Roasted Garlic and Herb Focaccia

Name: Roasted Garlic and Herb Focaccia
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 tablespoon salt; 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast; 1 1/2 cups warm water; 1/4 cup olive oil; 5 cloves roasted garlic; 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped; Coarse sea salt for sprinkling

Highlighted under: Simple Comfort Recipes

I absolutely love making Roasted Garlic and Herb Focaccia! The aroma of garlic mingling with fresh herbs fills my kitchen, making it feel alive and warm. Each time I prepare this recipe, I experiment with different herb combinations, but I always come back to the classic rosemary and thyme that elevate the focus on the roasted garlic. The process of kneading the dough is therapeutic, and the satisfaction of pulling a golden, crusty loaf out of the oven is unbeatable. This focaccia is perfect for accompanying meals or enjoying on its own with some olive oil.

Created by

The Feliciabakes Team

Last updated on 2026-02-08T18:54:27.248Z

When I first discovered the wonders of homemade focaccia, I was hooked. The idea of combining roasted garlic with fragrant herbs was a game changer for me. I remember the first bite; it was warm, fluffy, and bursting with flavor. I've learned that letting the dough rest allows for the best texture, so I always give it ample time to rise.

Another tip that transformed my focaccia was adding a little sea salt on top before baking. It enhances the flavor remarkably and gives a nice crunch to the crust. For a fun twist, I often sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese before baking. Each batch feels like a new chance to create something delightful!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

The fragrant infusion of roasted garlic and fresh herbs in every bite
Deliciously crispy on the outside while remaining soft and pillowy inside
Perfect for a variety of meals or simply enjoyed with olive oil

Mastering the Dough

Kneading the dough is not just a physical activity; it's essential for developing gluten, which lends structure and texture to your focaccia. When kneading, aim for a smooth and elastic consistency—this usually takes about 10 minutes. If your dough is too sticky, sprinkle a bit more flour while still keeping it relatively moist, as that extra hydration helps achieve the soft interior characteristic of focaccia.

Be gentle when pressing down the risen dough to avoid deflating it too much. The goal is to retain some of the air bubbles formed during the first rise, which will result in a light and airy loaf. A light touch will help you maintain that structure, so utilize your fingertips instead of your palms to handle the dough.

Perfecting the Flavor

Roasted garlic is a star ingredient here, contributing a sweet, mellow depth of flavor that raw garlic lacks. To roast garlic, simply slice off the top of the bulb, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap it in foil. Roast in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 30-35 minutes until soft. This process not only enhances the garlic's sweetness but also complements the herbs beautifully.

The combination of fresh rosemary and thyme provides a fragrant herbal infusion that balances the richness of the roasted garlic. If these herbs aren’t available, consider substituting with dried herbs—the ratio should be about one-third of the amount, as dried herbs are more concentrated. You can experiment with other herbs like oregano or basil for a twist, but keep the ratios similar to maintain flavor integrity.

Cooling and Serving Tips

Letting the focaccia cool slightly before slicing is crucial since it allows the crumb structure to set. If you slice too soon, the interior may appear gummy rather than fluffy. A cooling rack is ideal for this purpose, as it allows air to circulate and prevents sogginess on the bottom. Wait for about 10-15 minutes before indulging.

For serving, I recommend drizzling warm focaccia with high-quality extra virgin olive oil and perhaps a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper for added taste. This focaccia pairs excellently with antipasto platters or as a side with soups and salads. You can also cut it into squares to make delightful sandwiches filled with your favorite ingredients.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients to make this delicious focaccia:

Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon salt
1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
1 1/2 cups warm water
1/4 cup olive oil
5 cloves roasted garlic
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
Coarse sea salt for sprinkling

Make sure everything is ready before you start baking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your focaccia:

Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy. Add the flour, 1 tablespoon of salt, olive oil, and roasted garlic. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.

Knead the Dough

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 30 minutes.

Add Herbs and Shape

Once the dough has risen, gently press it down. Add the chopped rosemary and thyme, folding them into the dough. Transfer it to a parchment-lined baking sheet, stretching it into a rectangle.

First Rise

Cover the shaped dough with the cloth again and let it rest for another 20 minutes. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).

Bake

Make dimples in the surface of the dough with your fingers. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle coarse sea salt on top. Bake the focaccia for 25 minutes, until golden brown.

Serve

Allow it to cool slightly before slicing. Enjoy it warm with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

Now that you've crafted this delicious focaccia, it's time to share or enjoy it all by yourself!

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor boost, try adding sundried tomatoes or olives into the dough. Also, serve with a variety of dips to complement the focaccia!

Storing and Freezing

If you have leftover focaccia, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To maintain its crispy texture, you may wrap it loosely in foil. For longer storage, slice and freeze the focaccia in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring it to a freezer bag. This prevents the pieces from sticking together and allows for quick thawing.

To reheat frozen focaccia, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the slices directly on the oven rack for about 10-12 minutes. This method restores the crust’s crispiness while keeping the inside soft. Alternatively, you can microwave portions for 20-30 seconds if you prefer a quick method, but this may result in a softer crust.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your focaccia doesn’t rise adequately, it could be due to inactive yeast. Ensure that your yeast is fresh and that the water is warm, not hot, as temperatures above 120°F (49°C) can kill the yeast. Always allow the yeast to bloom in warm water with sugar before incorporating it into the dough.

For a denser bread, avoid over-kneading, as this can create too much gluten and make it tough. A good stretch and fold method during the first rise can also help develop gluten without the need for extensive kneading, making your focaccia airy and fluffy.

Questions About Recipes

→ How do I store leftover focaccia?

Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to a month.

→ Can I use whole wheat flour?

Yes, you can replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and health benefits.

→ How can I make this recipe vegan?

Substitute the honey or sugar with agave syrup or your preferred vegan sweetener, and ensure that the toppings are also vegan.

→ What if I don’t have fresh herbs?

Dried herbs can be used as a substitute; use about one-third the amount of dried herbs as you would fresh.