Introduction
There’s something undeniably comforting about homemade bread, especially when it’s infused with bold flavors like garlic, rosemary, and feta. Imagine pulling a golden, fluffy focaccia straight out of the oven, its surface dimpled with pools of olive oil and scattered with fragrant toppings. Feta and Spinach Garlic Rosemary Focaccia is a classic, easy, and healthy Mediterranean-inspired delight that pairs beautifully with soups, salads, or even as a standalone snack.
This easy focaccia recipe brings together the heartiness of fresh spinach, the creamy tang of feta, and the aromatic warmth of garlic and rosemary. If you’ve ever been intimidated by baking bread from scratch, this simple step-by-step guide will walk you through everything you need to know to master this flavorful creation.
Feta and Spinach Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Recipe
Description
A fluffy, herb-infused focaccia topped with savory feta, fresh spinach, and roasted garlic. Perfect for any meal or as a standalone treat!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 210 per serving
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
- 1 ¼ cups warm water (110°F)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Stir in salt, olive oil, and half of the flour.
- Knead the Dough: Gradually add the remaining flour while kneading for 5-7 minutes until smooth. Cover with a damp towel and let it rise for 1 hour.
- Prepare the Toppings: While the dough rises, sauté garlic and spinach in a pan with a teaspoon of olive oil until wilted.
- Shape the Focaccia: Transfer dough to a greased baking pan, gently stretching it out. Dimple the surface with your fingers and drizzle olive oil over it.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle with rosemary, feta, spinach, garlic, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Let it cool slightly before slicing and enjoying!
Notes
- For a crispier crust, brush with additional olive oil before baking.
- Use bread flour for a chewier texture.
- If using active dry yeast, dissolve it in warm water and let it sit for 10 minutes before adding flour.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
Why You’ll Love This feta spinach garlic focaccia
✔️ Easy to Make – Simple steps and minimal ingredients make this perfect for beginners. ✔️ Healthy & Nutritious – Packed with spinach and garlic, this focaccia adds fiber and essential nutrients. ✔️ Classic Mediterranean Flavors – The combination of rosemary, feta, and olive oil gives it an authentic taste. ✔️ Customizable – Easily adapt the toppings to your preference. ✔️ Perfect for Any Occasion – Serve it as an appetizer, side dish, or even a light meal.
feta spinach garlic focaccia ingredients and Substitutions
- Flour: All-purpose flour works well, but bread flour will give a chewier texture.
- Yeast: Instant yeast is best for quick rising, but active dry yeast can be used with a longer proofing time.
- Spinach: Fresh spinach is ideal, but frozen (thawed and drained) works as well.
- Feta Cheese: Adds a creamy, tangy bite; substitute with goat cheese or parmesan if needed.
- Garlic & Rosemary: These add depth; feel free to experiment with thyme or oregano.
How to Make Feta and Spinach Garlic Rosemary Focaccia (Step-by-Step)
- Activate the Yeast – Ensure water is warm enough to help yeast activate but not too hot to kill it.
- Mix and Knead – Achieve a smooth, elastic dough by kneading properly.
- First Rise – Let it double in size for maximum fluffiness.
- Shape and Dimple – Stretch dough evenly in a baking pan and dimple with fingers.
- Add Toppings – Sprinkle evenly to ensure every bite is flavorful.
- Bake to Perfection – Golden brown with a slight crispness on the edges is the goal!
Expert Tips for Success feta spinach garlic focaccia
- Use high-quality olive oil for rich flavor.
- Don’t over-knead; too much gluten development makes it tough.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place to ensure a fluffy texture.
- Sprinkle extra feta after baking for a fresh contrast.
Variations and Customizations for feta spinach garlic focaccia
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Vegan: Replace feta with vegan cheese or nutritional yeast.
- Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper or jalapeños for heat.
- Extra Herbs: Mix in thyme or oregano for a more herbal note.
Storage and Reheating Instructions feta spinach garlic focaccia
- Storing: Wrap in foil and keep at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerating: Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Freezing: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm in an oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or toast for a crispier bite.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with tomato soup or minestrone for a cozy meal.
- Serve alongside grilled chicken or Mediterranean salad.
- Enjoy as a sandwich base with hummus and roasted veggies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about feta spinach garlic focaccia
How to make Feta and Spinach Garlic Rosemary Focaccia?
To make this easy classic focaccia, mix and knead the dough, let it rise, dimple it in a pan, add toppings, and bake until golden.
Can I make focaccia dough ahead of time?
Yes! Refrigerate overnight after the first rise and bake the next day.
Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh?
Yes, but fresh rosemary gives a more vibrant flavor.
Related Recipes feta spinach garlic focaccia
- Rosemary & Olive Focaccia
- Spinach & Ricotta Flatbread
- Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks
Conclusion
This Feta and Spinach Garlic Rosemary Focaccia is an easy, classic, and healthy bread that elevates any meal. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this step-by-step guide ensures success. Try it today and bring Mediterranean flavors to your kitchen!