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Easy No-Knead Focaccia Recipe with Roasted Garlic and Cherry Tomatoes

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A simple, no-knead focaccia bread featuring roasted garlic and cherry tomatoes, perfect for beginners and casual gatherings. This recipe requires minimal effort and delivers a flavorful, crispy crust with a soft, airy crumb.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp instant yeast
  • 1 ½ cups (360 ml) warm water (around 105°F / 40°C)
  • 1 tsp fine sea salt
  • ⅓ cup (80 ml) extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
  • 2 heads garlic bulbs, roasted
  • 1 ½ cups (250 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped (optional)
  • Coarse sea salt or flaky salt for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice tops off 2 garlic heads to expose cloves. Place cut-side up in a small baking dish, drizzle with olive oil, cover with foil, and roast for 30-40 minutes until soft and golden. Let cool.
  2. In a large bowl, combine flour, instant yeast, and salt. Stir to mix evenly. Pour in warm water and 2 tbsp olive oil. Mix until a shaggy, sticky dough forms (about 5 minutes).
  3. Cover bowl with kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let dough rest at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours until bubbly and doubled in size.
  4. Drizzle 2 tbsp olive oil into baking sheet or pan. Using wet hands, transfer dough onto pan and gently spread to fill surface (about 10 minutes).
  5. Cover dough loosely with plastic wrap or damp towel. Let rise for another 1 to 2 hours until puffy and airy.
  6. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Dimple dough deeply all over with fingertips. Squeeze roasted garlic cloves out of skins and dot evenly on dough. Scatter halved cherry tomatoes and sprinkle chopped rosemary on top. Drizzle 1-2 tbsp olive oil and sprinkle flaky sea salt.
  7. Bake on middle rack for 20-25 minutes until crust is golden brown and crispy, tomatoes blistered, and bread sounds hollow when tapped.
  8. Cool focaccia on wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Keep hands wet when handling dough to prevent tearing. Do not rush the long rise times for best flavor and texture. Roasting garlic mellows its flavor and adds sweetness. Check focaccia at 18 minutes if your oven runs hot to avoid burning toppings. This recipe is naturally vegan and dairy-free. For gluten-free, substitute flour with a gluten-free blend.

Nutrition

Keywords: focaccia, no-knead bread, roasted garlic, cherry tomatoes, easy bread recipe, beginner bread baking, Italian bread, olive oil bread