Ingredients
Scale
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- Coarse sea salt, for topping
Feel free to experiment with substitutions! Swap rosemary with thyme for a different herbal note or try adding sun-dried tomatoes for a touch of sweetness.
Instructions
- Begin by mixing the warm water with sugar in a large bowl. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy—this is a crucial step for ensuring your focaccia rises beautifully.
- Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture, followed by 1/4 cup of olive oil. Stir until a sticky dough forms, reminiscent of those early days in Nonna Rosa’s kitchen where sticky fingers were a badge of honor.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes. As you knead, think of it as a meditative process, much like I did while perfecting Nonna’s marinara. Once smooth, place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F. Once the dough has risen, gently press it into a well-oiled baking pan. Use your fingers to make dimples in the dough, a technique I learned from observing bakers in the Italian marketplaces.
- Mix the minced garlic with a little olive oil and spread evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese, rosemary, and a generous pinch of sea salt on top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. The smell will transport you to a Mediterranean seaside café, where every meal is an expression of art and love.
- Once out of the oven, allow the focaccia to cool slightly before slicing. Share it with your loved ones and watch as smiles light up their faces.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International