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Home » Olive Rosemary Focaccia (How To Make Authentic Focaccia)

Olive Rosemary Focaccia (How To Make Authentic Focaccia)

October 26, 2016

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A special thank you to Lindsay for sponsoring this post!

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Few things smell better than the sweet aroma of yeast bread baking in the oven.  Add to that the fragrance of rosemary and it’s pretty much the closest thing to heaven.

Focaccia.  Rustic and romantic, this prized bread from northwestern Italy is the most perfect combination of crispy, fluffy, chewy and moist that I can think of.  But achieving that perfection requires several key steps.  And I’m going to share those with you today throughout the step-by-step pictures so be sure to follow those for all the special tips and tricks.

Focaccia has been enjoyed since the time of ancient Rome but more recently it is associated with Ligurian cuisine – the northwest region of Italy that includes Genoa and the Italian Riviera.

It’s been too long, take me back there now!

1

The word focaccia comes from the Latin word focus which translates as “hearth” or “place for baking.”  I like that.  Because the kitchen today – our place for baking – is very much the focus and heart of the home.  And what speaks the love language of “homemade” more than a fresh baked loaf of bread?

The more contemporary offspring of focaccia is pizza and while they share some similarities, there are several distinct differences.  The biggest difference is that focaccia uses more yeast which increases its capacity to absorb large amounts of olive oil.  And using plenty of oil is key to achieving the right consistency.  Indeed, focaccia is also known as “olive oil bread” for that reason.  Authentic focaccia is not a thick, dry, fluffy bread.  It’s crispy-chewy with a generous amount of olive oil soaked into it.

One of focaccia’s visual hallmarks are its dimples.  But aside from their aesthetic appeal, these dimples also serve a functional purpose: The dimples provide a divot in which the olive oil can pool and absorb into the bread as it’s baking.

focaccia-prep-18

Another difference is its shape:  While pizza traditionally is round, focaccia is traditionally square or rectangular.  Focaccia also uses more salt than pizza since it relies on fewer toppings.  Which leads us to our final distinction:  Whereas it’s acceptable in Italy to use more than one topping on a pizza, traditional focaccia is limited to one and that’s commonly paired with an herb as with today’s recipe, Olive & Rosemary Focaccia.  But if you’ve ever tried the real thing in Italy, you know that these limits are perfectly fair because it is the bread that is the star.  And this crispy-chewy, olive oil-drenched bread is a star indeed.

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There are regional variations of focaccia throughout Italy, including sweet variations like focaccia dolce that uses raisins and honey.  Today we’re making the original focaccia, focaccia alla Genovese, which is savory.

I’m going to make this focaccia using olives and rosemary but you can use the toppings of your choice.

2

Foccacia-1

Let’s get started!

First we’re going to prepare the yeast dough.

Combine the yeast, water and sugar in a bowl and let it sit in a warm place for about 15 minutes until frothy.

focaccia-prep-1

Traditionally of course the dough would be kneaded by hand, but we’re going to take advantage of modern conveniences.  In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the flour combine the flour, salt, olive oil and yeast mixture.

focaccia-prep-3

Fit the stand mixer with a dough hook and knead the dough on low speed until the dough comes together, then increase to medium speed and continue to knead for another 5-7 minutes until the texture becomes smooth and soft. If the dough is too sticky add a little more flour.

focaccia-prep-4

Remove the dough, spray the mixer bowl with olive oil, return the dough, cover the bowl loosely with plastic wrap and put it in a warm, draft-free place to rise for at least 1 hour or until doubled in size.

focaccia-prep-5 focaccia-prep-6focaccia-prep-8

Coat a standard 15 1/2 x 10 ½-inch rimmed sheet pan with the 1/4 cup of olive oil.

Don’t skimp on the oil.  That’s going to not only enable some olive oil to absorb up into the focaccia from the bottom, it’s going to produce a lightly crispy bottom crust.

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focaccia-prep-7

Place the dough on the oiled sheet pan, pulling and pressing it with your hands it to spread it across to fit the size of the pan.

focaccia-prep-9 focaccia-prep-10

Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let the dough rise for another 60 minutes or until doubled in size.  Towards the end, preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.

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We’re almost ready for the toppings.

First we’re going to make some deep depressions in the dough to enable to olive oil to absorb into the bread while baking.  Those dimples will also provide a convenient divot in which to place the olives.

 focaccia-prep-16

The dimples in the dough enable to olive oil to pool inside the divots and absorb into the bread while baking.  See the air pockets throughout the interior of the bread?  The end result is a focaccia with a crispy exterior and a lightly moist and chewy interior.  It’s pure heaven!

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Use your fingertips to press lots of deep dimples into the dough without breaking through the bottom surface of the dough.

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Drizzle with olive oil.

Be generous.  Remember, focaccia is also known as “olive oil bread” and that is key to achieving the right texture and consistency.

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Place the olives throughout some of the dimples.  There is no right or wrong as to how many olives you use.  I space them about an inch or so apart across the whole sheet pan.

Use can use any olive of your choice.  If you prefer a mild olive, black olives are a great choice.  For this focaccia I’m using Kalamata olives because their bold flavor really pairs great with bread.  Their deep dark purplish tone also adds a lot of visual appeal to the focaccia.  I’m using Lindsay® Greek Pitted Kalamata Olives.  They have a wonderfully rich and intensely fruity flavor.

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Sprinkle generously with fresh rosemary.  I usually use far more rosemary than what is pictured below, I just ran out of it in my garden.  I also like to stick in the tips of 2-3 sprigs just to make it even prettier.

Using fresh rosemary is an absolute, unequivocal must!  Do not substitute dried.  Just don’t.

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Sprinkle fairly generously with coarse salt or fleur de sel.  I love the flaky texture and delicate flavor of fleur de sel and it’s a great choice for focaccia.

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Bake on the middle shelf for 15-20 minutes or until the top is light golden brown.

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Let it cool for a couple of minutes before slicing into squares.  It’s best served immediately while the crust is still warm and crispy.

Let’s take a closer look at the focaccia.

See how the top is a little crackly?   That’s the kind of crispiness we’re after.  And when you sink you’re teeth into it you get that lightly moist and chewy olive-oil interior.

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Enjoy!

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Olive Rosemary Focaccia

Kimberly Killebrew
Learn how to make authentic Italian focaccia with the BEST texture and flavor!
Print Recipe
5 from 8 votes
Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Rising Time 2 hrs
Total Time 2 hrs 40 mins
Course bread
Cuisine Italian
Servings 8 servings
Calories 415 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 2 1/2 teaspoons active dried yeast
  • 1 3/4 cup warm water
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons quality extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup pitted Kalamata olives or black olives , rinsed and drained
  • 1/4 cup quality extra virgin olive oil plus more for drizzling
  • Fresh coarsely chopped rosemary leaves for topping
  • A few tips of rosemary sprigs for topping garnish
  • Coarse sea salt (I love fleur de sel for topping)

Instructions
 

  • Combine the yeast, water and sugar in a bowl and let it sit in a warm place for about 15 minutes until frothy.
  • In a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the flour, salt, olive oil and yeast mixture on low speed until the dough comes together, then increase to medium speed and continue to knead for another 5-7 minutes until the texture becomes smooth and soft. If the dough is too sticky add a little more flour.
  • Remove the dough, spray the mixer bowl with olive oil, return the dough, cover the bowl loosely with plastic wrap and put it in a warm, draft-free place to rise for at least 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  • Coat a standard 15 1/2 x 10 ½-inch rimmed sheet pan with the 1/4 cup of olive oil. Place the dough on the sheet pan, pulling and pressing it with your hands it to spread it across to fit the size of the pan. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let the dough rise for another 60 minutes or until doubled in size. Towards the end, preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
  • Use your fingertips to press lots of deep dimples into the dough then drizzle generously with olive oil, letting the oil pool in the dimples. Place the olives throughout some of the dimples, sprinkle generously with rosemary leaves and a few rosemary sprig tips and some coarse salt.
  • Bake on the middle shelf for 15-20 minutes or until the top is light golden brown. Let it cool for a couple of minutes before slicing into squares. Best served immediately while the crust is still warm and crispy.

Nutrition

Calories: 415kcal | Carbohydrates: 62g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1138mg | Potassium: 126mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 65IU | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 3.8mg
Keyword Focaccia
Tried this recipe?Click HERE to rate it!

how to make authentic focaccia italian olives rosemary best recipe

A special thank you to Lindsay® for sponsoring this post and to my readers for supporting the brands that make The Daring Gourmet possible!

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Filed Under: Affiliate, All Recipes, Bread, By Country or Region, By Course, By Ingredient, By Type of Dish, Disclosure, Food, Italy, Mediterranean, Side Dishes, Vegetarian, Western Europe Tagged With: authentic, baking, bread, flatbread, focaccia, Italian, kalamata, Lindsay, olive, rosemary, traditional, vegan, vegetarian, yeast

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57 Responses

  1. Anonymous says

    November 28, 2020 at 1:40 pm

    This recipe is awesome. I am not a bread maker, but with this recipe… I could be selling this focaccia on the street for $$. The total time to make is 3 hours, but you’re only working on it for 45 minutes, and cooking it for 20 minutes. I always forget it takes a while, and the time frame on the recipe is misleading.

    Reply
  2. Samuel says

    April 19, 2020 at 3:57 pm

    Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
  3. Mary Toombs says

    June 18, 2019 at 10:49 am

    Hi! I know this recipe has been around awhile but I wanted to say that I searched for a recipe and method similar to that shown on Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat and this one is it! I don’t have a stand mixer so I just kneaded by hand as they did in the show. It was fantastic!!! As heavenly as it appeared on the show. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      June 18, 2019 at 2:04 pm

      I’m so happy to hear that, Mary, thanks so much for the feedback!

      Reply
  4. Kyle says

    May 2, 2019 at 10:17 pm

    I made this recipe step by step, and for some reason my bread turned out like pizza crust, obviously I did something wrong. It does not look like the pictures shown above. I didn’t add anything extra or anything less that was needed. It smells so good, but looks so wrong. I let it rise for so long, but it still turned out like a biscuit. This is the first time I made this, so I wasn’t expecting it to turn out perfect, but maybe you could tell me where I went wrong.

    Reply
    • Stefanie says

      April 11, 2020 at 12:15 am

      Hi Kyle, sorry I’m late responding, but I just came across this recipe and made the bread this morning. I bake a lot at home and when my yeast dough doesn’t rise it is because you may have done something to kill off the active ingredients in the yeast itself. This happens for example if the water you used was too hot or you have added too much salt. Salt kills yeast, too, that’s why you make the yeast dough starter seperate with the sugar. Sorry it didn’t work out this time, do keep trying! Fresh bread (and also cakes!) are so satifying and smell so good :)

      Reply
  5. Tom Lincoln says

    June 3, 2018 at 3:26 am

    Hi, I live in the UK and was wondering if plain flour and all purpose flour are the same things?

    Reply
    • Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      June 3, 2018 at 5:11 pm

      Hi Tom, yes they’re basically the same and can be used interchangeably. Happy baking!

      Reply
  6. Geraldine Toltschin says

    October 9, 2017 at 7:50 am

    Thanks so much. Your recipes are just wonderful.

    Reply
  7. Sweetpea57 says

    October 3, 2017 at 6:37 am

    First of all Thank You! I have made this time and time again, I like to share it with my next door neighbors, their daughters are picky eaters but love love love this.The youngest has already come over and learned how to make it so she can make it at home now…….Her dad gave me a rosemary bush as I kept having to ask for fresh rosemary…… soooooo sweet!!!!!

    Reply
    • Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      October 3, 2017 at 10:52 am

      That is so awesome!! Super sweet, thanks so much for sharing!

      Reply
  8. carol scamorza says

    September 3, 2017 at 5:40 am

    can you make the dough the night before and refrigerate it. thank u

    Reply
    • Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      September 3, 2017 at 8:29 am

      Hi Carol, yes you can.

      Reply
  9. Maria Roberts says

    August 15, 2017 at 3:11 pm

    I live at high altitude, 7,000 feet, Park City, UT. All you need to do is use instead of the recipe amounts quoted, you use 1 and 1/4 teaspoon instant yeast (red) from King Arthur Flour (I also use their flour). Step 1 of the recipe is not necessary if you use the instant yeast, just mix the yeast in with the flour and other ingredients per step 2. Proceed with the recipe, however, don’t let it double in size, just a little (1 inch) less. Then follow the recipe. It was very good.

    However, I would like to add that I find it odd that the comments made were mostly about the “look” of the product, rather than having made the recipe. This is really not a good way to help others who might want to try this. Don’t jude a recipe you don’t actually try. It’s not helpful.

    Reply
    • Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      August 16, 2017 at 10:49 am

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Maria, and thanks for the high altitude info!

      Reply
  10. Barb Nordin says

    June 22, 2017 at 7:34 am

    Does anyone have any advice for baking this at high altitude? I live at 6500 feet in Colorado. Baking is always a challenge here.

    Reply
  11. René says

    June 14, 2017 at 5:50 am

    Wow, thank you so much for this recipe! I learnt how to make this on a cooking course in Tuscany but when I got back home and tried the recipe it was a complete flop! Made this last night and the entire bread was demolished by my family! I’ll definitely make this one again!

    Reply
    • Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      June 14, 2017 at 9:45 am

      Fantastic, René, that’s clearly a VERY good sign! :) Thanks so much for the feedback!

      Reply
  12. Alexandra says

    June 8, 2017 at 12:40 pm

    This was delicious!! I made it a lot thicker, and it came out so fluffy. Will be using this as my go-to recipe from now on, thank you!

    Reply
    • Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      June 8, 2017 at 12:55 pm

      Wonderful, Alexandra, I’m so glad you enjoyed it, thank you!

      Reply
  13. vanessa says

    November 23, 2016 at 1:38 pm

    Hello, do you think I could use whole wheat flour for this?

    Reply
    • Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      November 23, 2016 at 7:37 pm

      Hi Vanessa, I use whole grains 95% of the time when I cook and bake for our family. There are some exceptions I’ll make when a dish really just depends on good ol’ white flour for texture – this focaccia is one example. Unlike white flour, whole wheat flour contains bran which cuts through the gluten and takes away from the airy texture, making it very dense. It also greatly alters the flavor. I guess what I’m saying is yes, you “can” use whole wheat flour but neither the texture nor the flavor will be anything like it’s supposed to.

      Reply
      • Vanessa says

        November 24, 2016 at 4:32 am

        Thank you for your answer.
        What about the sugar?can I omit it?

        Reply
        • Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

          November 24, 2016 at 10:04 am

          You can, but sugar assists the yeast in creating a higher rise.

          Reply
  14. Lora @savoringitaly says

    November 15, 2016 at 7:15 am

    I just love the bubbling of yeast and the smell while the dough is rising…nothing like making homemade bread! Those dimples are perfect and so is your focaccia!Bravissim!

    Reply
  15. Brandy | Nutmeg Nanny says

    November 15, 2016 at 5:06 am

    Someone needs to take me to Italy ASAP! I love a fresh focaccia! Looks delicious!

    Reply
  16. Peggy says

    November 11, 2016 at 5:07 am

    Wow this looks absolutely delicious! I’ve never made focaccia before but I definitely want to try this one. Can’t wait. I love your step by step photos.

    Reply
    • Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      November 12, 2016 at 9:57 am

      Thanks so much, Peggy! :) Happy baking!

      Reply
  17. Paul edwards says

    November 11, 2016 at 5:05 am

    Kimberly, I have a brand new oven here in Thailand. Bad news is fresh rosemary not available. What would your recomendation be ? We have parsley, mint, basil fresh. None of which seems to go. Garlic ?? Regards paul.

    Reply
    • Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      November 12, 2016 at 10:07 am

      Hi Paul, the most important aspect of this is the focaccia itself, not the toppings. You could make it without anything on it at all except for the salt and it would still taste marvelous because of the texture and the yeast/olive oil flavor. Because the base recipe is simple with no dominating flavors that really “clash” with anything per se, you can add any toppings you like. How about creating a fun “Thai Focaccia” with flavors typical of that cuisine? Thai basil, Thai chili peppers (for a gorgeous color and some heat), garlic, ginger…maybe even a touch of mint for freshness to contrast with the heat of the chilies…or a combination incorporating cilantro (coriander)…or if you like really spicy foods you could add a drizzling of red chili oil….you could create some really mouth-watering combinations celebrating Thai flavors. I’m hungry already! :)

      Reply
  18. Gail says

    November 11, 2016 at 3:57 am

    Beautiful pictures and a great focaccia recipe.

    Reply
  19. Joanie @ ZagLeft says

    October 31, 2016 at 11:09 am

    Olive focaccia is my favorite! Your focaccia looks absolutely delicious and your photos are beautiful.

    Reply
  20. Adina says

    October 30, 2016 at 4:10 am

    Wonderful looking focaccia, I haven’t had any in a long time… Next time I will try this recipe, it sounds great and I love the olives on top.

    Reply
  21. Aly ~ Cooking In Stilettos says

    October 28, 2016 at 8:01 pm

    This focaccia is sheer perfection – this looks scrumptious!

    Reply
  22. Ashley @ Wishes & Dishes says

    October 28, 2016 at 4:53 pm

    I agree that bread baking is the best smell in the entire world! This needs to happen in my kitchen soon!

    Reply
  23. Jenny | Honey and Birch says

    October 28, 2016 at 8:25 am

    This recipe is making me want to go back to Italy soooo bad!!

    Reply
  24. Angie | Big Bear's Wife says

    October 28, 2016 at 7:22 am

    I love focaccia but I’ve never made it at home. I’ve never thought to make it at home! Now I’m craving it!!

    Reply
  25. Jennifer Farley says

    October 28, 2016 at 7:02 am

    I just want to reach through my screen and grab a piece!

    Reply
  26. Cathy | Lemon Tree Dwelling says

    October 28, 2016 at 6:44 am

    Oh goodness…I want to tear into this focaccia! With the olives and the salt…YUM!!!!

    Reply
  27. Amanda | The Chunky Chef says

    October 27, 2016 at 6:20 pm

    I love your step by step photos! Focaccia is one of my favorite breads :)

    Reply
  28. Cathy @ Noble Pig says

    October 27, 2016 at 6:14 pm

    I love making focaccia,I often put red grapes where you added olives. Always the best!

    Reply
  29. Jessica @Savory Experiments says

    October 27, 2016 at 4:26 pm

    This is beautiful, the location and the bread! Focaccia is my favorite!

    Reply
  30. The Food Hunter says

    October 27, 2016 at 2:34 pm

    This looks amazing and there is no place I would rather be right now then Liguria! thanks for sharing

    Reply
  31. Michelle | A Latte Food says

    October 27, 2016 at 1:39 pm

    Mmm, I love focaccia! This looks amazing!

    Reply
  32. Rony Jahid says

    October 27, 2016 at 1:33 pm

    Looks so gorgeous & yummy this Olive rosemary focaccia. I love olive & made any recipe with olive. I want it..

    Reply
  33. Erin @ Texanerin Baking says

    October 27, 2016 at 12:47 pm

    I’m with you – the smell of yeasted goodies baking is the best! And this looks great.

    Reply
  34. Kelly - A Side of Sweet says

    October 27, 2016 at 9:31 am

    All of my favorite things – carbs and olives! This looks amazing!

    Reply
  35. Alyssa | EverydayMaven says

    October 27, 2016 at 9:27 am

    That looks incredible!!!! I would love a square with my lunch :)

    Reply
  36. Kirsten/ComfortablyDomestic says

    October 27, 2016 at 9:25 am

    Focaccia is by far my favorite bread to bake at home. All the olive oil pooling in the divits of bread with enough kosher salt to finish off just speaks to me. I love that you added rosemary and olives. I call that a complete meal!

    Reply
  37. Emma says

    October 27, 2016 at 6:29 am

    this looks peeeerrrrfffeeeccttt!!! I came across your blog on a random marzipan search and I’m also thinking about making focaccia for the first time… what a coincidence!

    Reply
    • Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      October 27, 2016 at 8:50 am

      Thanks, Emma, and I’m so happy you found us – welcome!

      Reply
      • DAMIAN BOYLE says

        August 23, 2017 at 9:10 am

        Authentic italian bread with greek olives! Mmmmm does not sound right

        Reply
        • Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

          August 23, 2017 at 9:25 am

          I hear you, Damian. Kalamatas pair especially well with carbs but as noted in the recipe you can also use the more traditional black olives.

          Reply
  38. Sabrina says

    October 26, 2016 at 11:48 pm

    This turned out beautifully! I’m down for any food including kalamata olives!

    Reply
  39. Erin @ The Speckled Palate says

    October 26, 2016 at 7:14 pm

    I had no idea the history behind focaccia bread, so this post was fascinating! Also, this bread looks fantastic! I’d love a slice right now…

    Reply
  40. Carrie @ Bakeaholic Mama says

    October 26, 2016 at 5:42 pm

    This is absolutely gorgeous! I’ve never made focaccia, your step by step photos make it look so easy, I think I’ll give it a try!

    Reply
  41. Heather | All Roads Lead to the Kitchen says

    October 26, 2016 at 2:40 pm

    Gorgeous! Olive focaccia is one of my favorite breads. Your photos are lovely. :)

    Reply

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kimberly killebrew the daring gourmet

Welcome!  I’m Kimberly and I share delicious originals, revitalized classics and authentic dishes from around the world.  Come travel the world through your taste buds!

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