Focaccia Bread Recipe Roasted Tomato Rosemary Studs

I’ve found that sometimes, all you truly crave is a warm, fresh piece of bread, and an easy focaccia bread recipe Roasted Tomato Rosemary Studs is exactly what your family needs. The aroma alone, of roasted tomatoes and fresh rosemary baking, makes my kitchen feel so welcoming.

This simple, hearty recipe is perfect for busy families looking for delicious home-cooked meals without the fuss. It’s a comforting, family-friendly dish that consistently delivers homemade goodness, and it’s quickly become a go-to for our healthy weeknight meals.

Key Ingredients and Flavor Foundations

• All-purpose or bread flour (3 cups / 360g): Provides the essential structure for a chewy, airy crumb.
• Active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons / 7g): The leavening agent that gives focaccia its signature fluffy texture.
• Warm water (1 ¼ cups / 300ml, 105-115°F / 40-46°C): Activates the yeast for a vigorous rise.
• Granulated sugar (1 teaspoon): A small amount to feed the yeast and jumpstart fermentation. (I’ll sometimes swap this for a touch of honey if I’m out of sugar.)
• Olive oil (¼ cup / 60ml, plus more for drizzling): Essential for rich flavor, a tender crumb, and that irresistible crispy crust. A good quality extra virgin olive oil really elevates the taste.
• Sea salt (1 teaspoon, plus flaky sea salt for topping): Enhances overall flavor and contributes to the crust’s texture. (If I don’t have sea salt, regular table salt works in a pinch for the dough.)
• Cherry tomatoes (1 cup / 150g), halved: Roasted, they provide sweet, savory bursts. Opt for ripe, sweet cherry tomatoes when in season for the best flavor in your focaccia bread recipe Roasted Tomato Rosemary Studs.
• Fresh rosemary (2 sprigs), leaves removed: Infuses an aromatic, earthy herb flavor.

For a heartier focaccia, consider using whole wheat flour for part of the all-purpose flour. If cherry tomatoes aren’t available, sun-dried tomatoes or pitted olives also make excellent toppings.

Cooking Method Made Simple

Creating this easy focaccia bread recipe Roasted Tomato Rosemary Studs is a straightforward process, even for beginner bakers. Just follow these steps for a perfect loaf every time.

Mixing the Dough

1. In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine 1 ¼ cups warm water, 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Let this mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it looks foamy and fragrant, indicating the yeast is active.
2. Add 3 cups all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon sea salt to the yeast mixture. Mix with a stand mixer (using a dough hook) or by hand until a shaggy dough forms, just barely coming together.
3. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes on medium-low speed (or by hand on a lightly floured surface) until it becomes smooth and elastic, feeling pliable to the touch.

First Rise

Transfer the kneaded dough to a lightly oiled bowl, turning once to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has visibly doubled in size and feels airy.

Prep for Baking

Generously drizzle 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil into a 9×13 inch baking pan. Gently transfer the risen dough to the prepared pan. Using your fingertips, dimple the dough all over, pressing down to create characteristic indentations and pushing it to the pan’s edges. This is a fun step, and my kids always love helping with the dimpling! Drizzle another tablespoon or two of olive oil over the dimpled surface. Evenly press the halved roasted cherry tomatoes and fresh rosemary leaves into the dimples, ensuring good distribution for every slice of your focaccia bread recipe Roasted Tomato Rosemary Studs.

Second Rise

Cover the pan again and let the dough rise for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until it looks slightly puffy and soft to the touch.

Baking

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) with a rack in the center. Bake the focaccia for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the crust sounds hollow when tapped, indicating it’s cooked through. If it appears too pale after 20 minutes, continue baking for another 3-5 minutes, checking frequently. For gluten-free focaccia, substitute a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. For a lower-carb option, experimenting with almond or coconut flour blends can work, but expect a denser texture.

Dough Not Rising

Always check your yeast’s expiration date; it loses potency over time. Ensure the water temperature is perfectly warm (105-115°F / 40-46°C), not too hot (which kills yeast) or too cold (which inhibits it). For optimal rise, place the dough in a consistently warm, draft-free environment, such as a slightly warmed oven (turned off!) or near a sunny window.

Soggy Bottom

To prevent a soggy bottom, use enough olive oil in the baking pan – don’t be shy! Ensure your oven is fully preheated to the correct temperature before baking, and bake until the bottom is a deep golden brown, not just the top. A well-oiled pan promotes crispness.

Dry Focaccia

Overbaking is a common culprit for dry bread; pull it from the oven as soon as it’s golden brown. Proper hydration is also crucial for a tender crumb; make sure your dough isn’t too stiff initially, adding a touch more water if it feels dry during mixing.

Ideal Serving Moments and Pairings

This versatile focaccia bread recipe Roasted Tomato Rosemary Studs suits many occasions.

Occasions

• Weeknight dinners, potlucks, family gatherings.
• Meal prep lunches, holiday appetizers.

Pairing Ideas

• Soup, salads, dipping oil.
• Antipasto platters, sandwich base.

Storage Guidelines

Best Containers

Store in airtight containers or wrap tightly.

Fridge/Freezer Timing

Room temp 1-2 days, refrigerated 4 days. Freeze slices for 1 month. I freeze half a batch for quick meals.

Reheating Methods

Reheat in oven 350°F (175°C) 5-10 min, or microwave briefly.

Nutrition, Wellness & Everyday Benefits of Focaccia Bread

This simple focaccia bread recipe provides energy from wholesome ingredients. Our focaccia bread recipe Roasted Tomato Rosemary Studs adds vitamins and antioxidants.

It’s family-friendly, supports plant-based diets, and offers budget-friendly healthy weeknight meals and easy meal prep ideas.

Recipe Advantages for Different Needs

This focaccia bread recipe Roasted Tomato Rosemary Studs solves home cooking challenges.

Saves Money

Baking focaccia at home is more economical than bakery loaves. My personal savings are significant.

Healthier Homemade

Control ingredients for a healthier choice versus store-bought.

Quick Prep (Active Time)

Minimal hands-on time makes this easy focaccia bread recipe Roasted Tomato Rosemary Studs feasible on busy days.

Versatile & Customizable

Easily switch up toppings beyond roasted tomato rosemary studs.

Expert Tips, Flavor Boosts, and Adaptations

Elevate homemade focaccia with these tricks.

• Drizzle high-quality olive oil before/after baking.
• Sprinkle flaky sea salt for flavor/texture.

Kid-Approved, Guest-Ready, Holiday-Special

• Kids can dimple dough.
• Add olives or caramelized onions.
• Cut into festive shapes.

Substitutions for Allergies or Special Diets

• Use gluten-free flour blend.
• Swap yeast for baking powder/soda (denser).

Common Questions About Focaccia Bread Recipe

Can I make focaccia bread ahead for meal prep?

Yes. Prep dough day before, refrigerate overnight. Or bake, cool, store for quick meals.

What’s the healthiest way to prepare focaccia bread?

Use whole wheat flour, less sugar, judicious olive oil. Load with fresh vegetables like roasted tomato rosemary studs.

Which stores or online shops carry quality ingredients for focaccia?

Major grocery stores have quality items. For artisan olive oil/fresh rosemary, I check farmers’ markets; it makes a difference.

How do I get focaccia bread truly fluffy and crispy?

Proper proofing ensures fluffiness. Baking at 400°F (200°C) with enough surface olive oil creates crispiness.

Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh in this focaccia bread recipe?

Yes. Use about one-third the amount of dried rosemary. It adds wonderful flavor to this focaccia bread recipe Roasted Tomato Rosemary Studs.

What other toppings go well with focaccia bread?

Beyond the delicious focaccia bread recipe Roasted Tomato Rosemary Studs, try caramelized onions, black olives, sliced garlic, or flaky sea salt.

Embrace homemade baking with this easy, delicious focaccia bread recipe. This focaccia bread recipe Roasted Tomato Rosemary Studs elevates any meal. Save this recipe on Pinterest for your next family dinner!

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