Garlic Herb Focaccia

Fluffy and flavorful, Garlic Herb Focaccia is a delightful Italian bread that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it alongside a hearty soup, using it for sandwiches, or enjoying it on its own with olive oil for dipping, this focaccia will impress everyone at your table. The aromatic blend of garlic and fresh herbs creates a unique taste that elevates this traditional flatbread to new heights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have homemade focaccia that’s fluffy and delicious.
• Full of Flavor: Fresh garlic and herbs infuse the bread with an irresistible aroma and taste.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect as a side dish, sandwich base, or snack on its own.
• Customizable Toppings: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or toppings for a personal touch.
• Great for Sharing: This recipe yields enough servings to feed a crowd, making it ideal for gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Garlic Herb Focaccia, gather the essential tools you’ll need. Having everything ready will make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Baking pan (9×13 inch)
• Plastic wrap
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk or wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows you to easily combine ingredients without making a mess.
• Baking pan: A 9×13 inch pan is perfect for achieving that classic focaccia shape and size.
• Plastic wrap: This helps keep the dough warm while it rises, ensuring proper fermentation.

Ingredients

Fluffy Italian focaccia topped with aromatic garlic, fresh herbs, and golden olive oil perfection in every bite.

For the Dough

• Bread flour
• Active dry yeast
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Warm water

For the Topping

• Fresh garlic cloves
• Fresh parsley
• Parmesan cheese
• Sea salt

How to Make Garlic Herb Focaccia

Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture

In a large bowl, dissolve active dry yeast in warm water. Let it stand for 5 minutes until foamy.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Add bread flour, 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil, and 1 teaspoon of sea salt. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Transfer the dough to a greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.

Step 4: Prepare the Baking Pan

Oil your 9×13 inch baking pan. Gently stretch the risen dough to fit into the pan. Cover again and let it rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 5: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Use your fingers to make deep dimples all over the surface of the dough. Drizzle with remaining olive oil.

Step 6: Add Toppings

Sprinkle minced fresh garlic, chopped fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, and remaining sea salt evenly over the surface.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy on top. Once done, cool in the pan for 10 minutes before cutting into pieces and serving.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Garlic Herb Focaccia!

How to Serve Garlic Herb Focaccia

Garlic Herb Focaccia is a versatile bread that can elevate any meal. Whether you enjoy it as an appetizer, side dish, or main attraction, there are plenty of ways to serve this delicious Italian flatbread.

As an Appetizer

• Serve warm with a dip like olive oil mixed with balsamic vinegar for a flavorful starter.
• Pair it with hummus or a bean spread for a healthy and satisfying option.

With Soups

• Use Garlic Herb Focaccia to soak up the broth of hearty soups like minestrone or tomato basil.
• Enjoy it alongside creamy soups such as potato leek for a comforting combination.

As a Sandwich Base

• Slice the focaccia horizontally and fill it with fresh veggies, grilled chicken, or turkey for a tasty sandwich.
• Make a gourmet panini by adding cheese and pressing it on a grill until golden brown.

For Brunch

• Serve slices topped with poached eggs and avocado for a delightful brunch dish.
• Pair it with fresh fruit and yogurt for a balanced morning meal.

How to Perfect Garlic Herb Focaccia

Perfecting your Garlic Herb Focaccia requires attention to detail and some clever techniques. Here are some tips to ensure your focaccia turns out fluffy and flavorful every time.

• Use quality flour: Choosing high-protein bread flour will give your focaccia the best rise and texture.
• Knead dough properly: Kneading helps develop gluten, which contributes to the bread’s structure. Aim for about 5-7 minutes of kneading.
• Temperature matters: Ensure your water is warm but not hot (around 110°F) to activate the yeast without killing it.
• Don’t rush the rise: Allow the dough plenty of time to rise in a warm spot; this enhances flavor and texture.
• Create dimples: Pressing your fingers into the dough before baking creates pockets that hold olive oil and toppings beautifully.
• Cool before slicing: Letting the focaccia cool slightly in the pan ensures it holds its shape when cut.

Best Side Dishes for Garlic Herb Focaccia

Garlic Herb Focaccia pairs well with various side dishes that complement its rich flavors. Here’s a list of excellent choices to enjoy alongside this delightful bread.

1. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze make for a refreshing accompaniment.
2. Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized adds color and nutrients to your meal.
3. Grilled Chicken: Seasoned grilled chicken breasts provide protein that balances well with the soft focaccia.
4. Pasta Primavera: A light pasta dish filled with colorful vegetables offers an Italian touch that pairs perfectly.
5. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed in Caesar dressing complements the savory flavors of garlic focaccia nicely.
6. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with quinoa or rice add heartiness while still keeping things light and delicious.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Garlic Herb Focaccia can be easy, but some common mistakes can affect your results. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Using cold water: Always use warm water when activating the yeast. Cold water can prevent the yeast from blooming properly.
• Not letting the dough rise enough: Allow the dough to rise until it has doubled in size. Skipping this step can lead to dense focaccia.
• Overcrowding toppings: Be careful not to overload on garlic and herbs. A balanced amount ensures even baking and flavor distribution.
• Skipping the dimpling step: Creating dimples in the dough is crucial. This helps hold olive oil and toppings without spilling over during baking.
• Baking at the wrong temperature: Make sure your oven is preheated to 425°F before baking. An incorrect temperature can result in uneven cooking or burnt edges.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Garlic Herb Focaccia

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag; they can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Garlic Herb Focaccia

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 30 seconds, checking frequently to avoid sogginess.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over medium heat, cover with a lid, and heat for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Garlic Herb Focaccia.

How do I make Garlic Herb Focaccia gluten-free?

You can substitute bread flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Ensure that you also use gluten-free yeast.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes, dried herbs work well too! Use about one-third of the amount suggested for fresh herbs since dried herbs are more concentrated.

What if my dough doesn’t rise?

If your dough doesn’t rise, check if your yeast was activated properly. Ensure you’re using warm water, not hot, to prevent killing the yeast.

How can I customize my Garlic Herb Focaccia?

Feel free to add toppings such as olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or different cheeses like feta for added flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Herb Focaccia is not just delicious; it’s versatile too! You can enjoy it as a side dish or transform it into a base for sandwiches. Feel free to experiment with different herbs and toppings to match your taste preferences!