Description
This lemon, rosemary, and Parmesan focaccia is a flavorful, aromatic bread with a golden crust and soft, fluffy interior. Infused with zesty lemon, fragrant rosemary, and nutty Parmesan, it’s perfect as a side for soups, salads, or as a standalone snack.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F/45°C)
- 1/4 cup olive oil (plus extra for greasing and drizzling)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (plus extra for topping)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)
- Coarse sea salt (for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
- Mix the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, olive oil, rosemary, lemon zest, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough:
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for about 5 minutes.
- Let the Dough Rise:
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Pan:
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. Punch down the dough and press it into the prepared pan.
- Add Toppings:
- Drizzle the dough generously with olive oil. Use your fingers to dimple the surface. Sprinkle with additional rosemary, Parmesan cheese, coarse sea salt, and extra lemon zest if desired.
- Second Rise:
- Cover the pan and let the dough rise for another 20–30 minutes while preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Bake the Focaccia:
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp on top.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the focaccia cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature with olive oil for dipping.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add thinly sliced lemon rounds on top before baking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat before serving.
- Use a mix of fresh and dried rosemary if fresh isn’t fully available.