Rosemary Roasted Garlic Focaccia: A Fluffy, Flavorful Bread

Focaccia is a versatile Italian bread that can be enjoyed with a variety of toppings and flavors. One of the most popular variations is rosemary roasted garlic focaccia. This soft, fluffy bread combines the earthy aroma of rosemary with the rich, caramelized flavor of roasted garlic. It is a great addition to any meal

Homemade Roasted Garlic Focaccia BreadPhoto byThyme of Season

This simple roasted Rosemary and Roasted Garlic Focaccia bread can be prepared in under two hours. Ideal for beginners, this focaccia has a rich, garlicky flavor, enhanced by the addition of rosemary and flaked sea salt.

Ingredients You'll Need

To make rosemary roasted garlic focaccia, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 1/3 cup warm water (105-110ºF to be exact)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 (0.25 ounce) packet instant yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
• 3 3/4 cup flour, plus more (see notes)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 cup olive oil - divided, see step-by-step preparations
• 1 tablespoon chopped rosemary (plus more for topping)
• 1/4 cup roasted garlic, roughly sliced*pan roasting directions below
• flaked sea salt (for topping)

Step-by-Step Preparation

Pan Roasted Garlic:

For this recipe we can make quick pan roasted garlic. All you need is a heavy skillet. Cast iron is preferred, but any heady duty skillet should work.

1. Heat a pan over medium heat with 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil for a couple of minutes.
2. Cook garlic and olive oil over medium heat until it starts to bubble.
3. Reduce heat to low and continue to cook until garlic cloves are soft and golden with brown spots. It should take about 8-10 minutes. Be careful not to burn, keep a close eye on the garlic.
4. Remove from oil and let cool.
5. Once cooled, roughly slice the cloves and set aside.

Preparing the Dough:

1. Pour the warm water, sugar, and yeast into a 2-cup measuring cup. Stir the mixture and let the yeast activate for 15 minutes. By the end of this period, the yeast should appear foamy and bubbly.
2. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, and yeast together. Gradually pour in the warm water and olive oil, mixing until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. Then, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to1 1/2 hours, or until it doubles in size. We usually cover it with a cozy warm blanket.

When Ready to Bake:

1. Place a rack in the center of the oven and heat it to 400ºF. Grease the bottom of a 9x13-inch pan with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Transfer the dough into the pan. Carefully stretch the dough with your fingers until it covers the bottom of the pan. Re-cover the dough with the plastic wrap and allow it to rest for 20 minutes.
2. Using your fingers, poke holes all the way through the dough until you feel the pan. Press the roasted garlic cloves into the dough and sprinkle fresh rosemary leaves and flaked salt on top. Brush olive oil generously over the surface, allowing it to pool in the dimples.
3. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread is fully cooked. After removing from the oven, drizzle or brush with a bit more olive oil, let it cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve.

Enjoying Your Focaccia

Serve your rosemary roasted garlic focaccia warm, alongside soups, salads, pasta dishes or as a savory snack on its own. This focaccia pairs perfectly with this amazing Baked Zucchini Parm.