With a wonderful flavor, plenty of crisp edge and a soft crumb inside, this lemon thyme focaccia is such a delicious, versatile homemade bread!
![With a wonderful flavor, plenty of crisp edges, and a soft crumb inside, this lemon thyme focaccia is such a delicious, versatile homemade bread! lemon thyme focaccia wish one part resting on top of other showing sliced edges](https://www.carolinescooking.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/lemon-thyme-focaccia-photo.jpg)
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I often think I should make bread a bit more often. I do love the taste when I do, but I often find we don't eat quite enough when it is first made and many kinds don't taste as good after a day to feel worth the effort.
This lemon and thyme focaccia is an exception. We both had a fantastic, fairly huge caprese focaccia sandwich from one of the loaves. Then we had some dipped in oil, and made more sandwiches for the next day. I've also made a half batch sometimes, just to enjoy the flavors.
![With a wonderful flavor, plenty of crisp edges, and a soft crumb inside, this lemon thyme focaccia is such a delicious, versatile homemade bread! whole loaf of focaccia from overhead](https://www.carolinescooking.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/lemon-thyme-focaccia-picture.jpg)
Focaccia is a very versatile bread to make as you can dress it up simple like this, or with more extravagant toppings. Aromatic flavors work really well, which is why lemon and thyme seemed a good choice, and it was.
The recipe makes two small loaves, each one big enough for around 2-3 good-sized sandwiches. It's also good in chunks alongside soup, or simply dipped in good quality olive oil and balsamic vinegar to nibble with cheese or whatever else you fancy.
I've made the loaves a bit smaller than some you see and crisper, too. Personally, we really like it this way rather than the very big, super-soft loaves, but it's all a personal preference.
![mixung ingredients for lemon thyme focaccia](https://www.carolinescooking.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/lemon-thyme-focaccia-mixture.jpg)
How to make lemon thyme focaccia
While it takes a bit of time to make as with most breads, most of that is letting it rise. So there's plenty of time in between to do other things, you just need to keep an eye on it.
Some focaccia recipes use just plain, all purpose flour but others use bread flour, sometimes partly with semolina flour as well. I have tried it both ways with this recipe and like both, so really make as you prefer.
I have written it as plain (all purpose) flour since that's probably what most people have and it works well.
![lemon thyme focaccia ready to bake lemon thyme focaccia ready to bake](https://www.carolinescooking.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/lemon-thyme-focaccia-on-baking-sheet.jpg)
Top tips
Make sure you don't forget to make some dimples in the top before baking and drizzle it with a good olive oil and sprinkle on a little salt. This is part of what distinguishes a focaccia from other breads. That oil works its way in to the bread and helps give that lovely crust.
When baking, do check after around 15 minutes as it may cook a bit quicker depending on your oven. Focaccia is a relatively thin loaf so it doesn't take long to bake, and the result is lots of nice crispy crust as well.
See how it comes together in the short video!
Focaccia to me always feels like a more summery bread, probably as I like to enjoy it either with very Mediterranean fillings as a sandwich or dipped in a good olive oil, both of which I associate with warmer climates.
![lemon thyme focaccia as sandwich lemon thyme focaccia as sandwich with mozzarella, tomato and pesto](https://www.carolinescooking.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/lemon-thyme-focaccia-sandwich.jpg)
When I made this we had some delicious sandwiches with it, spread with homemade pesto and filled with fresh mozzarella, tomato and prosciutto on some as well.
If you're tempted to make fresh bread, and like one with a good flavor and lots of crusty edge, this lemon thyme focaccia is a must make. Easy, so tasty and perfect for nibbling, dipping, and sandwich-making. Believe me, you want to try it.
![With a wonderful flavor, plenty of crisp edges, and a soft crumb inside, this lemon thyme focaccia is such a delicious, versatile homemade bread! lemon thyme focaccia close up of cut slices](https://www.carolinescooking.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/lemon-thyme-focaccia-pic.jpg)
Like making bread? Try these other tasty recipes:
- Japanese milk bread
- Sourdough rye bread
- Spelt rolls
- Fig and walnut bread
- No knead olive oil rosemary bread
- Plus I love the sound of Karen of Karen's Kitchen Stories BLT focaccia.
- And get more side dishes in the archives.
Lemon thyme focaccia
Ingredients
- ¼ oz dried active yeast 7g, 1 packet (instant yeast)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 ½ cup water 300ml, warm
- 4 cups all purpose flour 480g plain flour
- ¼ cup olive oil 4 tablespoon (for dough)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme chopped, plus more for top, or approx ½ teaspoon dry
- ½ lemon zest ie zest from ½ lemon or 1 if small
- ½ teaspoon salt or up to 1tsp max
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for baking)
Instructions
- Mix yeast, sugar and water so that the sugar and yeast dissolve then allow to sit until the mixture bubbles, around 5-10min.
- Meanwhile, mIx flours, thyme, lemon zest and once bubbled-up, add the yeast water. Mix to combine, tip out onto a floured surface and knead for around 5 min (stretching the dough out, folding over, turning 90 degrees and repeating) until the dough is no longer sticky.
- Lightly oil a large bowl, put the dough in and leave to prove for around 1 hour until it has doubled in size.
- Tip out the dough, press down to take out the air, divide in two (if you want two loaves, as I'd suggest) and stretch them out relatively flat. Form slightly as you prefer. You can also form directly on the baking sheet/tray.
- Lay on oiled baking sheet/tray(s), either tossing in the oil or drizzling a little more on top to get on both sides. Allow to rise again for around 20min.
- Preheat oven to 425F/210C.
- Make finger marks on top, sprinkle on some more thyme, and a little salt, and drizzle over a little more oil so it sits in the dimples.
- Bake for approx 20min until golden on top and it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove from oven and transfer to a cooling rack. Allow to cool a few minutes before cutting.
Video
Nutrition
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Remember to pin for later!
![With a wonderful flavor, plenty of crisp edges, and a soft crumb inside, this lemon thyme focaccia is such a delicious, versatile homemade bread! With a wonderful flavor, plenty of crisp edges, and a soft crumb inside, this lemon thyme focaccia is such a delicious, versatile homemade bread! #focaccia #homemadebread #baking #italianbread](https://www.carolinescooking.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/lemon-thyme-focaccia-pin.jpg)
Chris-27
The bread looks great! I have a question about the yeast: The recipe says 3/4 ounce of dried yeast, or one envelope. I looked up a conversion table, and it says 3/4 ounce is 2 T. One envelope is 2-1/4 t. I'm guessing the latter?
Caroline's Cooking
Yes, apologies I see it was written as 3/4oz but it should have been 1/4 which yes is 2 1/4tsp (1 envelope). I've now updated the recipe. Enjoy!
Chris-27
This makes excellent focaccia, and is much easier than the previous recipe I was using! I'm going to "take it on the road," now, and have my granddaughters make a batch. The challenge will be to convince the 4 y/o that "dimples" do not need to go to the bottom on the pan.
Caroline's Cooking
Glad to hear you enjoyed! And yes know those kind of unexpected challenges with little ones 🙂 But sometimes it's worth the odd messy bread for them to enjoy.
Sonila
Lemon & thyme combination sounds delicious. I've always wanted to make focaccia but thought it must be too complicated. you make it sounds so easy. Will definitely give it a try, thank you
Caroline's Cooking
It's really easier than you might think, and these flavors are so good together in there.
Tawnie Kroll
lemon and thyme sounds amazing together!
Caroline's Cooking
It's a really tasty combination.
Veena Azmanov
Have to try this. Looks delicious and surely perfect. Thanks for your amazing recipe.
Caroline's Cooking
Thank you! It's such a delicious loaf.
Christine
I love focaccia but have never made it! Nor any bread for that matter. I think I'm afraid that once I start making it I'll never stop and my will-power will be put to the test (and fail.) But I have to make this. Thanks for sharing it at #SaucySaturdays.
Caroline's Cooking
It's definitely fun to give it a go, Christine, and the taste is so good!
Zeba Durrani
This looks so good...thanks for sharing
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks, Zeba, and thanks for stopping by.
Jennifer Stewart
I love the heartinesss of focaccia! It's chewy and dense, yet the flavors suggest light and aromatic! I could dunk this in my vegetable soup all day long! Thanks for sharing with Saucy Saturdays!
Caroline's Cooking
I agree, Jennifer, it's a great bread all round, and this one has lovely flavors too.
Justine
I love when things are so simple to put together, but produce amazing results, and that's exactly how this bread sounds! Delicious 😀
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks, Justine. There's something about bread in general being so few ingredients that make something special, I do wonder why I don't attempt it more often. This one is definitely a tasty example!
kelsey
Yum! I've been traveling through Italy and I'll have to try this recipe to try make some focaccia of my own when I get home. It looks gorgeous.
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks, Kelsey, that must be a fantastic experience, a great place to try some amazing food! And I hope this recipe helps you reminisce when you are home.
Loretta
Love the flavors in your foccacia - I'm sure I would not be able to stop at just one slice. Happy FF!
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks, Loretta, like I said they made some BIG sandwiches, so I didn't really stop at one slice either 🙂
Hannah Hossack-Lodge
I love foccacia and make it regularly, I've never thought to try putting lemon in the dough though - what a fantastic idea!
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks, Hannah, it is a lovely flavor to have in there, so I would recommend trying it.
Alli @ Tornadough Alli
Focaccia is hands down my all time fave bread! I usually just buy it fresh from the bakery and devour it right from the bag, thats acceptable right? Now that I seen this recipe I may be making a lot less bakery stops! I would love for your to stop by tonight's Throw Back Thursday link party and share some of your posts!
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks, Alli, with focaccia I think anything goes! And thanks, I dropped by and shared this and another post at your party 🙂
michaela An Affair from the Heart
Love this bread! Such amazing flavors!
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks, Michaela!
Sarah
Yumm! If there is one thing I like, it's a good Focaccia 😀
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks, Sarah, it's so true, it is delicious!
Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life
Focaccia bread is so good! I definitely want to try this!
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks, Michelle, I hope you do and like it!
Christine
You are right - this is a perfect summer bread! I wonder if you could infuse the olive oil with lemon too. Yum!
Caroline's Cooking
I'm sure you could, Christine, and it would be great then drizzled over the cooked bread as well. You are making me think about making some more, and the oil, just thinking about it...
ZazaCook
I love Focaccia! Yours looks perfect and absolutely delicious!
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks, and thanks for stopping by!
Dini @ The Flavor Bender
This is beautiful Caroline! I made focaccia recently too and it's always so addictive to eat! I've never tried lemon in it though! It must taste so beautiful!! I'm trying that with my next focaccia batch!
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks, Dini. The lemon is subtle but delicious (and smells great as it is cooking) so do give it a try!