Legalese Herb Focaccia
Rustic Italian focaccia infused with fresh rosemary and sea salt, evoking the essence of Italian tradition and culture. This Italian-inspired quick recipe, ready in about 40 minutes, pairs all-purpose flour, warm water, 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.
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups (420 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/3 cups (320 ml) warm water
- 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup plus 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tbsp coarse sea salt
Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 1 1/3 cups warm water (105°F to 110°F) with 1 tsp sugar and 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast. Stir and let sit for 5-7 minutes until foamy.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour and 2 tsp salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil.
- Step 3: Stir until dough starts to come together, then knead on a floured surface for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Step 4: Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Step 5: Preheat oven to 425°F. Oil a 9x13 inch baking pan with 2 tbsp olive oil. Transfer dough to the pan and spread evenly with your fingers, creating dimples in the surface.
- Step 6: Sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary and 1 tbsp coarse sea salt evenly over the dough. Drizzle with an additional 2 tbsp olive oil.
- Step 7: Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and the edges are crisp. Let cool slightly before cutting into squares.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Legalese Herb Focaccia take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 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 Legalese Herb 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 Legalese Herb 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 Legalese Herb 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 Legalese Herb Focaccia?
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.
