Rosemary & Sea Salt Focaccia

Rosemary and sea salt focaccia chicken sandwich
Nicole Phillips
Latest posts by Nicole Phillips (see all)

Homemade Focaccia with Sea Salt & Rosemary – A Foolproof, Flavor-Packed Staple

If you’ve ever dreamed of being transported to a sun-drenched Tuscan garden, this sea salt and rosemary focaccia might just be your ticket. It’s classic, comforting, and best of all—shockingly easy to make, but patience is key.

I’ll be the first to admit: I totally missed the 2020 sourdough-and-focaccia wave. No clue what I was doing then (certainly not making bread), but I’ve finally jumped in—and let me tell you, I get the hype now.

This recipe makes a generous batch, which is perfect because once you try it, you’ll want to use it for everything. So far, I’ve turned slices into the base of a green curry chicken sandwich, scooped up creamy white bean dip with it, and even stashed a few pieces in the freezer to reheat for tonight’s family dinner.

Here’s the best part: you don’t have to be a pro baker to pull this off. The dough pretty much works its own magic while it rests, getting softer and bubblier each time. I’m no expert kneader, but it hasn’t mattered one bit—every time I make this, it turns out deliciously golden, chewy, and full of flavor.

And honestly? There’s nothing better than the smell of rosemary and fresh bread baking in your oven. It’s cozy, it’s nostalgic, and it makes your whole house feel like a little Italian café.

Whether you’re new to baking or just looking for a reliable, cost-effective bread recipe that delivers every time—this one’s a keeper.

Rosemary and sea salt focaccia just out of the oven
Rosemary and sea salt focaccia just out of the oven

Here are some great recipes that will work perfectly with this Rosemary and Sea Salt Focaccia:

Just baked focaccia with rosemary and sea salt on top

Rosemary & Sea Salt Focaccia

This focaccia recipe featuring the traditional flavors of rosemary and sea salt is absolutely perfect for sandwiches, dips, pizza and more. It is fluffy and aromatic.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 16 minutes
Proofing time 1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 46 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Italian
Servings 12 people
Calories 442 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Wide shallow baking tray Focaccia thickness will depend on the sized tray
  • 1 Large mixing bowl
  • 1 Tea towel

Ingredients
  

  • 5 cups all purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup semolina flour For dusting
  • 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast
  • 1.5 tsp regular salt
  • 2 1/3 cups cold water
  • 3 tbsp olive oil for mixture and topping
  • 1 handful fresh rosemary leaves You can use dried rosemary if you don't have fresh rosemary
  • 1 1/2 tsp coarse sea salt For topping

Instructions
 

  • Get the Dough Rolling
    In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, yeast, salt, water, and a generous tablespoon of olive oil. Stir and mix until it all comes together into a shaggy, sticky ball. Cover the bowl with a tea towel like you're tucking it in for a nap, and let it rest in a cozy warm spot for 30 minutes.
  • Stretch & Strengthen
    Lightly dust your countertop with semolina flour (this gives that perfect crunch). Plop down your dough and knead it with love for about 5 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Shape it into a ball again and let it relax in the bowl for another 30-minute rest. Even dough needs a break!
  • Get Your Hands Dirty (In the Best Way)
    Time for the fun part. Oil up your baking tray generously—don’t be shy. Knead the dough once more and transfer it to the tray. Start pressing and stretching the dough with your hands, like you’re giving it a gentle massage. Poke your fingers into it like you're playing piano—it should feel soft and bubbly. Flip it over so both sides get coated in oil, and keep stretching until it fills the tray.
  • Add Some Herb Love
    Poke those classic dimples all over the dough again with your fingertips. Now sprinkle fresh rosemary generously on top—this is what makes your whole house smell amazing.
  • Another Power Nap
    Cover the tray again with the tea towel and let the dough puff up for another 20 minutes. It’s rising and getting ready for its big moment.
    Let the focaccia dough rest
  • Bring on the Flavor
    Before it hits the oven, give your dough a final flourish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, making sure it’s evenly scattered. That salty crunch is key.
    Add the rosemary to the focaccia
  • Bake to Perfection
    Slide your tray into a preheated oven at 500°F and bake for about 16 minutes. Keep an eye on it—you’re looking for that irresistible golden brown top. The scent will let you know it’s ready.
    Rosemary and sea salt focaccia just out of the oven
Keyword Bread, Focaccia, Olive Oil, Rosemary, Sea salt

Loved this recipe? Don’t forget to follow along on Nicole Cathrine for more snack ideas that will be loved by all!

Here are some of my favorite dips to accompany this focaccia:

Red Curry Thai Cashew Dip – Cilantro, Lime & Pepper

Fresh Tomato, Cucumber, and Mozzarella Bruschetta

Creamy White Bean & Thyme Dip

 

Responses

  1. Camille ryan Avatar

    I am definitely going to try this recipe…looks delicious

  2. The Wholesome Spoon Avatar

    Omg I’ve been wanting to make Focaccia! Love this!

    1. Nicole Phillips Avatar

      Yay! Definitely let me know how your focaccia turns out.

  3. […] the weather, the sandwiches were a hit. The egg salad paired beautifully with my homemade rosemary and sea salt focaccia, but it would be just as good on a crusty baguette—or honestly, even on its own. It’s simple, […]

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