Rosemary and Sea Salt Focaccia is a flat, oven-baked Italian bread with a soft, airy interior and a crisp, golden crust. Before baking, the dough is dimpled and topped with rosemary and sea salt. It's commonly served as a side dish, used for sandwiches, or eaten on its own.
In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Knead for 8–10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Shape the dough into a ball, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise for 1–1.5 hours until it doubles in size.
Grease a baking tray with olive oil. Place the dough on the tray and stretch it out into a rectangle (or shape it into a round). Use your fingers to press dimples into the dough.
Drizzle with extra olive oil and sprinkle with rosemary and sea salt.
Let the dough rise for 30–40 minutes while you preheat the oven to 430°F (220°C).
Bake for 20–25 minutes until it’s golden brown and crispy on the edges. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
Serve with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, or use as a sandwich base!
Notes
Water Temperature Matters: The water should be warm (around 105–110°F or 40–43°C) to activate the yeast properly. If it’s too hot, it can kill the yeast; too cold, and the dough won’t rise well.
Let It Rise Fully: Give the dough enough time to rise until it really doubles in size. This step is key for that airy, pillowy texture.
Fresh Rosemary is Best: Fresh rosemary gives the most fragrant, punchy flavor. If using dried, use a bit less (about 1 teaspoon) and sprinkle evenly.
Oven Temperature: Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking. A hot oven is what gives you those crisp, golden edges and a nice rise.