Holiday Bread with Rosemary

A festive, aromatic Italian bread with a golden crust and a soft, pillowy interior, topped with fragrant rosemary sprigs and sea salt perfect for holiday gatherings.

This bread brings a touch of Italian tradition to our holiday table and always fills the house with a wonderful aroma.

Ingredients

• Dough: 500 g (4 cups) bread flour, 350 ml (1½ cups) warm water (about 40°C/105°F), 10 g (2 tsp) fine sea salt, 7 g (2¼ tsp) instant dry yeast, 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Topping: 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh rosemary sprigs, 1½ tsp flaky sea salt

Instructions

Rinse produce, fill pots, and clean cookware easily with flexible spray options for everyday cooking tasks.

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Step 1:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour and salt.

Step 2:

In a separate small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.

Step 3:

Pour the yeast mixture and olive oil into the flour. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.

Step 4:

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 5:

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 6:

Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 7:

Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to the prepared baking sheet. Stretch and pat into a rectangle (about 30 x 20 cm).

Step 8:

Use your fingertips to dimple the surface deeply. Drizzle evenly with olive oil, and scatter rosemary sprigs and flaky sea salt on top.

Step 9:

Cover loosely and let rise for 30 minutes.

Step 10:

Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until deep golden brown and crisp on top.

Step 11:

Cool slightly, slice, and serve warm.

Rinse produce, fill pots, and clean cookware easily with flexible spray options for everyday cooking tasks.

Check price on Amazon

Rinse produce, fill pots, and clean cookware easily with flexible spray options for everyday cooking tasks.

Check price on Amazon

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Our family loves gathering around this bread, breaking warm pieces to share stories and laughs during holidays.

Serving Suggestions

Pairs beautifully with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping or alongside cheeses and cured meats.

Variations

For a festive touch, add halved cherry tomatoes or thinly sliced olives before baking.

Storage Tips

Best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated to restore softness and warmth.

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Easily spray or drizzle oil for roasting vegetables, air frying, sautéing, and dressing salads with controlled coverage.

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This focaccia recipe brings warmth and tradition to your table, making every holiday meal memorable.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of flour is best for this bread?

Bread flour is recommended for its higher protein content, which helps develop gluten and gives the bread a chewy texture.

→ How does rosemary enhance the flavor?

Fresh rosemary adds a fragrant, pine-like aroma and a slightly savory note that complements the bread's golden crust.

→ Can I prepare the dough in advance?

Yes, after the first rise, the dough can be refrigerated overnight and brought back to room temperature before shaping and baking.

→ What is the purpose of dimpling the dough surface?

Dimpling helps hold the olive oil, rosemary, and sea salt in place while creating characteristic focaccia texture.

→ How should the bread be stored after baking?

Store at room temperature wrapped loosely in foil or a kitchen towel to keep crust crisp and crumb soft for up to two days.