Aperol & Rosemary Focaccia with Lemon Zest

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Aromatic focaccia infused with Aperol's citrus and rosemary, featuring a golden crust and vibrant orange hue from the bittersweet aperitif. This italian-inspired quick meals ready in about 50 minutes pairs all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, warm water for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 8, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.3 (12 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 25 min Serves 8 Italian cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and 1 tsp sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Stir in Aperol, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and lemon zest until combined.
  2. Step 2: Add flour and rosemary to the bowl, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. Turn onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  3. Step 3: Punch down dough and transfer to a 9x13-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper. Press dough evenly into the pan, dimpling with fingertips. Drizzle with remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and sprinkle with remaining salt and rosemary. Let rise for 20 minutes until puffy.
  4. Step 4: Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crusty on top. Remove from oven, let cool for 10 minutes before slicing.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Aperol & Rosemary Focaccia with Lemon Zest take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (25 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Aperol & Rosemary Focaccia with Lemon Zest?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep all-purpose flour from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Aperol & Rosemary Focaccia with Lemon Zest?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Aperol & Rosemary Focaccia with Lemon Zest for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Aperol & Rosemary Focaccia with Lemon Zest?

Italian quick meals like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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