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Focaccia Decorative Loaf

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This Focaccia Decorative Loaf is a beautifully crafted Italian bread featuring a soft, airy texture and an eye-catching design, perfect for impressing guests at any meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
  • 1 ¼ cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 2 tsp sea salt
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs, for decoration
  • Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, dissolve sugar and yeast in warm water. Let stand for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and sea salt. Add the yeast mixture and 2 tbsp olive oil.
  3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  5. Punch down the dough and transfer to an oiled baking sheet. Press out to desired rectangular shape about 1-inch thick.
  6. Create decorative patterns by gently pressing fresh rosemary sprigs and using your fingers to make dimples across the dough surface.
  7. Drizzle olive oil over the top and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
  8. Cover and let rise for another 20 minutes.
  9. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the focaccia for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.
  10. Remove from oven, cool slightly, then slice and serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding thinly sliced garlic or cherry tomatoes to the decorative patterns before baking.

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