Easy Lemon, Rosemary, and Parmesan Focaccia Recipe That Wows

A golden, crusty lemon rosemary focaccia always sparks conversations at dinner tables.

Mediterranean kitchens have perfected this artisan bread’s delicate balance of flavors.

Herbs dancing across a pillowy surface create magical moments for curious cooks.

Salt crystals glisten like hidden treasures amid fragrant rosemary sprigs.

Warm bread straight from the oven beckons with irresistible aromas that fill every corner.

Fresh ingredients combine into something extraordinary, promising a sensory adventure.

Each slice tells a story of rustic simplicity and culinary passion.

You will want to slice, share, and savor every delectable bite.

FAQs for Focaccia First-Timers

• Why does the recipe use warm water for yeast activation?

Warm water (around 110°F) helps activate the yeast by creating the perfect environment for it to wake up and become frothy, ensuring the dough will rise properly.

• Can I substitute fresh rosemary with dried rosemary?

Yes, you can use dried rosemary, but use about 1/3 of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor. Fresh rosemary provides a more vibrant taste and aroma.

• How do I know the dough has been kneaded enough?

The dough is properly kneaded when it becomes smooth, elastic, and springs back when gently pressed. It should feel soft and not sticky, which typically takes 8-10 minutes of kneading.

• What's the purpose of dimpling the focaccia surface?

Dimpling creates signature focaccia texture, helps distribute olive oil, and allows the bread to develop those characteristic crispy peaks and soft interior during baking.

Why This Focaccia Deserves a Spot on the Table

• Create a restaurant-quality focaccia with minimal baking skills required.
• Combine zesty lemon, fragrant rosemary, and savory Parmesan for a unique taste experience that elevates simple bread.
• Prepare this focaccia in under 2 hours, making it perfect for lazy weekend mornings or last-minute dinner sides.
• Impress family and friends with a rustic, aromatic bread that works as an appetizer, side dish, or standalone snack.

Ingredients That Build Flavor in Layers

• Active Dry Yeast: A key ingredient that helps the bread rise and develop a light, airy texture. Fresh and unexpired yeast is crucial for successful bread making.
• All-Purpose Flour: The main structure of the focaccia, providing a soft and chewy base. Unbleached flour works best for better texture.
• Warm Water: Activates the yeast and helps develop the dough. Temperature should be around 110°F for optimal yeast performance.
• Sugar: Feeds the yeast and helps with fermentation and browning of the bread.

• Rosemary: Adds a fragrant, herbal note to the focaccia. Fresh rosemary provides the most intense flavor.
• Lemon Zest: Brings a bright, citrusy undertone that complements the herbs. Use organic lemons for the best zest.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a savory, nutty depth to the bread. Freshly grated cheese melts better and offers more flavor.

• Olive Oil: Adds richness, helps create a crispy crust, and keeps the bread moist. Extra virgin olive oil provides the best flavor.
• Coarse Sea Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and creates a beautiful texture on top of the focaccia. Flaky sea salt works best for garnishing.

How to Bake Focaccia With Bold Aromatics

Step 1: Awaken the Yeast

Grab a cozy small bowl and mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let the mixture hang out and get bubbly for about 5-10 minutes until it looks frothy and alive.

Step 2: Create the Dough Base

• Flour
• Salt

Add the yeast mixture, olive oil, rosemary, lemon zest, and Parmesan cheese. Blend everything until a soft, shaggy dough comes together.

Step 3: Massage the Dough

Move the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it with love for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and stretchy. If you have a stand mixer, let the dough hook do the work for about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rest and Grow

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and park it in a warm spot. Allow it to rise and double in size, which takes about 1-1.5 hours.

Step 5: Prepare the Baking Stage

Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. Gently punch down the dough and spread it evenly across the pan.

Step 6: Add Flavor Boosters

• Fresh rosemary
• Parmesan cheese
• Coarse sea salt
• Extra lemon zest

Step 7: Second Rise

Cover the pan and let the dough rise again for 20-30 minutes. Meanwhile, heat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and looks crispy.

Step 9: Cool and Devour

Let the focaccia cool slightly, then slice and serve. Enjoy warm or at room temperature with a side of olive oil for dipping.

Tricks for a Golden Crust and Soft Center

• Activate Yeast Perfectly: Ensure water temperature is between 100-110°F to help yeast bloom without killing it, creating a frothy, active mixture.
• Knead with Confidence: Develop gluten by kneading thoroughly, which creates a chewy, airy texture that's essential for authentic focaccia.
• Dimple Like a Pro: Press fingers firmly into dough to create signature focaccia dimples, allowing olive oil to pool and create crispy, flavorful edges.
• Customize Your Flavor: Experiment with different herb combinations like thyme, oregano, or added garlic to personalize your focaccia's taste profile.
• Achieve Golden Crust: Brush extra olive oil before baking to ensure a perfectly crisp, golden-brown exterior that's both crunchy and tender.

Store and Reheat Without Losing That Crust

• Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 days. Keep it at room temperature for best texture.
• Slice the focaccia, place parchment paper between slices, and freeze in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Seal completely to prevent freezer burn.
• Warm slices at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until crispy. Wrap in foil to prevent over-browning and maintain moisture.
• Toast individual slices on low setting for a quick crisp exterior. Add a light drizzle of olive oil before reheating to refresh flavor and texture.

Serve With These Winning Combos

• Vibrant sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio will beautifully highlight the focaccia's herbal and citrusy notes, cutting through its rich, cheesy texture with refreshing acidity.
• Prepare classic tzatziki, roasted red pepper hummus, or herbed olive tapenade to enhance the bread's Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile, creating a delightful appetizer experience.
• Serve alongside grilled chicken with lemon and herbs, prosciutto-wrapped asparagus, or seared Mediterranean-style fish to complement the focaccia's bright, herbaceous characteristics and provide a balanced meal.
• Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, shaved Parmesan, and toasted pine nuts to mirror the focaccia's zesty and herbal undertones, creating a harmonious and fresh dining combination.

Lemon and Herb Variations to Test Out

• Gluten-Free Herb Focaccia: Replace wheat flour with a blend of gluten-free flour mix, ensuring xanthan gum is included for proper texture and binding.
• Vegan Zesty Focaccia: Substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast and use plant-based olive oil to maintain the rich flavor profile while keeping the recipe dairy-free.
• Mediterranean Olive Focaccia: Add chopped kalamata olives and sprinkle dried oregano on top for a traditional Mediterranean-inspired version with enhanced savory notes.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Focaccia: Create a base using riced cauliflower, almond flour, and eggs to develop a lighter, lower-carbohydrate alternative that still captures the essence of classic focaccia.

Lemon, Rosemary, And Parmesan Focaccia Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Rustic Italian “Lemon, Rosemary, and Parmesan Focaccia” brings Mediterranean sunshine to your kitchen. Fragrant herbs, zesty citrus, and salty cheese create a perfect harmony that invites friends and family to savor each golden, crispy slice.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 3 ½ cups (875 milliliters) all-purpose flour
• 1 ¼ cups (296 milliliters) warm water
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) olive oil

Bread Base Ingredients:

• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons/7 grams) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) sugar
• 1 teaspoon (6 grams) salt

Flavor and Topping Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon (3 grams) fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• ¼ cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Coarse sea salt
• Additional olive oil (for drizzling)
• Additional rosemary (for topping)
• Additional Parmesan cheese (for topping)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Initiate the fermentation process by dissolving yeast in tepid water with a hint of sweetness, allowing the mixture to bloom and become frothy for approximately 5-7 minutes.
2. Combine flour and salt in a spacious mixing vessel, then incorporate the activated yeast, fragrant olive oil, aromatic rosemary, vibrant lemon zest, and savory Parmesan cheese until a cohesive dough emerges.
3. Transfer the dough to a lightly dusted work surface and knead vigorously, developing gluten and creating a smooth, elastic texture through manual manipulation or using a stand mixer with a dough hook for 6-8 minutes.
4. Nestle the dough into a lightly oiled bowl, envelop with a clean cloth, and allow it to rest in a draft-free, warm environment until it expands to double its original volume, approximately 1-1.5 hours.
5. Prepare a rectangular baking vessel by greasing thoroughly or lining with parchment paper. Gently deflate the risen dough and spread it evenly across the pan, creating a rustic landscape.
6. Lavish the dough’s surface with a generous drizzle of olive oil, using fingertips to create characteristic dimples. Embellish with additional rosemary sprigs, grated Parmesan, flaky sea salt, and optional lemon zest.
7. Shield the dough and permit a second gentle rise for 20-30 minutes while preheating the oven to 400°F (200°C), allowing the focaccia to develop a light, airy structure.
8. Bake the focaccia until it transforms into a golden-brown masterpiece with crisp edges, typically requiring 20-25 minutes of precise heat application.
9. Allow the focaccia to cool momentarily, then slice and serve either warm or at ambient temperature, accompanied by a small dish of high-quality olive oil for elegant dipping.

Notes

• Swap out traditional flour with gluten-free alternatives like almond or rice flour for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan to create a vegan-friendly version that maintains the cheesy, savory flavor profile.
• Enhance moisture by brushing the focaccia with extra virgin olive oil immediately after baking to prevent drying and create a softer crust.
• Experiment with herb combinations like thyme and oregano alongside rosemary to add depth and complexity to the bread’s aromatic profile.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 0.5 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 2 mg