Olive and Herb Focaccia Recipe

If you’re looking for a bread that feels like a warm hug, the Olive and Herb Focaccia Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This Italian classic brings together a soft, chewy crumb with a delightfully crispy, salty top, kissed by fragrant herbs and briny olives. Whether served alongside your favorite meal or transformed into a delicious sandwich base, this focaccia is simple to make and incredibly satisfying. Once you try this recipe, you’ll see why it has such a devoted following and why homemade focaccia is a game changer for bread lovers everywhere.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating this Olive and Herb Focaccia Recipe starts with humble ingredients that play starring roles. Each one adds its special touch to the texture, flavor, or aroma, making the end result truly irresistible.

• 1 cup water warmed: Perfect temperature water helps activate the yeast for a good rise.
• 1 teaspoon dry yeast: The magic ingredient that makes your dough fluffy and light.
• 1 teaspoon honey: A touch of sweetness to feed the yeast and balance savory flavors.
• 2 ½ cups plain flour/all purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, giving structure and chew.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil plus extra for greasing: Adds richness and moisture, making the focaccia tender.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, including the olives and herbs.
• Topping ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt, 2 teaspoons dried herbs or 2 tablespoons fresh chopped herbs, ¼ cup olives sliced or chopped – these create that iconic flavor and crispy, textured crust.

How to Make Olive and Herb Focaccia Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by combining warm water, dry yeast, and honey in your stand mixer bowl. Let this mixture sit covered with a kitchen towel for 10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This step ensures the yeast is active and ready to work its magic in your dough, resulting in a lovely airy focaccia.

Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough

Add the flour, olive oil, and salt to the yeast mixture. Using the dough hook attachment at a slow speed, begin blending until the ingredients start to come together. Gradually increase to medium speed until fully combined, then reduce to low and knead for 5 minutes. To build that perfect texture, finish kneading by hand on a lightly floured surface for another 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 3: First Rise

Lightly grease the mixer bowl with olive oil and place your dough ball back inside, turning it so it’s coated with oil to prevent drying. Cover it with plastic wrap or a towel and leave it in a warm spot for about an hour or until the dough has doubled in size, signaling readiness for the next step.

Step 4: Shape and Second Rise

Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release trapped air, then knead on a floured surface for a minute. Oil a 9×13 inch tray, roll the dough into a rectangle slightly smaller than your pan, and transfer it into the tray. Use your fingers to press down and create characteristic focaccia dimples across the surface. Cover and allow the dough to rise again for 45-60 minutes until it fills the pan nicely.

Step 5: Top and Bake

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Brush the dough generously with olive oil, then scatter flaky sea salt, olives, and herbs over the top. Pop your focaccia into the oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the top turns golden and crispy. Once baked, slice it up while it’s still warm for the best flavor and texture experience.

How to Serve Olive and Herb Focaccia Recipe

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme just before serving elevates the flavors beautifully. You might also drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil or balsamic glaze for a touch of elegance. These simple garnishes complement the focaccia without overpowering its delicious herby olive flavors.

Side Dishes

This focaccia pairs wonderfully with soups and salads, especially tomato-based soups or fresh garden salads with sharp vinaigrette. It’s also a fantastic accompaniment to Italian mains like pasta dishes, grilled vegetables, or a charcuterie platter. Its versatility makes it excellent for both casual meals and special occasions.

Creative Ways to Present

Try turning your focaccia into an impressive sandwich base by layering with fresh mozzarella, roasted peppers, and arugula. You can also cut it into bite-sized pieces for party platters or use it as a dipping bread alongside flavored olive oils or tapenades. The possibilities are endless and fun to explore with this Olive and Herb Focaccia Recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover focaccia wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keeping it sealed helps maintain its softness and prevents it from drying out, ensuring every bite is as delightful as freshly baked.

Freezing

If you want to keep focaccia longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap it tightly in foil and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw it at room temperature when ready to enjoy, preserving that fresh-baked taste and texture.

Reheating

Reheat your focaccia in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 5-7 minutes to bring back its crispiness on the outside and softness inside. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the bread chewy or soggy rather than beautifully tender and fluffy.

FAQs

Can I use fresh yeast instead of dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute fresh yeast for dry yeast but adjust the amount accordingly—generally three times the amount of dry yeast. Fresh yeast needs to be crumbled and dissolved into the warm water before adding other ingredients.

What herbs work best in this Olive and Herb Focaccia Recipe?

Traditional choices like rosemary, thyme, oregano, and basil shine in this recipe, offering a fragrant and savory punch. You can use dried or fresh herbs depending on what you have on hand, but fresh herbs tend to provide a brighter flavor.

Is it okay to use different types of olives?

Absolutely! Black olives, green olives, Kalamata, or even a mix work wonderfully. Just make sure to slice or chop them to distribute the flavor evenly across the focaccia.

Can I make this recipe without a stand mixer?

Definitely! You can mix and knead the dough by hand using a large bowl and a floured surface. It might take a bit more effort, but the results will be just as tasty and rewarding.

How long should the dough rise for the best texture?

Allowing the dough to rise until it doubles the original size—usually about an hour for the first rise and 45-60 minutes for the second—gives you that ideal airy yet chewy focaccia crumb. Rushing these steps can affect texture, so patience is key!

Final Thoughts

Making focaccia at home is a joyful adventure, especially when it’s the Olive and Herb Focaccia Recipe. It’s forgiving, fragrant, and incredibly delicious, perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring on your own. Once you master this recipe, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again. So roll up your sleeves, get creative with your toppings, and enjoy the wonderful world of homemade bread with this fantastic focaccia!

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