Herbed Focaccia Bread
Herbed focaccia bread offers a fragrant, crispy crust filled with aromatic herbs, garlic, and Parmesan, perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a flavorful snack.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brush a 15 x 10 inch jellyroll pan with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and set aside.
- Turn the bread dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead 3 to 4 times until smooth.
- In a small bowl, stir together the softened margarine, 3/4 tablespoon of rosemary and dill, and Parmesan cheese.
- Gradually knead the margarine mixture into the bread dough until the dough is smooth and elastic, adding additional flour if necessary.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan.
- Using your fingertips, press small indentations into the top of the dough.
- Sprinkle the garlic, remaining rosemary, and dill over the top.
- Drizzle the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil over the dough.
- Sprinkle with kosher salt, if desired, and ground pepper.
- Cover and let rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter focaccia, use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour for a chewier texture. Fresh herbs can be substituted for dried; use 3 tablespoons of fresh rosemary and dill for a more vibrant flavor. If you want added flavor, consider mixing in some chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives into the dough. This focaccia pairs beautifully with Cheesy Ricotto Ziti.
Serving Suggestions
This herbed focaccia is perfect as an appetizer, served with olive oil for dipping, or as a side to soups and salads. It pairs well with Pasta Asparagus or can be enjoyed as a sandwich base. For a delightful brunch, serve slices alongside Biscotti (Italian Breakfast Cookie)(Makes 3 Dozen Biscuits) and coffee.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, wrap the focaccia in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the bread, wrapped tightly, for up to a month. To reheat, place the focaccia in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Herbed Focaccia Bread contains roughly 357 calories, with 12g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (34% of the Daily Value), protein (24% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1461mg per serving (64% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried in this recipe?
Yes, you can use fresh herbs! Substitute 3 tablespoons of fresh rosemary and dill for the dried herbs. Fresh herbs will give your focaccia a more intense flavor and aroma.
What if I don't have a jellyroll pan?
If you don't have a jellyroll pan, you can use a baking sheet or a large casserole dish. Just make sure to adjust the baking time as thinner or thicker dough will cook differently. Keep an eye on it until golden brown.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this focaccia vegan, replace the margarine with a vegan butter alternative and omit the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based cheese. The bread will still be flavorful and delicious!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).