Herb Focaccia Rolls are a delightful twist on the classic Italian bread, Focaccia. These rolls are infused with fragrant herbs and adorned with a touch of sea salt, resulting in a flavorful and aromatic bread that’s perfect for serving as an appetizer, side dish, or snack. The combination of fresh herbs and the unmistakable texture of Focaccia makes these rolls a crowd-pleasing treat. In this guide, we’ll explore the history of Focaccia and provide you with a detailed recipe to create your own Herb Focaccia Rolls.
Focaccia, the precursor to Herb Focaccia Rolls, has its origins in Italy, particularly in the Liguria region. The word “Focaccia” is derived from the Latin “focus,” meaning “hearth” or “fireplace,” which reflects the traditional method of baking this bread in the ashes of a wood-fired oven.
Focaccia has been enjoyed in Italy for centuries and is believed to date back to ancient Roman times. It was initially a simple flatbread made with basic ingredients like flour, water, olive oil, and salt. Over time, it evolved to incorporate various regional flavors and ingredients, including herbs, vegetables, and even cheeses.
Herb-infused Focaccia, like Herb Focaccia Rolls, became a favorite variation of this beloved bread. The addition of fresh herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano, not only enhanced the flavor but also contributed to its appeal as an appetizer or accompaniment to Italian meals.
In addition to its rich culinary history, Focaccia also holds cultural significance. It is often shared among friends and family during gatherings and celebrations in Italy. The process of making Focaccia, from kneading the dough to dimpling its surface with fingertips and drizzling it with olive oil, reflects the care and attention given to creating a satisfying and communal bread.
Today, Focaccia and its variations, like Herb Focaccia Rolls, are enjoyed around the world, appreciated for their rustic charm and versatility in complementing various cuisines.
INGREDIENTS
For the Dough:
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F to 115°F or 45°C to 50°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Herb Topping:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or other herbs of your choice)
- Sea salt, for sprinkling
INSTRUCTIONS
FOR THE DOUGH:
1. Activate the yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Stir to dissolve the yeast and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active.
2. Mix the dry ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt.
3. Combine the wet ingredients:
- Add the olive oil to the yeast mixture and mix well.
4. Mix the dough:
- Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients.
- Mix everything together until a dough forms.
5. Knead the dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Add more flour as needed to prevent sticking.
6. First rise:
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
FOR THE HERB TOPPING:
7. Prepare the herb topping:
- In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over low heat.
- Add the minced garlic and chopped fresh rosemary (or other herbs of your choice) to the warm oil.
- Cook for a few minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
TO ASSEMBLE AND BAKE:
8. Preheat and prepare the pan:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Grease a baking sheet or a 9×13-inch baking dish.
9. Divide the dough:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into equal portions to form rolls.
10. Shape the rolls:
- Roll each portion into a ball and place it on the prepared baking sheet or dish.
11. Add the herb topping:
- Use your fingertips to dimple the surface of each roll.
- Drizzle the prepared herb and garlic oil evenly over the rolls.
- Sprinkle sea salt generously over the top of each roll.
12. Bake:
- Bake the Herb Focaccia Rolls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
13. Cool and enjoy:
- Allow the rolls to cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve your Herb Focaccia Rolls as an appetizer, side dish, or snack, savoring the aroma and flavor of fresh herbs and olive oil.
Indulge in the fragrant and flavorful Herb Focaccia Rolls—a delightful twist on the classic Italian bread that brings a taste of rustic Italy to your table.
