Holiday Bread Sliced Focaccia (Printable version)

A festive Italian bread featuring a golden crust, soft interior, and aromatic rosemary topping.

# What you need:

→ Dough

01 - 4 cups bread flour
02 - 1½ cups warm water (about 105°F)
03 - 2 teaspoons fine sea salt
04 - 2¼ teaspoons instant dry yeast
05 - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

→ Topping

06 - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
07 - 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary sprigs
08 - 1½ teaspoons flaky sea salt

# How to Make It:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, stir together bread flour and fine sea salt.
02 - In a separate small bowl, dissolve instant dry yeast in warm water. Let it rest for 5 minutes until foamy.
03 - Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
04 - Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
05 - Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
06 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
07 - Punch down risen dough and transfer to the prepared baking sheet. Stretch and pat into a 12 x 8 inch rectangle.
08 - Use fingertips to deeply dimple the surface. Drizzle with olive oil, scatter rosemary sprigs and flaky sea salt evenly on top.
09 - Cover loosely and let the dough rise 30 minutes more.
10 - Bake for 22 to 25 minutes until the crust is deep golden and crisp.
11 - Allow to cool slightly, then slice and serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Aromatic Italian flavor
  • Soft and golden crust
02 -
  • Contains wheat (gluten)
  • May contain traces of sesame or nuts if processed in facilities handling these allergens
03 -
  • Use room temperature ingredients for better yeast activation
  • Pat the dough dimples deeply to trap olive oil and rosemary flavor
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