Roasted Garlic Focaccia

Introduction

If you’re craving a bread that’s both rustic and indulgent, Roasted Garlic Focaccia is the answer. This pillowy, soft bread is packed with savory flavors that elevate any meal, from cozy family dinners to special gatherings. The beauty of focaccia lies in its simplicity—just a handful of ingredients come together to create something utterly delicious. Roasting garlic brings out its sweet, mellow flavor, perfectly complementing the rich olive oil and sea salt. Whether you’re enjoying it on its own with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar or using it as a base for sandwiches, this focaccia will leave your taste buds singing. Trust me, it’s one of those recipes that’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll fall in love with Roasted Garlic Focaccia for so many reasons:

• Easy to Make: No need for fancy baking skills—this recipe is straightforward and forgiving, perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.
• Flavorful Garlic: Roasting garlic adds depth and sweetness, turning it into a savory delight that makes the focaccia irresistible.
• Customizable: You can easily tweak this recipe by adding herbs, cheeses, or even olives to suit your tastes.
• Perfect Texture: Crispy on the outside, soft and airy on the inside—focaccia is the perfect bread for dipping, sharing, and enjoying.
• Great for Sharing: This recipe makes a large, shareable loaf, ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or even as an appetizer for a gathering.
• No Kneading Required: You don’t need to knead this dough—just mix and let it rise, making the process quick and easy.
• Satisfying Yet Light: While rich in flavor, focaccia’s light texture makes it the perfect accompaniment to any meal without being too heavy.
• Great for Leftovers: Focaccia stores well and can be toasted for a crunchy, savory snack or served alongside soups and salads.
• Versatile: Use it for sandwiches, pair it with pasta, or serve it as a side dish with a drizzle of olive oil.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Rising Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Servings: 10-12 slices
• Calories per slice: Approximately 150-180 calories
• Key Nutrients: Carbohydrates: 30g, Fat: 7g, Protein: 3g, Fiber: 1g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this savory Roasted Garlic Focaccia:

For the Dough:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F/45°C)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (optional)

the Roasted Garlic:

• 1 whole head of garlic
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt

For Topping:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
• Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• All-Purpose Flour: The perfect base for focaccia, giving it that classic airy and chewy texture.
• Olive Oil: Adds richness to the dough and enhances the flavor of the roasted garlic.
• Fresh Garlic: Roasting garlic softens its sharpness and adds a savory sweetness that perfectly complements the dough.
• Sea Salt: A sprinkle of sea salt on top of the focaccia before baking creates a beautiful crust and enhances the bread’s flavor.
• Rosemary: A classic herb for focaccia, adding an earthy, aromatic note (but feel free to experiment with other herbs or toppings).

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to make your own Roasted Garlic Focaccia:

Roast the Garlic

1. Prepare the Garlic: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the top off a head of garlic to expose the cloves, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
2. Roast the Garlic: Wrap the garlic in aluminum foil and roast for 30-35 minutes until the cloves are soft and caramelized. Let it cool slightly before squeezing the garlic out of the skin. Mash the roasted garlic into a paste and set aside.

Make the Dough

1. Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Mix the Dough: Add the flour, salt, olive oil, and mashed roasted garlic paste to the yeast mixture. Stir until the dough comes together.
3. Knead (Optional): You can knead the dough by hand for about 5 minutes or use a stand mixer with a dough hook. The dough should be soft but not too sticky.
4. First Rise: Lightly oil a clean bowl and place the dough inside. Cover with a kitchen towel and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Shape the Focaccia

1. Prepare the Baking Pan: Drizzle a bit of olive oil into a 9×13-inch baking pan, ensuring the entire surface is coated.
2. Shape the Dough: Punch the dough down and transfer it to the prepared pan. Use your fingers to spread it evenly in the pan, creating dimples all over the surface of the dough.
3. Second Rise: Cover the pan with a towel and let the dough rise for another 30 minutes.

Add the Toppings and Bake

1. Add Toppings: Drizzle the dough with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then sprinkle the sea salt and fresh rosemary (if using) over the top.
2. Bake: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake the focaccia for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on the edges.
3. Cool and Serve: Let the focaccia cool for a few minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

How to Serve

Here are some ideas for serving your Roasted Garlic Focaccia:

1. As a Side Dish: Serve alongside pasta dishes, soups, or salads for a hearty addition to your meal.
2. With Dips: Pair with balsamic vinegar and olive oil for dipping, or serve alongside hummus, pesto, or tapenade.
3. Make Sandwiches: Use slices of focaccia to make delicious sandwiches, whether with roast beef, turkey, or a veggie combo.
4. As an Appetizer: Cut into small squares and serve as an appetizer with a variety of dips at your next gathering.
5. For Breakfast: Toast slices and top with butter or jam for a simple and comforting breakfast treat.
6. With Cheese: Serve with your favorite cheeses, like mozzarella, parmesan, or goat cheese, for a flavorful combination.
7. Snack Time: Grab a slice straight from the pan for a satisfying snack that’s rich in flavor.

Additional Tips

Maximize your enjoyment of Roasted Garlic Focaccia with these helpful tips:

1. Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise overnight in the fridge for a slower fermentation, which will enhance the flavor.
2. Storage: Store any leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze slices for later use.
3. Top with Cheese: Add a sprinkle of grated parmesan or mozzarella on top of the dough before baking for a cheesy twist.
4. Double the Recipe: If you’re serving a crowd, simply double the recipe and bake in a larger pan.
5. Use Fresh Garlic: If you’re short on time, you can use fresh garlic, but roasting it really enhances the flavor.
6. Add Other Toppings: Try adding olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or even caramelized onions for a unique twist.
7. Perfect for Dipping: For extra flavor, drizzle the focaccia with olive oil and balsamic vinegar right before serving.

Recipe Variations

Consider these creative variations for your Roasted Garlic Focaccia:

• Herb Focaccia: Add thyme, oregano, or basil to the dough for a fragrant, herb-infused version.
• Olive Focaccia: Top with sliced olives for an extra burst of Mediterranean flavor.
• Cheese-Stuffed Focaccia: Add mozzarella or cheddar between two layers of dough for a cheesy surprise inside.
• Sweet Focaccia: Use honey and roasted figs for a sweet version, perfect for breakfast or dessert.
• Gluten-Free Focaccia: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

Freezing and Storage

Proper storage ensures your focaccia stays fresh for as long as possible:

• Room Temperature: Focaccia is best enjoyed the day it’s baked, but it can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days in an airtight container.

• Freezing: Slice the focaccia and wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. You can freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply toast in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.

• Refrigeration: For longer storage, you can refrigerate the focaccia for up to 1 week. It’s best reheated in the oven to regain its crisp texture.

faq section

Got questions about making Roasted Garlic Focaccia? No worries—I’ve got you covered! Below are some common queries, along with answers that will help you perfect this recipe and enjoy it even more:

• Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
  Yes, you can absolutely use instant yeast! It works just as well as active dry yeast but doesn’t need to be proofed in water first. You can mix it directly with the flour. If you’re substituting instant yeast, use the same amount as you would for active dry yeast.
• What’s the best way to store leftover focaccia?
  To store leftover focaccia, wrap it in parchment paper or place it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you want to keep it fresh for longer, you can refrigerate it for up to 1 week. To bring back its crispy texture, pop it in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
• Can I add other herbs or toppings to the focaccia?
  Absolutely! Focaccia is versatile, and you can get creative with the toppings. Consider adding rosemary, thyme, or even some sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor. You can also sprinkle it with parmesan cheese or drizzle with a bit of balsamic glaze for a tasty twist.
• How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
  You can make gluten-free focaccia by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure the flour mix contains xanthan gum or another binder to give the dough structure. You may need to adjust the amount of water slightly, as gluten-free flour can absorb more liquid.

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Conclusion

I hope you give this Roasted Garlic Focaccia a try—you’re going to love how easy it is to make and how satisfying it is to eat! Whether you’re serving it alongside a dinner or enjoying a warm slice as a snack, this focaccia will quickly become a favorite in your household. Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media—I love seeing your delicious creations!