Homemade Herbed Focaccia Bread

Description

This image illustrates the preparation and final result of making Herbed Focaccia Bread.

• The top panel shows a bowl of soft, dimpled dough mixed with herbs being stirred with a spoon.

• The middle panel shows the dough pressed into a baking pan with fingers creating the characteristic dimples, drizzled with olive oil.

• The bottom panel shows the freshly baked focaccia cooling on a wire rack, featuring a golden-brown, crispy crust with herbs embedded on top.

Recipe: Homemade Herbed Focaccia Bread

Ingredients

• Bread Flour: 4 cups (or all-purpose flour)

• Yeast: 2 tsp active dry yeast

• Water: 1.5 cups warm water

• Sugar: 1 tsp

• Salt: 1.5 tsp

• Olive Oil: 1/4 cup (plus extra for drizzling and the pan)

• Herbs & Toppings: Fresh rosemary and thyme (chopped), plus coarse sea salt

Instructions

1. Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast, letting it sit until frothy. Stir in the flour, salt, and olive oil until a sticky dough forms. Cover and let it rise until doubled in size.

2. Transfer to Pan: Pour some olive oil into a baking pan. Transfer the risen dough into the pan and gently stretch it out to fit the corners.

3. Dimple and Top: Drizzle more olive oil over the top of the dough. Use your fingers to press deep dimples into the surface, creating characteristic pockets. Sprinkle with fresh chopped herbs and sea salt.

4. Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the focaccia for 20 to 25 minutes until the top is deeply golden-brown and crisp.

5. Cool and Serve: Transfer the baked focaccia to a wire rack to cool slightly before slicing and serving.