is distributed across the surface without the bread rising too high like a standard loaf.
What type of flour is best for this recipe?
Bread flour is recommended as its higher protein content provides the structure and chewiness desired in a traditional focaccia.
Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh?
While fresh rosemary provides the best fragrance, you can use dried rosemary; however, you should reduce the amount slightly as dried herbs are more concentrated.
What kind of oil should I use?
Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for its superior flavor and traditional role in Italian bread making.
How large should I roll out the dough?
Shape the dough into a round circle that is approximately 10 to 11 inches in diameter.
Do I need to grease the baking pan?
Yes, lightly grease a pizza pan or cookie sheet with olive oil to prevent sticking and to help crisp the bottom of the bread.
What should the garlic's texture be before adding it to the dough?
The garlic cloves should be roasted until they are soft, caramelized, and mellow in flavor.
What is the order of ingredients for the bread machine?
Add water and olive oil first, then follow with the bread flour, salt, and finally the yeast.
What type of yeast is required?
Active dry yeast or quick-acting bread machine yeast is required for this recipe.
Is there a specific salt for the topping?
The recipe calls for coarse salt for the topping to provide a nice crunch and localized bursts of flavor.
Can I serve this bread cold?
While it can be eaten cold, it is best enjoyed warm to experience the full aroma of the herbs and garlic.
How should I store leftover focaccia?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or freeze it for longer storage.
Can this be used for sandwiches?
Absolutely! It makes an excellent sandwich bread when sliced horizontally.
What does 'punching down' the dough mean?
It involves gently pressing the dough to release large air bubbles, which helps create a more even crumb structure.
How do I know when the dough cycle is finished?
Your bread machine will typically signal with a beep or a timer display when the dough cycle is complete and ready for shaping.
Should the water be at a specific temperature?
The water should be at room temperature to ensure the yeast activates correctly without being killed by high heat.
Can I add other herbs to this recipe?
Yes, while rosemary is traditional, you can experiment with thyme, oregano, or sage for different flavor profiles.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, the ingredients listed (flour, water, yeast, oil, herbs, garlic, salt) are all plant-based and vegan-friendly.
Do I need to cover the dough while it rises?
Yes, covering the dough with plastic wrap during the rising stages prevents the surface from drying out.
What is the best way to cool the focaccia?
Cool the bread on a wire rack to allow air circulation, which prevents the bottom from becoming soggy.
What can I pair this bread with?
It pairs beautifully with pasta dishes, soups, salads, or simply a small bowl of high-quality olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Can I make this dough by hand?
While the recipe focuses on the bread machine method, you can mix and knead the dough by hand until smooth, then follow the same rising and baking instructions.