Rustic Olive and Rosemary Focaccia: Easy Homemade Mediterranean Bread Recipe

When it comes to making a savory, aromatic bread that embodies the essence of Mediterranean flavors, Rustic Olive and Rosemary Focaccia is a perfect choice. This delicious, homemade focaccia combines the softness of pillowy bread with the earthy notes of fresh rosemary and the briny tang of olives. Whether you’re serving it alongside a hearty pasta dish, using it as a base for sandwiches, or simply dipping it into olive oil and balsamic vinegar, this focaccia will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the entire process of making this delightful bread, from understanding its origins to the step-by-step preparation. Let’s dive in and explore everything you need to know about this flavorful Mediterranean treat!

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What is Rustic Olive and Rosemary Focaccia?

Rustic Olive and Rosemary Focaccia is a type of Italian flatbread that has become popular worldwide. Known for its tender and airy texture, this bread is topped with a mix of fresh herbs, olives, and coarse sea salt, making it a perfect addition to any meal. Traditionally, focaccia is made using simple ingredients like flour, yeast, salt, and olive oil, which are enhanced with different toppings depending on regional preferences.

In this version, the savory flavor of the olives and aromatic rosemary creates a robust profile that will impress even the most discerning food lovers. The recipe is easy to follow and requires just a few basic ingredients, making it a great baking project for beginners and experienced bakers alike.

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The Origin of Rustic Olive and Rosemary Focaccia

Focaccia has a long history dating back to ancient Rome, where it was known as “panis focacius,” meaning “hearth bread.” The Romans would bake this bread on hot stones in their hearths, much like modern-day flatbreads. Over time, the recipe evolved, and today’s focaccia is more often baked in an oven, but it still retains its rustic charm.

Throughout Italy, focaccia is made in various styles, with different toppings and flavors based on regional ingredients. In the Liguria region, for example, the bread is often topped with olive oil and herbs like rosemary, just as in this recipe. In other regions, focaccia might be topped with tomatoes, onions, or even cheese.

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Ingredients for Rustic Olive and Rosemary Focaccia

This simple yet flavorful recipe requires just a few basic ingredients that come together to create a delightful Mediterranean-inspired bread. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the dough:

• 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 ¼ cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
• ¼ cup olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)

For the topping:

• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 ½ teaspoons dried rosemary)
• 1 cup mixed olives, pitted and sliced (black, green, Kalamata, or any preferred variety)
• Coarse sea salt (for sprinkling on top)

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Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparing Rustic Olive and Rosemary Focaccia

Follow these simple steps to create your very own Rustic Olive and Rosemary Focaccia at home. With just a few minutes of hands-on preparation and some waiting time for rising, you’ll be rewarded with a loaf of warm, aromatic bread.

1. Activate the yeast:

Start by activating your yeast, which will give the dough its rise. In a small bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy and bubbly. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to work.

2. Prepare the dough:

In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour and salt. Create a well in the center, then pour in the activated yeast mixture along with olive oil. Mix everything together until the dough begins to form a sticky ball. You can use a spoon or your hands to bring the dough together.

3. Knead the dough:

Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and begin kneading. Knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, feel free to add a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much, as the dough should remain soft and slightly tacky.

4. First rise:

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This is an essential step to develop the dough’s texture and flavor.

5. Shape the focaccia:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet with a small amount of olive oil. Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air, and transfer it to the prepared baking sheet. Stretch the dough with your fingers into a rough rectangle or circle about 1 inch thick. Use your fingertips to create dimples all over the surface of the dough, which will help the toppings adhere and allow for the bread to bake evenly.

6. Add toppings:

Drizzle the dough with a bit of olive oil, then scatter chopped rosemary and sliced olives across the surface. Sprinkle some coarse sea salt over the top to enhance the flavor and add a touch of crunch. You can adjust the amount of rosemary and olives based on your personal taste.

7. Second rise:

Allow the dough to rest for another 15-20 minutes while your oven finishes preheating. This second rise helps the dough to puff up slightly and ensures a lighter, airier texture.

8. Bake:

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the focaccia is golden brown with crispy edges. The smell of the rosemary and olives will fill your kitchen, and the bread will develop a beautiful, crisp crust.

9. Cool and serve:

Once baked, remove the focaccia from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Slice the bread into squares or wedges, and serve warm or at room temperature. It’s perfect as an appetizer, a side dish, or even as a snack with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping.

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Variations of Rustic Olive and Rosemary Focaccia

While the traditional olive and rosemary combination is unbeatable, you can experiment with other flavors and toppings to create your own variations of this focaccia. Here are a few ideas:

1. Tomato and Garlic Focaccia: Add sliced tomatoes and minced garlic to the dough for a classic Italian twist.
2. Cheese and Herb Focaccia: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or Mozzarella on top along with your favorite herbs for a cheesy focaccia.
3. Onion and Thyme Focaccia: Add caramelized onions and fresh thyme for a sweet-savory combination.
4. Spicy Focaccia: For some heat, add red pepper flakes or even sliced jalapeños.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Rustic Olive and Rosemary Focaccia

1. Can I use different types of olives in focaccia?

Absolutely! You can use any type of olives you prefer. Black olives, green olives, and Kalamata olives are common choices, but feel free to experiment with other varieties for a unique flavor profile.

2. Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking it.

3. What can I serve with focaccia?

Focaccia pairs wonderfully with pasta dishes, salads, soups, or simply as a side with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping. It also makes an excellent base for sandwiches.

4. Can I freeze focaccia?

Yes, you can freeze focaccia. After it’s baked and cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer bag. To reheat, bake it at a low temperature for 10-15 minutes.

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Conclusion: Enjoying Mediterranean Focaccia

In conclusion, Rustic Olive and Rosemary Focaccia is an incredibly versatile and flavorful bread that will surely impress your family and friends. Its light, airy texture paired with the earthy rosemary and briny olives makes it an ideal accompaniment to a wide range of dishes. Plus, the process of making it is relatively simple and straightforward, allowing you to enjoy fresh, homemade bread in just a few hours.

Whether you’re enjoying it as a side dish with a bowl of pasta or using it to create gourmet sandwiches, this focaccia will quickly become a staple in your baking repertoire. So, roll up your sleeves, gather the ingredients, and bake a batch of this delightful Mediterranean bread today!

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