Garlic Herb Focaccia Bread: A Perfect Comfort Food
Indulge in a slice of homemade Garlic Herb Focaccia Bread, an Italian delight that’s crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. This versatile flatbread is great for dipping, snacking, or pairing with your favorite meals.
Ingredients
- 1 head of garlic
- 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (divided)
- 1 cup warm water (110-120°F)
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs (e.g., rosemary, thyme, oregano)
Instructions
- Roast the Garlic:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Cut the top ½ inch off the garlic head to expose the cloves and remove any excess skin.
- Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the garlic, rub it in, then wrap it in tinfoil, cut side up.
- Roast for 50 minutes, then let cool. Squeeze the softened garlic out and mash it on a plate.
- Activate the Yeast:
- In a stand mixer bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Add 1 tablespoon of honey. Allow it to sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Mix the Dough:
- Add the mashed garlic, remaining olive oil (2 tablespoons), flour, dried herbs, and sea salt to the yeast mixture.
- Use a dough hook to mix for about 5 minutes until a sticky dough forms.
- First Rise:
- Drizzle more olive oil into the bowl and toss the dough to coat it. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm area until it doubles in size, approximately 1 hour.
- Refrigerate Overnight:
- Punch down the dough and cover it again with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 8-12 hours to develop flavors.
- Prepare for Baking:
- Once ready, lightly oil your baking dish or cast iron skillet. Shape the dough to fit and let it rise again until puffy, about 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F. Use your fingers to create dimples in the surface of the dough. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with extra herbs or sea salt if desired.
- Bake:
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before slicing.
Tips to Elevate Your Focaccia
- Infused Olive Oil: Use herb-infused olive oil for extra flavor. This enhances the richness and aroma of the bread.
- Fresh Toppings: Add fresh herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, or olives before baking for delicious variations.
- Resting Overnight: Allowing the dough to rest overnight intensifies the flavor, as the yeast has more time to develop.
Storing Your Focaccia
- Make-Ahead: After the first rise, this dough can be frozen. Shape and freeze on a parchment-lined sheet, then wrap tightly. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
- Leftovers: Keep wrapped in plastic for 3-5 days at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze and reheat in a toaster oven at 450°F for 5 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Garlic Herb Focaccia Bread with marinara sauce, olive oil dips, or use it as a base for sandwiches. This flavorful bread complements hearty Italian meals or elevates your charcuterie boards. Enjoy!