Fourth-Crust Herb Focaccia with Roasted Garlic and Sea Salt
A golden, airy focaccia bread with a perfectly baked fourth crust, infused with roasted garlic and fresh herbs, finished with flaky sea salt. This italian-inspired desserts ready in about 45 minutes layers all-purpose flour, (1 packet) active dry yeast, 110°F warm water into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 8, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. 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.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 3/4 cups, 110°F warm water
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 cup plus 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 6 cloves, mashed roasted garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tbsp, chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tbsp flaky sea salt
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 3/4 cups warm water (110°F), 1 tbsp sugar, and 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-7 minutes until foamy.
- Step 2: Add 4 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tsp kosher salt, and 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until combined, then knead dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Step 3: Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Step 4: Preheat oven to 450°F. Oil a 9x13-inch baking sheet with 2 tbsp olive oil. Transfer dough to the pan and gently stretch it to fill the pan evenly.
- Step 5: Using your fingertips, dimple the dough all over. Spread 6 mashed roasted garlic cloves evenly across the surface, then sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary, 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme, and 1 tbsp flaky sea salt.
- Step 6: Drizzle 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil over the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the crust is golden brown and crisp on the edges.
- Step 7: Remove from oven and let cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Fourth-Crust Herb Focaccia with Roasted Garlic and Sea Salt take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Fourth-Crust Herb Focaccia with Roasted Garlic and Sea Salt?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Fourth-Crust Herb Focaccia with Roasted Garlic and Sea Salt?
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 Fourth-Crust Herb Focaccia with Roasted Garlic and Sea Salt 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 Fourth-Crust Herb Focaccia with Roasted Garlic and Sea Salt?
Italian desserts 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.
