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Olive Oil Herb Focaccia: A Family Favorite

If there’s one recipe that always makes me smile, it’s this Olive Oil Herb Focaccia. This recipe holds a special place in my heart, not just because it’s delicious but because it reminds me of family gatherings and shared meals.

Let me take you back to where my love for focaccia began…

The Story Behind My Focaccia Love

Growing up, my family had a tradition of baking bread together on lazy Sunday afternoons. My grandmother, who always had the most fragrant olive oil in her pantry, was the one who introduced me to focaccia. She believed olive oil was the “secret ingredient” that made everything taste better.

I remember kneading the dough alongside her, my hands sticky with flour and olive oil. The aroma of fresh herbs and garlic filled the kitchen as we watched the focaccia rise in the oven. When it finally came out, golden and glistening with olive oil, we’d tear off pieces and eat them warm, savoring the crunchy edges and soft, pillowy center.

Now, every time I make focaccia, I think of those Sundays. It’s a recipe that feels like home, and I’m so excited to share it with you!


Olive Oil Herb Focaccia Recipe 🍞

Ingredients:

  • 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 ¾ cups warm water
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 ½ tsp salt
  • ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
  • 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Coarse sea salt for topping

Instructions:

  1. Activate the Yeast:
    In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.

  2. Mix the Dough:
    Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.

  3. Knead the Dough:
    Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5 minutes.

  4. Let It Rise:
    Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.

  5. Prepare the Baking Pan:
    Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with olive oil. Stretch the dough to fit the pan, then use your fingers to create dimples all over the surface.

  6. Add Toppings:
    Drizzle olive oil generously over the dough. Sprinkle with rosemary, thyme, minced garlic, and coarse sea salt.

  7. Second Rise:
    Cover the pan and let the dough rise again for 30 minutes.

  8. Bake:
    Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the focaccia for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

  9. Cool and Serve:
    Let cool slightly before slicing. Enjoy warm or at room temperature, and don’t forget to drizzle a little more olive oil on top for extra flavor!

Why I Love This Recipe

This focaccia is a celebration of simplicity and flavor. The olive oil gives it richness, while the fresh herbs and garlic create a burst of aroma and taste. Every time I make it, I’m transported back to my grandmother’s kitchen, where love and food were inseparable.

If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turns out. Do you have a special bread recipe or a family tradition tied to food? Let’s share stories and keep the magic of homemade cooking alive.

Here’s to the joy of baking and the magic of olive oil,

  • Arshiya Jahanpour ❤️

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