Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 cup olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (between 100°F and 110°F)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
Don’t have fresh rosemary? No problem! Substituting it with dried rosemary is a great option. Also, feel free to experiment with other herbs like thyme or oregano, depending on what you have on hand.
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, salt, and sugar. Whisk together until well blended.
- Make a well in the center and add the warm water and 1/4 cup of olive oil. Mix with a wooden spoon until the dough starts to come together.
- Once the dough forms, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This is the moment I love to think about how my grandmother’s hands would knead the dough with such care.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Transfer it to a well-oiled baking sheet and stretch it out to fit the pan. If it resists, let it rest for a few minutes before continuing.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats, create dimples all over the surface of the dough using your fingers. This is a fun step that my kids love to help with!
- In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped rosemary, and a drizzle of olive oil. Spread this mixture evenly over the dimpled surface of the focaccia.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and coarse sea salt over the top for that extra flavor kick.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the focaccia is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Allow it to cool slightly before slicing and serve warm. This is the moment I’ve been waiting for—gathering my family to taste the fruits of our labor!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International