Italian Herb and Garlic Focaccia Bread Mix.

• What is focaccia bread? It's an Italian flatbread that can be baked in a round or rectangular pan. It's dimpled and brushed with olive oil.
• How do you use it? It's incredibly versatile. You can load it like a pizza, split it and make sandwiches, use it like bread sticks, or tear it apart and use it for dipping.
• What's the main way? There is no main way. They are all popular: Put toppings on it, use it as an accompaniment to a meal with or without dipping, or make sandwiches.
• How do you use it? I love focaccia sandwiches, but I also use focaccia as an appetizer or a snack. 
• What do you dip it in? Anything. I most often dip it in marinara--but that's handy. Roasted garlic oil is wonderful, and so is a cheese sauce. You'll find recipes below.
• Will my kids like it? If your kids like bread sticks or your sandwiches, they will.
• Is it hard to make? No, it's extremely simple. Mix it in your stand-type mixer, press it into a pan, top it, and bake it. Instructions are included.
• How long does it take? Let the bread rise until it's puffy, which will take 45 minutes to an hour. Then bake it for 15 minutes.
• How do you top it? That's the fun part! It comes with a spice and herb packet. Mix that in a measure of olive oil. Use your fingers to dimple the bread and pour the seasoning over the bread, and then bake it.
• How do you make a sandwich? Slice it most of the way through, use the uncut portion as a hinge, and load it up.
• How thick is the bread? It is a flatbread—one to three inches thick, depending on the pan you use.
• Some of the pictures look kind of artsy. What are they using for decorations? I'm more interested in eating my food than playing with it, but they're having fun—you'll see green pepper slices, tomatoes, herbs, and onions.
• What do you top yours with? I guess I like to experiment, too. In preparing this, I found tomatoes, grated cheese, herbs, and one loaded with onions and thinly sliced potatoes. That one had a white sauce.  But most of the time, I just use the herb packet.
• You do have fun, don't you!  Yes, I love the bread and I love making it. Most of our neighbors love it too.  It's fun to give away.
• Tell me again, what pans do you use? I usually use a 15-inch pizza pan, but I've also used a baking sheet or even a large frying pan. I've divided the dough and made smaller breads.  

"I was in a restaurant with Merri Ann and ordered a Strawberry and Roasted Beet Salad with Chicken. It was very good. It was served with focaccia that was well-baked with lots of olive oil and seasonings. That made the salad even better." 

Dennis Weaver

For more ways to use your focaccia, see The Focaccia Library.

This is an artsy focaccia in an 11x17-inch pan. Made with sweet peppers, olives, and more.

Focaccia with cheese and tomotoes

Focaccia Sandwich

For bread sticks: Turn the dough out onto a greased countertop. Roll the dough until 3/8-inch thick. With a sharp knife, slice the dough into 3/4 inch wide strips for crisp breadsticks and 1 1/2 inch wide strips for chewier breadsticks. Place on a prepared pan, cover, and let rise for about 40 minutes. Brush with the herb and oil mixture. Bake at 400¡F for 13 to 15 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool. Serve as appetizers or as an easy after school snack with olive oil, spaghetti, or marinara sauce for dipping.

Supporting Recipes

Here's how to make roasted garlic oil for dipping.