Rosemary Focaccia with Roasted Garlic

Serves: 8–10 | Prep Time: 20 min active (plus 2–3 hrs rise) | Bake Time: 25 min | Difficulty: Easy-Medium

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour (or bread flour for more chew)

• 2 tsp salt

• 2 ¼ tsp (7 g) instant yeast (1 packet)

• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)

• ¼ cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil (plus more for greasing)

For the Topping

• 2 heads garlic

• 3 tbsp olive oil (for roasting garlic)

• 2–3 tbsp fresh rosemary leaves, chopped

• Flaky sea salt for finishing

Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Roast the Garlic

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Slice the top ¼ inch off each garlic head to expose the cloves.

3. Place on foil, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap tightly.

4. Roast 35–40 minutes until soft, golden, and fragrant.

5. Cool slightly, then squeeze roasted garlic cloves out of skins and set aside.

2️⃣ Make the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let sit 5 minutes until foamy.

2. Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.

3. Knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes (or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5–6 minutes) until smooth and elastic.

3️⃣ First Rise

1. Place dough in an oiled bowl, turning to coat.

2. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel.

3. Let rise in a warm spot for 1–1.5 hours, until doubled in size.

4️⃣ Shape & Second Rise

1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with olive oil.

2. Press dough into pan, stretching to fit.

3. Cover and let rise again for 30–40 minutes.

5️⃣ Add Toppings

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. With oiled fingertips, press deep dimples all over the dough.

3. Press roasted garlic cloves gently into the surface.

4. Sprinkle with rosemary and flaky salt.

5. Drizzle generously with olive oil.

6️⃣ Bake & Serve

1. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.

2. Cool slightly before slicing.

3. Serve warm, plain, or with olive oil & balsamic for dipping.

Pro Tips

• Extra Flavor: Add caramelized onions alongside garlic for sweetness.

• Crispier Crust: Bake on a preheated pizza stone or steel.

• Storage: Keeps 2 days at room temp in an airtight container; reheat at 350°F for 5 minutes to refresh.