Description
This easy homemade Focaccia recipe yields a soft, fragrant bread with a golden, crispy crust infused with fresh rosemary and thyme. Perfect for pairing with meals, dipping, or enjoying on its own, this versatile bread is accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups warm water
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp olive oil (natural)
- 1 tsp sugar (for yeast activation)
Topping
- 2 tbsp olive oil (natural), for drizzling
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- Pinch of sea salt, for sprinkling
Optional Variations
- Chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil
- Kalamata olives and caramelized onions
- Minced garlic and chili flakes
- Grated Parmesan (plant-based) and mixed herbs
- Pumpkin seeds or sesame seeds for topping
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a bowl, combine warm water with active dry yeast and sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy and bubbly to ensure proper rising.
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, sea salt, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Gradually add the activated yeast mixture, apple cider vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil (natural). Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. This develops the dough structure for airy texture.
- First rise: Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape and second rise: Transfer dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet and gently press into a 1-inch thick rectangle. Use fingertips to create dimples all over. Drizzle with olive oil (natural), sprinkle fresh rosemary and thyme, and let rest for 20 minutes to puff up.
- Bake the Focaccia: Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F). Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy on edges. Remove and cool slightly before slicing.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to help yeast activate evenly.
- Press dimples into dough to allow olive oil absorption and maintain moisture.
- Fresh herbs provide the best flavor; dried herbs can be used at one-third quantity if needed.
- Allowing the dough to rise twice improves texture and flavor depth.
- Be generous with olive oil drizzle on top for rich aroma and golden crust.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of focaccia)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Focaccia, homemade bread, herbal bread, rosemary focaccia, thyme focaccia, soft bread, easy focaccia, vegetarian bread
