Roasted Garlic Focaccia Recipe

I absolutely love this roasted garlic focaccia because not only does it fill my kitchen with the heavenly aroma of roasting garlic and fresh rosemary, it also transports my tastebuds straight to a cozy, artisanal bakery. There’s something so satisfying about crafting a bread from scratch and experiencing that first bite of perfectly golden, olive oil-drizzled goodness balanced with the crunch of coarse sea salt.

Combining simplicity with rich flavor, I create recipes like this Roasted Garlic Focaccia. My focaccia rises with 1 3/4 cups of warm water, a touch of honey, and a packet of active dry yeast.

I use 5 cups of all-purpose flour and a tablespoon of salt for a well-balanced dough. The roasted garlic and fresh rosemary add an aromatic depth to the flavor that could not be improved upon.

A drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of coarse sea salt are the final touches that bring all the flavors together. When I serve it, the focaccia is a delightful blend of texture and taste.

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 3/4 cups warm water (about 110°F/45°C)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1/4 cup olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• 4-5 cloves garlic, roasted
• Fresh rosemary sprigs
• Coarse sea salt, for topping

Instructions

1. In a warm solution of water and yeast, mix in the honey and stir. Allow the mixture to sit for about 5 minutes. You should see a foam develop on top.

2. The mixture of yeast and water in the bowl must be allowed to sit for a few minutes until it becomes frothy. This is a sign that the yeast is healthy and ready to work. Following this step, the recipe instructs the cook to add flour and salt to the yeast mixture, along with 1/4 cup of olive oil. Mixing is then required until a dough forms.

3. Move the dough to a well-floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

4. Put the dough in a bowl that has been oiled lightly, and cover the dough with a cloth that is damp. Next, let it rise in a warm place for somewhere around 1-2 hours. The dough should be allowed to double in size.

5. Set your oven to a temperature of 425°F (220°C) to warm.

6. Meanwhile, prepare the garlic for roasting: Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Put the garlic cloves in a piece of foil and drizzle with olive oil, and wrap tightly. Place in the oven for 30-40 minutes until soft.

7. Deflate the dough that has risen and move it to a baking sheet that has parchment paper lining it. Work the dough into a rectangle that measures 1/2 inch thick and 12 inches wide.

8. Using your fingers, create dimples in the top of the dough. Drizzle it with olive oil and push whole roasted garlic cloves into the dough. Scatter fresh rosemary and coarse sea salt on top.

9. Allow the dough to undergo a second rise for an additional 20-30 minutes, until it shows signs of being puffy and near-full expansion.

10. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy the aromatic roasted garlic focaccia!

Equipment Needed

1. Measuring cups and spoons
2. Mixing bowl
3. Spoon or spatula for stirring
4. Kitchen thermometer (optional, for checking water temperature)
5. Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap
6. Baking sheet
7. Parchment paper
8. Oven
9. Aluminum foil
10. Knife for slicing
11. Garlic roaster or small oven-safe dish (optional)

FAQ

• Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?Indeed, you can substitute active dry yeast with an equal amount of instant yeast while keeping the procedure unchanged.
• How do I roast the garlic for this recipe?Take the garlic bulb, cut off its top, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 30-35 minutes until soft.
• Can I make the dough ahead of time?Absolutely, refrigerating the dough after the first rise can definitely heighten flavor. You can chill the dough for up to 24 hours; however, it is better to allow the dough to warm up to room temperature for an hour before shaping and continuing with the recipe.
• What can I use instead of rosemary?If you would rather, you can use other herbs such as thyme or oregano in place of this one.
• Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?The formula is inherently free from dairy, utilizing only olive oil and no dairy substances.
• Can I use whole wheat flour instead?It is indeed permissible to replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, but doing so may change the texture a little bit.
• What is the best way to store leftover focaccia?Leftover food can be kept up to 2 days at room temperature in an airtight container, or if you need to store it for a longer period, you can freeze it.

Substitutions and Variations

When using instant yeast, replace it in the same amount as the active dry yeast in the recipe.
For a vegan alternative, use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey.
For a heartier texture, substitute whole wheat flour or bread flour for the all-purpose flour.
Replace table salt with kosher salt, but increase the amount slightly to taste.
If you lack roasted garlic, use garlic that is raw and minced, though its flavor will be more potent.

Pro Tips

1. Perfect Proofing Environment For optimal rising, place your dough in a slightly warm oven. Preheat your oven to its lowest setting for a couple of minutes, then turn it off before placing the dough inside. This creates a consistently warm environment that supports yeast activity.

2. Flavor Boosting Step Infuse the olive oil with extra rosemary and a pinch of chili flakes (if desired) a few hours prior to baking. This will enhance the flavor complexity and add subtle heat.

3. Ideal Dough Texture When kneading the dough, if it feels too sticky to handle, add flour a tablespoon at a time. However, take care not to over-flour, as this can make the bread tough; the dough should be slightly tacky but not cling to your hands.

4. Uniform Dimpling When creating dimples in the dough, ensure you press down evenly to prevent uneven baking. This also helps the olive oil and toppings to settle into the dough, enriching the flavor profile.

5. Roasting Garlic Tip If you’re short on time, you can prepare the roasted garlic ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container covered with olive oil in the refrigerator. This way, it’s ready to use whenever you need it, and the oil can be used for extra flavor in the focaccia or other dishes.