Lifestyle

Garlic & Herb Focaccia Bread

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Focaccia might just be the most rewarding bread you can make—and also one of the most forgiving. No shaping, no scoring, no special equipment. Just a soft, dimpled dough that practically takes care of itself. The result? A golden, crisp-edged loaf with a pillowy, airy center that complements a variety of entrees.

This garlic and herb version is fragrant with roasted garlic, perfumed with fresh herbs, and finished with enough olive oil to give the bottom that irresistible, almost-fried crisp. Serve with classic olive oil and vinegar or use it to make a delicious sandwich.

Why This Recipe Works

  • Perfect balance of texture with a crisp exterior and airy, pillowy center
  • Versatile pairing for everything from pasta dishes, soups, or charcuterie boards
  • Easily customize with different herbs, cheeses, or toppings
  • Prep the dough the night before hosting, and impress your guests with fresh-baked bread

Why Wall Ovens Work So Well for This Recipe

The one thing focaccia does ask for is consistent heat. A high-performance wall oven makes all the difference when it comes to achieving that signature golden crust and soft interior.

ZLINE Wall Ovens deliver exactly that: reliable convection performance, even heat distribution, and intuitive controls that allow for the perfect bake every time. The spacious interior gives your pan plenty of room to breathe, so every loaf bakes evenly from edge to center. 

Garlic & Herb Focaccia Bread

total time

2.5 Hours

Serves

6
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Ingredients

Dough
  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp sugar
  • 2 tsp active dry yeast
  • 1 ½ cups warm water
  • ¼ cup olive oil

Topping
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped (optional)
  • 1 tsp dried oregano (optional)
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Extra Parmesan and olive oil for finishing
A woman in a light blue sweater adjusts the Champagne Bronze knobs of a black ZLINE professional range in a modern kitchen while preparing Earl Grey Crème Brûlée ingredients on a marble island.
A close-up of the baking process showing custard being poured into white ramekins set in a glass water bath, positioned on a ZLINE gas stovetop next to a steaming stainless steel pot.
Four ramekins of Earl Grey Crème Brûlée resting on a wire cooling rack, featuring perfectly caramelized, burnt-sugar tops with one spoonful removed to reveal the creamy yellow custard inside.

Instructions

Step 1

In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, sugar, and yeast. Slowly add warm water and olive oil, mixing until a soft dough forms. Turn onto a surface and knead until smooth and elastic.

Step 2

Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rest until it has doubled in size, at least an hour and a half.

Step 3

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Lightly oil a baking pan, then press the dough into the pan, gently stretching it to the edges

Step 4

Mix garlic, Parmesan, olive oil, herbs, salt, and pepper. Press your fingertips into the dough to create dimples, then spread the mixture evenly over the surface.
A woman in a light blue sweater adjusts the Champagne Bronze knobs of a black ZLINE professional range in a modern kitchen while preparing Earl Grey Crème Brûlée ingredients on a marble island.
A close-up of the baking process showing custard being poured into white ramekins set in a glass water bath, positioned on a ZLINE gas stovetop next to a steaming stainless steel pot.
Four ramekins of Earl Grey Crème Brûlée resting on a wire cooling rack, featuring perfectly caramelized, burnt-sugar tops with one spoonful removed to reveal the creamy yellow custard inside.
Step 5

Place in the oven and bake until the top is golden and the edges are crisp, about 20–30 minutes. 

Step 6

Remove from the oven, drizzle with a bit more olive oil, and sprinkle additional Parmesan as desired. Let cool slightly before slicing.
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