Fragrant Lemon, Rosemary & Parmesan Focaccia Recipe

Bread baking reaches new heights with this rustic lemon, rosemary, and parmesan focaccia that combines classic Italian flavors in a stunning homemade creation.

The aroma of fresh herbs and zesty citrus swirls through your kitchen, promising a delightful culinary experience.

Crisp edges and a soft, pillowy center make this focaccia a standout side dish or appetizer.

Rosemary brings an earthy note that perfectly complements the bright lemon and salty parmesan cheese.

Each bite delivers a complex layer of flavors that dance across your palate.

Simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary with minimal effort.

Be prepared to impress everyone at your next gathering with this irresistible bread that celebrates the essence of Mediterranean cooking.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 180 kcal

Servings: 12

Lemon, Rosemary, and Parmesan Focaccia Ingredient List

• Warm Water: Provides the perfect environment to wake up and activate the yeast for a fluffy bread.
• Sugar: Feeds the yeast, helping it grow and create those delightful air bubbles.
• Active Dry Yeast: The magic ingredient that makes the bread rise and develop a light, airy texture.

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the focaccia, creating a soft and tender crumb.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and controls yeast growth for balanced dough development.
• Olive Oil: Adds richness, moisture, and a luxurious Mediterranean touch to the bread.
• Rosemary: Brings a fragrant, herbaceous note that complements the bread's savory profile.
• Lemon Zest: Introduces a bright, citrusy spark that lifts the entire flavor palette.
• Parmesan Cheese: Contributes a nutty, umami depth that makes the focaccia irresistibly delicious.

• Extra Olive Oil: Creates those signature dimples and adds a glossy, crisp exterior.
• Coarse Sea Salt: Provides a crunchy texture and intensifies the bread's overall flavor.
• Additional Rosemary, Parmesan, Lemon Zest: Extra sprinkle of toppings for enhanced visual appeal and flavor complexity.

Tools to Make Focaccia Bread with Herby Zest

• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining dry and wet ingredients comfortably.
• Stand Mixer or Dough Hook: Perfect for kneading dough quickly and evenly.
• Small Bowl: Needed for activating yeast mixture with warm water.
• 9×13-inch Baking Pan: Provides the right shape and size for spreading focaccia dough.
• Kitchen Towel: Helps cover dough during rising process.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Parchment Paper: Optional but helpful for easy removal and non-stick baking.
• Sharp Knife: Used for slicing focaccia after baking.
• Lemon Zester or Grater: Needed to create fresh lemon zest for flavor.

How to Bake Lemon, Rosemary, and Parmesan Focaccia

• Awaken the Yeast

Mix warm water, sugar, and yeast in a small bowl. Let the mixture bubble and dance for about 5-10 minutes until it looks frothy and alive.

• Create the Dough

Combine flour and salt in a large bowl. Pour in the yeast mixture, olive oil, rosemary, lemon zest, and Parmesan cheese. Blend everything until a soft, sticky dough emerges.

• Knead and Develop

Transfer the dough to a floured surface. Massage and stretch the dough for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and silky. A stand mixer with a dough hook works perfectly for this step.

• Allow Rising

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rest in a cozy, warm spot for 1-1.5 hours. Watch it double in size like magic.

• Shape and Decorate

Grease a baking pan and gently press the dough into its new home. Drizzle generously with olive oil and create playful dimples with your fingertips. Sprinkle rosemary, Parmesan, sea salt, and lemon zest across the surface.

• Final Rise and Bake

Let the dough puff up for 20-30 minutes while heating the oven to 400F. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown.

• Enjoy and Serve

Allow the focaccia to cool slightly. Slice and serve warm with a side of olive oil for dipping. Savor the aromatic herbs and zesty flavors.

Flavor and Texture Tips for Better Focaccia

• Flavor Boost Techniques: Crush fresh rosemary between fingers before adding to release more aromatic oils and enhance the herb's intensity.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare dough a day ahead and slow-rise in refrigerator overnight for deeper flavor development and convenient baking.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend plus xanthan gum to create a similar texture for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Herb Rotation Trick: Swap rosemary with thyme, oregano, or basil to create entirely different flavor profiles while maintaining the classic focaccia structure.
• Vegan Transformation: Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast and use plant-based olive oil to create a dairy-free version that maintains rich, savory notes.

Serving This Savory Bread as a Starter or Side

• Rustic Appetizer Pairing: Slice the focaccia into thin strips and serve alongside a charcuterie board with cured meats, soft cheeses, and olives for a stunning Mediterranean-inspired starter.
• Sandwich Sensation: Create gourmet sandwiches by slicing the focaccia horizontally and stuffing with grilled chicken, fresh arugula, and a zesty lemon aioli for a flavor-packed lunch.
• Soup's Perfect Companion: Break the focaccia into rustic chunks and use as a delightful dipping bread for creamy tomato soup or hearty minestrone, adding texture and herbal notes to your meal.
• Weekend Brunch Star: Top warm focaccia slices with scrambled eggs, crispy prosciutto, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an elegant weekend breakfast that will impress your guests.

How to Store Focaccia

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep your freshly baked focaccia at its best with these tasty tips.
• Quick Room Temperature Trick: Wrap the focaccia in a clean kitchen towel and store on the counter for 23 days, maintaining its delightful texture and softness.
• Freezing Magic: Slice the focaccia, place parchment paper between each piece, and freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks. Thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the oven for instant freshness.
• Refrigeration Rescue: When storing in the refrigerator, place the focaccia in a sealed container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Consume within 45 days for optimal flavor and prevent moisture buildup.
• Reheating Revival: Breathe new life into day-old focaccia by warming it in a preheated oven at 350F for 57 minutes. Spritz with water to restore that just-baked crispness and prevent drying out.

Rustic Lemon, Rosemary, And Parmesan Focaccia Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Homemade lemon, rosemary, and parmesan focaccia brings Italian bakery magic to home kitchens. Fragrant herbs, zesty citrus, and salty cheese create a delightful bread perfect for sharing with friends and family.

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Ingredients

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• 3 ½ cups (875 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 ¼ cups (296 ml) warm water
• ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsps/7 g) active dry yeast
• 1 tsp (5 g) sugar
• 1 tsp (6 g) salt
• 1 tbsp (3 g) fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• Zest of 1 lemon
• ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• Coarse sea salt
• Additional olive oil (for drizzling)
• Additional rosemary (for topping)
• Additional Parmesan cheese (for topping)

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Instructions

1. Yeast Activation: Dissolve yeast in warm water, allowing the mixture to foam and develop for 5-7 minutes, creating a lively fermentation base.
2. Dough Formation: Blend flour and salt in a large bowl, then integrate activated yeast, olive oil, rosemary, lemon zest, and Parmesan to form a unified dough mixture.
3. Kneading Process: Work the dough on a floured surface or with a stand mixer, developing a smooth, elastic consistency through vigorous manipulation for 6-8 minutes.
4. Primary Fermentation: Transfer dough to an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm, sheltered area until volume doubles, approximately 1-1.5 hours.
5. Pan Preparation and Shaping: Grease a rectangular baking pan, gently spread the risen dough evenly, creating a rustic, textured surface.
6. Flavor Enhancement: Drizzle olive oil across the dough, creating signature dimples with fingertips. Garnish with rosemary sprigs, Parmesan, sea salt, and optional lemon zest.
7. Final Proofing and Heating: Allow a brief second rise for 20-30 minutes while preheating the oven to 400°F (200°C), promoting a light, airy texture.
8. Baking and Transformation: Bake until the focaccia achieves a golden-brown exterior with crisp edges, typically 20-25 minutes.
9. Serving Suggestion: Cool briefly, slice, and present warm or at room temperature with a side of premium olive oil for dipping.

Notes

• Maximize Yeast Activation: Ensure water temperature is lukewarm (110-115°F) to activate yeast perfectly without killing it, creating a frothy and alive starter for optimal dough rising.
• Knead with Precision: Develop gluten thoroughly by kneading 6-8 minutes, creating elasticity and ensuring a soft, airy focaccia texture with consistent crumb structure.
• Dimpling Technique: Press fingertips firmly but gently into dough surface, creating signature focaccia wells that capture olive oil and enhance crispy, golden exterior when baked.
• Customize Flavor Variations: Experiment with alternative herbs like thyme or oregano, swap Parmesan with feta, or add roasted garlic for personalized gourmet twists on classic focaccia recipe.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 0.5 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 2 mg