How To Make Focaccia with Rosemary and Olive Oil

How To Make Focaccia with Rosemary and Olive Oil is a medium Italian recipe that serves 8. 490 calories per serving. Recipe by How To Feed A Loon on YouTube.

Prep: 6 hrs 25 min | Cook: 22 min | Total: 7 hrs 7 min

Cost: $5.47 total, $0.68 per serving

Ingredients

  • 6 1/4 cups Bread Flour (high‑protein flour for chewy texture)
  • 2 1/2 cups Water (room temperature, about 70‑75°F)
  • 3 teaspoons Granulated Sugar (divided between dough and yeast mixture)
  • 1 package Active Dry Yeast (¼ oz (≈2 ¼ tsp), check expiration)
  • 1 tablespoon Kosher Salt (plus 1 ½ tsp, coarse for flavor)
  • 9 tablespoons Extra‑Virgin Olive Oil (divided: 3 tbsp for bowl, 2 tbsp for pan, 2 tbsp for mid‑bake, remainder for dimpling)
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Rosemary (loosely packed, roughly chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon Coarse Sea Salt (sprinkled on top before baking)

Instructions

  1. Measure Dry Ingredients

    Place 6 ¼ cups bread flour into a dry measuring cup, level off with a knife. Add 1 ½ tsp sugar.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Combine Flour, Water, and Sugar

    Add 2 ½ cups room‑temperature water and the sugar to the mixer bowl. Attach the dough hook and mix on low for about 3 minutes until a shaggy mass forms.

    Time: PT3M

  3. Activate Yeast

    Warm ½ cup water to 90‑105°F (microwave 15 seconds, then check). In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast packet and 1 ½ tsp sugar in the warm water. Let sit 8‑10 minutes until foamy.

    Time: PT10M

  4. Incorporate Yeast and Salt

    With the mixer on low, slowly pour the foamy yeast mixture into the shaggy dough. Add 1 tbsp + 1 ½ tsp kosher salt. Increase speed to medium and knead for 5 minutes until the dough pulls away from the bowl and becomes smooth.

    Time: PT7M

  5. Oil the Proofing Bowl

    Coat a large bowl with 3 tbsp olive oil, swirling to cover sides. Transfer the dough into the bowl, turning it to coat with oil. Cover tightly with plastic wrap.

    Time: PT5M

  6. First Proof

    Place the covered bowl in a warm, draft‑free spot. Let the dough rise until doubled, about 2 hours 30 minutes.

    Time: PT2H30M

  7. Prepare Baking Sheet & Preheat Oven

    Brush the bottom of an 18×13 in rimmed baking sheet with 2 tbsp olive oil. Preheat the oven to 450°F.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 450°F

  8. Transfer Dough & Rest

    Gently turn the risen dough onto the oiled sheet. Stretch it to the edges using oiled hands. Cover with plastic wrap and let rest 10 minutes.

    Time: PT10M

  9. Cold Fermentation

    Re‑cover the sheet with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours.

    Time: PT2H

  10. Second Proof

    Remove the dough from the fridge, keep it covered, and let it sit at room temperature for 1 hour to finish rising.

    Time: PT1H

  11. Add Toppings

    Dimple the dough with oiled fingertips, creating shallow wells. Sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary evenly, then finish with coarse sea salt to taste.

    Time: PT5M

  12. Bake

    Place the sheet in the preheated oven. Bake 20‑22 minutes, turning the sheet halfway through and brushing with an additional 2 tbsp olive oil.

    Time: PT22M

    Temperature: 450°F

  13. Cool & Serve

    Remove from oven, transfer to a cooling rack and let rest 10 minutes before slicing.

    Time: PT10M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
490
Protein
10 g
Carbohydrates
63 g
Fat
15 g
Fiber
4 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Vegan

Allergens: Wheat (gluten)

Last updated: April 19, 2026

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How To Make Focaccia with Rosemary and Olive Oil

Recipe by How To Feed A Loon

A soft, airy Italian focaccia infused with fresh rosemary and plenty of extra‑virgin olive oil. The dough is slow‑proofed for maximum flavor and texture, then baked until golden and crisp. Perfect as a side, snack, or base for sandwiches.

MediumItalianServes 8

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

Source Video
6h 35m
Prep
22m
Cook
50m
Cleanup
7h 47m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$5.47
Total cost
$0.68
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Ensuring the yeast water is between 90‑105°F to activate without killing the yeast.
  • First proof until the dough has doubled in size (2 ½ hours).
  • Cold fermentation for flavor development (2 hours in the fridge).
  • Creating dimples with oiled fingertips to form air pockets.
  • Mid‑bake brushing with olive oil for a glossy, crisp crust.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot oven and baking sheet with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • Do not let yeast water exceed 110°F, which can kill the yeast.
  • Olive oil can splatter; keep a safe distance when brushing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Rosemary Olive Oil Focaccia in Italian cuisine?

A

Focaccia originates from ancient Roman flatbreads and became a staple in Ligurian cuisine, especially in Genoa. Rosemary and olive oil are classic Ligurian toppings, reflecting the region’s abundant herbs and high‑quality olive oil.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of focaccia in Italy?

A

In Liguria you’ll find plain focaccia with rosemary; in Puglia, focaccia is often topped with tomatoes and olives; in Tuscany, it may be seasoned with sea salt and rosemary, while in Rome, focaccia is sometimes stuffed with cheese or cured meats.

cultural
Q

How is authentic focaccia traditionally served in Italy?

A

Authentic focaccia is usually served warm or at room temperature, sliced and drizzled with extra‑virgin olive oil. It accompanies meals as a starter, alongside soups, or as a side for salads and cured meats.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is focaccia traditionally associated with in Italian culture?

A

Focaccia is a common everyday bread but is also featured at festivals, family gatherings, and as a snack during wine tastings. In Liguria, it’s often enjoyed with a glass of Vermentino on sunny afternoons.

cultural
Q

What other Italian dishes pair well with Rosemary Olive Oil Focaccia?

A

It pairs beautifully with antipasto platters, fresh tomato bruschetta, minestrone soup, grilled vegetables, and hearty ragùs. A drizzle of balsamic reduction on the focaccia can complement cheese plates.

cultural
Q

What makes Rosemary Olive Oil Focaccia special or unique in Italian cuisine?

A

The generous use of high‑quality olive oil both in the dough and on top creates a moist crumb and crisp crust, while rosemary adds aromatic piney notes. The long, slow fermentation develops deep flavor not found in quick breads.

cultural
Q

How has focaccia evolved over time in Italian culinary tradition?

A

Originally a simple flatbread baked in communal ovens, focaccia has evolved with regional toppings, artisanal techniques like cold fermentation, and modern home bakers adding creative ingredients such as caramelized onions, olives, or cheese.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Rosemary Olive Oil Focaccia?

A

Common errors include using water that’s too hot and killing the yeast, under‑proofing the dough, and over‑handling a very sticky dough which can deflate air pockets. Also, neglecting the mid‑bake oil brush can result in a dull crust.

technical
Q

Why does this focaccia recipe use a cold fermentation step instead of a single long rise?

A

Cold fermentation slows yeast activity, allowing enzymes to develop richer flavor and a chewier crumb while still keeping the dough manageable. It also fits a weekend schedule, letting the dough rest while you attend to other tasks.

technical
Q

Can I make Rosemary Olive Oil Focaccia ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. After baking, let the focaccia cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic or foil. Store at room temperature for up to 1 day, refrigerate for 3 days, or freeze sliced pieces for up to 2 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven for a few minutes to restore crispness.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel How To Feed A Loon specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel How To Feed A Loon focuses on approachable, home‑cooked comfort foods with a playful, conversational style. The hosts often tackle classic recipes, adding personal twists and detailed step‑by‑step explanations.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel How To Feed A Loon's approach to Italian cooking differ from other Italian cooking channels?

A

How To Feed A Loon blends humor with thorough technique, emphasizing real‑world kitchen tools like stand mixers and offering candid timing tips. Unlike some channels that idealize perfect results, they share the messy, sticky reality of bread‑making, making it relatable for home cooks.

channel

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