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Country Modern Decor – Rustic 30-Minute Herb Focaccia

By August 23, 20266 min read

This Country Modern Decor focaccia brings the charm of rustic country living into your modern kitchen. With a crispy, golden crust and a soft, airy crumb, it's the perfect bread to serve alongside soups, salads, or as a base for sandwiches.

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The name reflects the blend of traditional techniques and contemporary flavors, using fresh herbs and a touch of sea salt to create a bread that's both elegant and comforting. It's surprisingly easy to make and requires just a few simple ingredients.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

1

Crispy Crust: Achieve a perfectly crispy, golden crust with a hot oven and olive oil.
2

Airy Crumb: The high-hydration dough creates a light, airy texture with beautiful holes.
3

Versatile: Serve it as a side, use it for sandwiches, or enjoy it with dips.
4

Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples like flour, yeast, and olive oil.

About the Ingredients

4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour

Use bread flour for a chewier texture; all-purpose works great too.

2 teaspoons (6g) instant yeast

Instant yeast dissolves quickly; if using active dry, proof it in warm water first.

2 teaspoons (10g) fine sea salt

Adjust to taste; flaky sea salt for topping adds a nice crunch.

2 cups (480ml) warm water (110°F/43°C)

Use filtered water if your tap water is heavily chlorinated.

4 tablespoons (60ml) extra-virgin olive oil, divided

Use a good quality olive oil for flavor; you can substitute with vegetable oil.

2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped

Dried rosemary works in a pinch; use 2 teaspoons.

1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

Oregano or sage are great alternatives.

1 teaspoon flaky sea salt (for topping)

Maldon or fleur de sel adds a nice crunch.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a kitchen scale for accurate flour measurement – too much flour makes a dry focaccia.
  • Don't skip the resting time; it develops flavor and gluten.
  • For a crispier bottom, bake on a preheated baking sheet or stone.

Pro Tips

1

Use a digital thermometer to check internal temperature: 210°F (99°C) when done.
2

Let the dough rise in a warm spot (75-80°F/24-27°C) for best results.
3

Dimple the dough deeply with oiled fingers to create those signature craters.
4

Brush with garlic-infused olive oil after baking for extra flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mix the Dough

In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, and salt. Add warm water and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.

2. Rest and Rise

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let rest for 30 minutes. This autolyse step helps develop gluten.

3. Fold the Dough

With wet hands, fold the dough over itself 4-6 times. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1-2 hours at room temperature.

4. Prepare the Pan

Pour 2 tablespoons of olive oil into a 9×13-inch baking pan. Transfer the dough to the pan and gently stretch to fit. Cover and let rise for another 1-2 hours until puffy.

5. Preheat Oven

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a baking stone or inverted baking sheet on the middle rack if you have one.

6. Season and Dimple

Drizzle dough with remaining olive oil. Sprinkle with rosemary, thyme, and flaky sea salt. Use your fingers to dimple the dough deeply.

7. Bake to Golden

Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is deep golden brown and the bottom sounds hollow when tapped. The internal temperature should be 210°F (99°C).

8. Cool and Serve

Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Delicious Variations

  • Add 1/2 cup of pitted olives and 1/4 cup of sun-dried tomatoes to the dough before baking.
  • Top with caramelized onions and goat cheese for a savory twist.
  • Swap herbs for a sweet version with cinnamon sugar and raisins.

How to Store Country Modern Decor

Refrigerator

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is my focaccia dense and not airy?

Dense focaccia usually results from overworking the dough or not letting it rise enough. Ensure you use a wet, sticky dough and allow plenty of time for rising until doubled.

Q: Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose?

Yes, bread flour will give a chewier texture and better structure. You can substitute 1:1.

Q: How do I know when the focaccia is fully baked?

The top should be deep golden brown, and the internal temperature should read 210°F (99°C) on an instant-read thermometer.

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, after the first rise, you can refrigerate the dough overnight. Bring it to room temperature before shaping and second rise.

I hope you enjoy this Country Modern Decor focaccia as much as I do! Share your creations in the comments below and don't forget to tag me on social media.

Country Modern Decor

Country Modern Decor

Country Modern Decor is a rustic herb focaccia with a crispy golden crust and soft airy center, perfect for any modern farmhouse table.

★★★★½ 4.8 (156 ratings)
15 minPrep time30 minCook time8Servings285 kcalCalories

🧂 Ingredients

  • 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons (6g) instant yeast
  • 2 teaspoons (10g) fine sea salt
  • 2 cups (480ml) warm water (110°F/43°C)
  • 4 tablespoons (60ml) extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt (for topping)

📋 Instructions

  1. 1Mix the Dough — In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, and salt. Add warm water and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
  2. 2Rest and Rise — Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let rest for 30 minutes. This autolyse step helps develop gluten.
  3. 3Fold the Dough — With wet hands, fold the dough over itself 4-6 times. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1-2 hours at room temperature.
  4. 4Prepare the Pan — Pour 2 tablespoons of olive oil into a 9×13-inch baking pan. Transfer the dough to the pan and gently stretch to fit. Cover and let rise for another 1-2 hours until puffy.
  5. 5Preheat Oven — Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a baking stone or inverted baking sheet on the middle rack if you have one.
  6. 6Season and Dimple — Drizzle dough with remaining olive oil. Sprinkle with rosemary, thyme, and flaky sea salt. Use your fingers to dimple the dough deeply.
  7. 7Bake to Golden — Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is deep golden brown and the bottom sounds hollow when tapped. The internal temperature should be 210°F (99°C).
  8. 8Cool and Serve — Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
👨‍🍳 Chef's Note: The long, slow rise is key to developing flavor and that beautiful open crumb. Patience pays off!

Servings: 8

Cuisine: American

Course: Bread

Nutrition (per serving): 285 kcal · 7g protein · 45g carbs · 9g fat

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