Olive & Rosemary Focaccia Recipe

Olive & Rosemary Focaccia Recipe is a medium Italian recipe that serves 6. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Bondi Harvest on YouTube.

Prep: 2 hrs 10 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 3 hrs

Cost: $4.73 total, $0.79 per serving

Ingredients

  • as needed Honey (to feed the yeast, about 1‑2 teaspoons)
  • as needed Active Dry Yeast (about 1 teaspoon)
  • 0.25 cup Warm Water (lukewarm (about 105°F / 40°C) for activating yeast)
  • as needed All-Purpose Flour (sifted, about 3‑4 cups for the dough)
  • as needed Warm Water (extra) (additional water to bring dough together, roughly 1 cup total water used)
  • as needed Olive Oil (extra‑virgin, about 3‑4 tablespoons total (for dough, bowl, and topping))
  • as needed Salt (coarse or kosher, about 1‑2 teaspoons for dough and extra for topping)
  • as needed Mixed Dried Herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano; about 1‑2 teaspoons)
  • as needed Pearl Olives (generous amount, roughly ½ cup, pitted)

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast

    Combine honey, active dry yeast, and ¼ cup warm water in a mixing bowl. Stir until dissolved, then set aside to foam for about 15 minutes.

    Time: PT20M

  2. Make Dough

    In a large bowl, add sifted flour, the activated yeast mixture, extra warm water, olive oil, and a good crack of salt. Mix with your hands until the mixture forms a shaggy dough, then knead on a floured surface for 5‑6 minutes until smooth and elastic.

    Time: PT10M

  3. First Rise

    Lightly oil a clean bowl, place the dough inside, coat the top with a drizzle of olive oil, cover with a kitchen towel and cling film, and let rise in a warm place for 1‑1½ hours, or until doubled in size.

    Time: PT1H15M

  4. Shape & Second Rise

    Turn the risen dough onto a lightly oiled baking tray. Gently stretch and press it into a rectangular shape about ½‑¾ inch thick. Cover loosely and let rest for another 30 minutes to allow a second rise.

    Time: PT35M

  5. Add Toppings & Bake

    Press pearl olives into the dough’s dimples, sprinkle mixed herbs and a pinch of salt, then drizzle with a little more olive oil. Bake in a pre‑heated oven at 400°F for 25‑30 minutes, until the crust is golden and the interior is light and fluffy.

    Time: PT35M

    Temperature: 400°F

Nutrition Facts

Calories
250
Protein
6g
Carbohydrates
45g
Fat
6g
Fiber
3g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains olive oil

Allergens: Gluten (wheat), Yeast

Last updated: April 19, 2026

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Olive & Rosemary Focaccia Recipe

Recipe by Bondi Harvest

A simple, airy focaccia loaded with pearl olives, fresh herbs, and a generous drizzle of olive oil. Perfect as a side dish or snack, this Bondi Harvest recipe walks you through every step from activating the yeast to achieving a golden, crunchy crust.

MediumItalianServes 6

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
2h 20m
Prep
35m
Cook
21m
Cleanup
3h 16m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$4.73
Total cost
$0.79
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Activating the yeast properly (foam formation).
  • Kneading the dough to an elastic texture.
  • First rise until the dough doubles in size.
  • Second rise after shaping.
  • Baking at the correct temperature until golden.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot baking tray with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • Do not use water hotter than 120°F (49°C) when activating yeast, as it can kill the yeast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of olive focaccia in Italian cuisine?

A

Focaccia originated in ancient Roman times as a flatbread baked on a hearth. In Italy, especially Liguria, olive oil and olives became classic toppings, turning the simple bread into a beloved snack and accompaniment to meals.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of focaccia in Italy?

A

In Liguria you’ll find focaccia al rosmarino with rosemary; in Puglia, it’s often topped with tomatoes and onions; in Tuscany, salt and olive oil dominate. The Bondi Harvest version emphasizes pearl olives for a burst of briny flavor.

cultural
Q

How is olive focaccia traditionally served in Italian households?

A

It is usually served warm, sliced and drizzled with extra olive oil, often alongside soups, salads, or cured meats. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a snack with a glass of wine.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is olive focaccia traditionally associated with in Italy?

A

Focaccia is a staple at family gatherings, picnics, and festive occasions such as Easter brunches. Its easy preparation makes it a popular choice for casual get‑togethers.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for traditional Italian olive focaccia versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic focaccia uses high‑quality extra‑virgin olive oil, sea salt, and local olives. Substitutes like canola oil or regular table salt work, but they change the flavor profile. Fresh herbs can replace dried ones for a brighter taste.

cultural
Q

What other Italian dishes pair well with olive focaccia from Bondi Harvest?

A

Olive focaccia pairs beautifully with minestrone soup, caprese salad, grilled vegetables, or a charcuterie board featuring prosciutto and cheese.

cultural
Q

What makes Bondi Harvest’s olive focaccia special or unique in Italian bread making?

A

The recipe emphasizes a light, airy crumb achieved by a short knead and two rises, plus a generous amount of pearl olives that create pockets of briny flavor, setting it apart from denser traditional versions.

cultural
Q

How has olive focaccia evolved over time in Italian cuisine?

A

Originally a plain flatbread, focaccia evolved with regional toppings—olive oil, herbs, and olives became popular in coastal areas. Modern home cooks, like Bondi Harvest, add creative touches such as pearl olives for texture.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making olive focaccia at home?

A

Common errors include using water that’s too hot (killing the yeast), under‑kneading (resulting in a dense crumb), and not allowing enough rise time. Also, over‑loading olives can weigh down the dough.

technical
Q

Why does this olive focaccia recipe use a two‑stage rise instead of a single long proof?

A

The first rise develops flavor and volume, while the second rise after shaping allows the dough to relax and expand without deflating, giving the focaccia its characteristic airy texture.

technical
Q

Can I make Bondi Harvest’s olive focaccia ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, bake the focaccia a day ahead, let it cool, then wrap tightly and refrigerate. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5‑7 minutes to restore crispness. It also freezes well for up to a month.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the olive focaccia is done?

A

The crust should be deep golden‑brown and slightly crisp, while the interior is light, airy, and dotted with visible olive pockets. A tapping sound should be hollow.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Bondi Harvest specialize in?

A

Bondi Harvest focuses on simple, wholesome recipes that celebrate fresh ingredients, often featuring Mediterranean and Australian-inspired dishes, along with travel stories and lifestyle content.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Bondi Harvest's approach to Italian cooking differ from other Italian cooking channels?

A

Bondi Harvest emphasizes minimal equipment, quick techniques, and a relaxed, home‑cooking vibe, whereas many traditional Italian channels focus on elaborate methods or professional kitchen settings.

channel

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