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Summer Citrus & Herb Focaccia with Sea Salt and Olive Oil Recipe

By Beginnerbakes Test KitchenReviewed by Beginnerbakes Editorial TeamPublished Apr 24, 2026 · Updated May 12, 2026
Italian-American 45 mins beginner-friendlyeasystep-by-stepno-fusssummer-bakinglow-calorielow-fatminimal-ingredientscomfort-foodsavory-bakespartysnack

Easy Summer Citrus & Herb Focaccia recipe featuring fresh orange and lemon zest, aromatic rosemary and thyme, and crispy flaky sea salt. This beginner-friendly Italian-American bread is perfect for summer snacks, parties, and low-fat savory bakes.

Summer Citrus & Herb Focaccia with Sea Salt and Olive Oil Recipe
Prep 20 min
Cook 25 min
Total 45 min
Servings 8
Difficulty easy
Cuisine Italian-American

Recipe Details

Prep20 min
Cook25 min
Total45 min
Servings8
Difficultyeasy
CuisineItalian-American
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Ingredients

Servings 8
  • 3 ½ cups (420g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp / 7g) active dry yeast
  • 1 ¼ cups (300ml) warm water (about 100-110°F / 38-43°C)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
  • 1 tsp fine sea salt, plus extra for sprinkling
  • Zest of 1 medium orange
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary leaves
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme leaves
  • Flaky sea salt (such as Maldon) for topping

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the warm water and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy to activate the yeast.
  2. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 teaspoon fine sea salt to the yeast mixture. Stir gently to combine.
  3. Gradually add the flour, about 1 cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a sticky dough forms.
  4. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add more flour if the dough is too sticky, but keep it slightly tacky.
  5. Lightly oil a large clean bowl and place the dough inside. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  6. While the dough is rising, prepare the citrus herb topping by mixing the orange zest, lemon zest, rosemary, and thyme in a small bowl.
  7. Once risen, gently punch the dough down and transfer to a greased 9x13-inch baking pan. Use your fingers to press and stretch the dough evenly to fill the pan.
  8. Using your fingertips, make deep dimples all over the dough surface. Drizzle generously with olive oil, then evenly sprinkle the citrus herb mixture on top.
  9. Sprinkle flaky sea salt on the dough to your liking.
  10. Cover loosely with a kitchen towel and let rise for another 20 minutes.
  11. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  12. Bake the focaccia for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
  13. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly in the pan before slicing into 8 pieces.
  14. Serve warm or at room temperature as a savory snack or party bread.

Frequently Asked Questions

Reader questions and answers for this recipe will appear here.

Adapt this Summer Citrus & Herb Focaccia for special diets without losing flavor or freshness:

  • Flour: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free baking blends formulated for bread; add xanthan gum if needed.
  • Olive Oil: Maintain olive oil for dairy-free, vegan, and nut-free baking. Mild vegetable oil can substitute but affects flavor.
  • Fresh Herbs: Use alternatives like basil or oregano to adjust flavor profiles.
  • Sea Salt: Kosher or Himalayan pink salt can replace sea salt; adjust quantity based on grain size.
  • Citrus Zest: Use dried citrus peel or citrus extract if fresh zest isn’t available.

These ingredient swaps keep the bake easy, healthy, and beginner-friendly for diverse dietary needs.

Equipment Needed

To bake this Summer Citrus & Herb Focaccia, you’ll need essential beginner-friendly kitchen tools:

  • Large Mixing Bowl: For activating yeast and mixing dough.
  • Wooden Spoon or Sturdy Spoon: For initial ingredient blending before kneading.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure precise ingredient amounts for best results.
  • Kitchen Scale (Optional): Helpful for accurate flour weighing, improving consistency.
  • Clean Kitchen Towel or Plastic Wrap: To cover dough during rising, keeping it warm and moist.
  • Flat Surface: Such as a countertop or board for kneading and shaping dough.
  • 9x13-inch Baking Pan: To shape and bake the focaccia evenly.
  • Small Bowl: For combining citrus zest and fresh herbs topping.
  • Oven: Preheated to 425°F (220°C) for baking the focaccia.
  • Optional - Pastry Brush or Fingers: For drizzling olive oil and creating characteristic dimples.

These straightforward tools keep this rustic focaccia recipe easy, accessible, and perfect for beginner bakers.

Ingredient Prep Notes

Flour: Use all-purpose flour for an ideal balance of structure and softness. Up to 50% whole wheat flour can be used for a nuttier flavor, adjusting water as needed. For gluten-free, opt for a gluten-free baking blend with xanthan gum added if missing.

Yeast: Activate active dry yeast in warm water (100-110°F / 38-43°C) to ensure rise. Avoid hot water that kills yeast. Instant yeast can be added to dry ingredients but follow package instructions.

Water: Warm water activates yeast efficiently; room temperature water slows rise. Use filtered or non-chlorinated water if possible.

Olive Oil: Use quality extra virgin olive oil for authentic flavor and moist crumb. Mild vegetable oil can substitute but alters flavor.

Sea Salt: Fine sea salt in dough and flaky sea salt like Maldon on top for crunch and bursts of flavor. Adjust if using kosher salt due to grain size.

Citrus Zest: Wash citrus well before zesting. Avoid white pith for bitterness. Dried zest can substitute but fresh zest delivers brighter aroma.

Fresh Herbs: Finely chop rosemary and thyme for balanced flavor release. Dried herbs can be used sparingly given concentration.

Tips: Flour surfaces lightly during kneading to prevent sticking without stiffening dough. Knead 8 minutes for a soft, elastic texture. Two rises deepen flavor and improve texture; adjust timing as needed per kitchen temperature.

Oven Note

Follow these oven tips to bake perfect Summer Citrus & Herb Focaccia with a tender crumb and golden crust:

  • Preheat Fully: Make sure your oven reaches 425°F (220°C) before baking to ensure even cooking and crust development.
  • Center Rack Placement: Bake on the middle rack for balanced heat distribution and to avoid over or under browning.
  • Minimize Oven Door Opening: Keep door closed during baking to maintain consistent temperature and rise.
  • Use Oven Thermometer: Oven dials can be inaccurate; a thermometer guarantees reliable baking temperature.
  • Monitor Baking Time: Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Adjust for your oven’s quirks especially close to completion.
  • Cool Slightly Before Slicing: Let focaccia rest in the pan after baking to finish setting before cutting.

These beginner-friendly tips help achieve consistent, delicious focaccia with a crispy top and soft inside every time.

Easy Upgrade Ideas for Summer Citrus & Herb Focaccia

Customize and elevate your focaccia with these simple, beginner-friendly enhancements:

  • Additional Flavors: Add thinly sliced garlic or caramelized onions into the dimples before baking for deep savory notes.
  • Cheese Toppings: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan or crumbled feta over the herb-citrus topping for salty tang.
  • Seeds & Nuts: Toasted pine nuts, sesame seeds, or sunflower seeds add crunch and nutty aroma.
  • Herb Variations: Mix fresh basil, oregano, or sage alongside rosemary and thyme for personalized herb blends.
  • Finishing Touch: Drizzle honey or balsamic glaze after baking to complement citrus brightness and sea salt.
  • Presentation Ideas: Make mini focaccia rounds or use cookie cutters for fun shapes, perfect for parties.
  • Citrus Garnishes: Add thin lemon or orange zest twists for attractive aroma and looks.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread flour blends to make this focaccia gluten-free while preserving texture.

These easy upgrades keep the recipe simple but offer creative flavor and presentation options for summer baking.

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