Rustic Homemade Herb-Infused Focaccia Bread

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

This airy focaccia features a handmade dough infused with fresh rosemary and sea salt, baked to a golden crust perfect for sandwiches or dipping. This italian-inspired sushi ready in about 45 minutes pairs warm water, active dry yeast, granulated sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 6, 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: 25 min Serves 6 Italian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F), 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast, and 1 tsp granulated sugar. Stir gently and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour and 1 1/2 tsp fine sea salt to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until a rough dough forms. Add 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil and knead by hand on a floured surface for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. Step 3: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  4. Step 4: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Drizzle 2 tbsp olive oil onto a 9x13 inch baking sheet. Transfer the dough to the sheet and gently stretch it out to fit the pan.
  5. Step 5: Using your fingertips, dimple the dough all over to create small wells. Sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary and 1 tsp coarse sea salt evenly over the top. Drizzle an additional 1 tbsp olive oil.
  6. Step 6: Bake the focaccia for 20-25 minutes until golden brown on top and cooked through. Remove from oven and cool for 10 minutes before slicing.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Rustic Homemade Herb-Infused Focaccia Bread take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 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 Rustic Homemade Herb-Infused Focaccia Bread?

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 warm water from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Rustic Homemade Herb-Infused Focaccia Bread?

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 Rustic Homemade Herb-Infused Focaccia Bread for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Rustic Homemade Herb-Infused Focaccia Bread?

Italian sushi 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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