Italian Herb and Garlic Focaccia Bread Mix
This is absolutely the BEST Focaccia bread we've EVER had.... seriously.--Lucille Smith
- 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.
Gouda Cheese Sauce
You can use this as a dip for focaccia, as a fondue sauce, or for nachos.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup milk
- 4 ounces Gouda cheese freshly grated
- 1/4 teaspoon salt or to taste
Directions
- Grate the cheese then set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter then sprinkle the flour over the top. Whisk until smooth.
- Pour in the milk and salt, whisking constantly until the milk and flour mixture are combined. Increase the heat, bring to a full boil then reduce the heat and simmer until the sauce thickens.
- Remove the pan from the heat then add the cheese, gently stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is silky. Taste and adjust for salt then eat right away.
—Featured Review—
Very very good Very tasty. I only wished it had a more cheddar favor. However, I love cheese!
Disappointed. The dough is not hydrated enough to produce the airy texture and crisp crust needed for focaccia. The mix, made according to instructions, came out like bread dough, and it should be a wetter dough. The texture is all wrong. It’s more like a not very good pizza crust. Also don’t bother to make focaccia with dried herbs. Fresh tender rosemary is essential.
Made this week to serve with my sister's lasagne. It was VERY good and easy to make.
Italian Herb and Garlic Focaccia Bread Mix.
This mix is so easy and completely addictive. Really nice with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. It made our family spaghetti and salad night into a whole new event.