Save to Pinterest A festive, aromatic Italian bread with a golden crust and a soft, pillowy interior, topped with fragrant rosemary sprigs and sea salt perfect for holiday gatherings.
This focaccia recipe has become a holiday staple in my family because of its delightful aroma and easy preparation.
Ingredients
- Dough: 500 g (4 cups) bread flour, 350 ml (1½ cups) warm water (about 40°C/105°F), 10 g (2 tsp) fine sea salt, 7 g (2¼ tsp) instant dry yeast, 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Topping: 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh rosemary sprigs, 1½ tsp flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour and salt.
- Step 2:
- In a separate small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Step 3:
- Pour the yeast mixture and olive oil into the flour. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
- Step 4:
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 810 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Step 5:
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Step 6:
- Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 7:
- Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to the prepared baking sheet. Stretch and pat into a rectangle (about 30 x 20 cm).
- Step 8:
- Use your fingertips to dimple the surface deeply. Drizzle evenly with olive oil, and scatter rosemary sprigs and flaky sea salt on top.
- Step 9:
- Cover loosely and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Step 10:
- Bake for 2225 minutes or until deep golden brown and crisp on top.
- Step 11:
- Cool slightly, slice, and serve warm.
Save to Pinterest Gathering around fresh focaccia always brings joy and warmth to our holiday table.
Notes
For a festive touch add halved cherry tomatoes or thinly sliced olives before baking. Best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated. Pairs beautifully with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping or alongside cheeses and cured meats.
Required Tools
Large mixing bowl, wooden spoon, measuring cups and spoons, baking sheet, parchment paper, kitchen towel
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten). May contain traces of sesame or nuts if processed in facilities handling these allergens. Check yeast and flour labels for cross-contamination if sensitive.
Save to Pinterest This focaccia is the perfect holiday bread, combining simple ingredients with festive flavors for a memorable treat.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve a soft interior and crispy crust?
Knead the dough until smooth, allow it to rise fully twice, and bake at a high temperature. The olive oil drizzle helps crisp the surface while keeping the inside tender.
- → Can I add other toppings besides rosemary?
Yes, halved cherry tomatoes or thinly sliced olives can be added before baking for additional flavor and texture.
- → What is the best way to store this bread?
Store in an airtight container once cooled. It is best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated gently to restore softness.
- → How long should the dough rise?
The dough should rise about 1 hour until doubled in size, then again for 30 minutes after shaping to develop texture and flavor.
- → What ingredients enhance the aroma of this bread?
Fresh rosemary sprigs and extra virgin olive oil provide the characteristic aromatic and flavorful notes.