Half-Baked Herb and Garlic Focaccia

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

A fragrant focaccia bread baked halfway, topped with fresh rosemary and garlic for a tender and flavorful crust. This mediterranean-inspired quick meals ready in about 35 minutes pairs all-purpose flour, warm water, (1 packet) active dry yeast for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 8 Mediterranean cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 cups warm water, 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp sugar. Stir with a wooden spoon until a sticky dough forms.
  2. Step 2: Drizzle 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil over the dough, then knead inside the bowl for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, adding flour sparingly if too sticky.
  3. Step 3: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled in size.
  4. Step 4: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Lightly oil a 9x13-inch baking pan with 2 tbsp olive oil. Transfer the dough to the pan and gently press it to spread evenly to the edges.
  5. Step 5: Use your fingertips to dimple the dough deeply all over, then scatter 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary evenly on top.
  6. Step 6: Sprinkle 1 tbsp coarse sea salt and drizzle 2 tbsp olive oil over the surface. Bake for 15 minutes until the focaccia is golden but still slightly soft in the center (half-baked).
  7. Step 7: Remove from oven and let cool slightly before slicing into squares and serving warm.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Half-Baked Herb and Garlic Focaccia take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 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 Half-Baked Herb and Garlic Focaccia?

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 Half-Baked Herb and Garlic Focaccia?

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 Half-Baked Herb and Garlic Focaccia 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 Half-Baked Herb and Garlic Focaccia?

Mediterranean 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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