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Focaccia Decorative Loaf

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This Focaccia Decorative Loaf is a beautifully crafted Italian bread, infused with olive oil and herbs, perfect for impressing guests or elevating any meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
  • 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F)
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs
  • Sea salt flakes for topping
  • Optional: cherry tomatoes or olives for decoration

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and 1/4 cup olive oil.
  3. Mix until a sticky dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until doubled in size.
  5. Punch down the dough and transfer it to a greased baking sheet. Press it out gently into an oval or round shape about 1 inch thick.
  6. Using your fingers, create deep dimples all over the surface of the dough.
  7. Arrange rosemary sprigs and optional cherry tomatoes or olives decoratively in the dimples.
  8. Drizzle generously with olive oil and sprinkle sea salt flakes on top.
  9. Cover and let rise for another 30-45 minutes.
  10. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the focaccia for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
  11. Remove from oven and cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Notes

For an extra aromatic touch, brush the baked focaccia with garlic-infused olive oil just after baking.

Find it online: https://justhealthybites.com/focaccia-decorative-loaf/