Italian Herb & Olive Focaccia Bread

Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf

Ingredients

Dough

• 2½ teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 cup warm water (110°F)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup bread flour
• ¼ cup The Anointed Olive Ultra Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Toppings

• 4 tablespoons The Anointed Olive Ultra Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 cup Kalamata olives
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
• Flaky sea salt

Instructions

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm water, honey, and yeast. Let stand for 10–15 minutes until frothy.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose and bread flours.
3. Add the olive oil to the yeast mixture. Using the dough hook, gradually mix in the flour until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Knead for 6–8 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
4. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. Transfer the dough to a parchment-lined or lightly greased baking sheet. Gently stretch it into a rectangle approximately 1 to 1½ inches thick.
6. Using your fingertips, press deep dimples across the surface without tearing the dough.
7. Press the Kalamata olives into several of the dimples. Drizzle generously with olive oil, then sprinkle with rosemary, sage, and flaky sea salt.
8. Allow the dough to rest for 20–30 minutes while preheating the oven to 400°F.
9. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown around the edges.
10. Cool slightly before slicing and serve warm with additional Ultra Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil for dipping.

Pro Tips

• Water hotter than 110°F can damage the yeast.
• Honey helps activate the yeast while adding subtle flavor.
• A properly kneaded dough should pass the "windowpane test."
• Don't skip the final rest before baking—it creates a lighter texture.
• The deeper the dimples, the better the bread holds the olive oil.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with Ultra Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Traditional Dark Balsamic for dipping.
• Pair with soups and salads.
• Use for gourmet sandwiches.
• Add to a charcuterie or antipasto board.
• Toast leftovers for bruschetta.

Storage

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.