Name: Baking Botanical Focaccia
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 4 h 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 cup plus 1 tablespoon 00 flour; 1 cup plus 1 tablespoon and 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon fine sea salt; ¾ teaspoon active dry yeast; 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil; A little less than 1 cup lukewarm water; Toppings of choice (fresh herbs, bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, olives, edible flowers); Olive oil, for greasing and drizzling; Salt and pepper, for seasoning

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Short Description

A beautifully golden focaccia decorated with edible flowers, herbs, or vegetables, this botanical bread is soft inside, crisp outside, and doubles as edible art.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Stunning presentation—decorate with herbs, veggies, and edible flowers
Simple dough with a long rise for better texture and flavor
Soft, chewy crumb with a crisp, golden crust
Ideal for entertaining, gifting, or a fun baking project

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup plus 1 tablespoon 00 flour
1 cup plus 1 tablespoon and 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
¾ teaspoon active dry yeast
1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
A little less than 1 cup lukewarm water
Toppings of your choice (e.g., fresh herbs, thinly sliced bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, olives, edible flowers)
Olive oil, for greasing and drizzling
Salt and pepper, for seasoning

Directions

Step 1: Make and Knead the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the 00 flour, all-purpose flour, and salt.
In a separate bowl, mix a little less than 1 cup lukewarm water with the yeast and olive oil.
Pour the yeast mixture into the flour and mix with your hands until a shaggy dough forms. Knead for about 3 minutes.
Let the dough rest for 15 minutes, then knead again for another 3 minutes.
Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape into balls.
Place on a floured surface, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise at room temperature for 3 to 4 hours until doubled in size.

Step 2: Decorate and Prepare to Bake

Preheat oven to 400 °F (200 °C).
Grease a baking pan with olive oil and gently spread one dough ball into the pan. Use your fingertips to dock (poke) the dough thoroughly.
Decorate with your choice of toppings—pressing them slightly into the dough to help them adhere.
Drizzle the top generously with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Bake and Cool

Bake the focaccia for 30 minutes, or until golden brown and crusty on top.
Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Admire your botanical design, then dig in!

Servings And Timing

Servings: Makes 2 small focaccias or 1 large one
Prep Time: ~25 minutes
Rise Time: 3–4 hours
Bake Time: ~30 minutes
Total Time: ~4 hours 30 minutes

Variations

Herb garden theme: use parsley, rosemary, thyme, basil leaves as “stems” and “foliage”
Veggie bouquet: arrange thinly sliced red onions, cherry tomatoes, carrots, or radishes as flowers
Spicy version: add sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper
Sweet twist: brush with honey and use fig slices or fruit before baking
Olive medley: create patterns with kalamata and green olives for a briny bite

Storage/Reheating

Storing: Store cooled focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a 350 °F oven for 5–8 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving to preserve texture.

FAQs

What Is 00 Flour And Why Use It?

00 flour is finely milled Italian flour with lower gluten content. It gives a tender, silky texture. You can substitute with more all-purpose if unavailable.

Can I Let The Dough Rise Longer?

Yes—let the dough rise overnight in the fridge. Bring to room temperature before shaping and baking.

Do I Have To Use Edible Flowers?

No—decorate with herbs or vegetables instead. Edible flowers are optional but add beautiful, natural color.

How Thick Should I Roll The Dough?

Spread to about ½–¾ inch thick in the pan. Too thin and it may crisp too much; too thick and it won’t bake evenly.

Can I Use Instant Yeast?

Yes—use the same amount. It may rise slightly faster than active dry yeast.

How Do I Prevent Toppings From Burning?

Press them gently into the dough and brush with oil. Thinner slices roast better; thicker veggies may need pre-roasting.

What Size Pan Should I Use?

Use a medium baking sheet (roughly 9×13 inches) for one full recipe, or divide into two smaller round or square pans.

Is This Recipe Vegan?

Yes—as written, it’s fully vegan unless non-vegan toppings are added.

How Can I Make The Crust Crispier?

Use a dark metal pan and preheat the oven well. A quick broil at the end also helps if more crispness is desired.

Can I Freeze Baked Focaccia?

Yes—cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in oven until warmed through.

Conclusion

Baking Botanical Focaccia turns classic Italian bread into a canvas for creativity. Decorate with herbs, vegetables, or edible flowers for a beautiful and delicious centerpiece. With a soft, airy interior and crisp, golden crust, this bread is perfect for impressing guests—or treating yourself.

Maggie