Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes — thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — skip feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

Herbed Focaccia Bread (Fluffy, Golden & Perfectly Seasoned!)

Sarah Smith
Nov 26, 2025
3 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

Close-up of fresh focaccia bread topped with cherry tomatoes, red onion, and rosemary on a wooden board. Textures and herbs visible.

This Herbed Focaccia Bread is soft, airy, golden, and infused with olive oil, garlic, and Italian herbs. It’s an easy, no-fuss bread that pairs beautifully with cozy meals like

, Pesto Chicken Pasta with Spinach, or One-Pot Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese. Perfect for dipping, sandwiches, or serving warm at the dinner table!

Why You’ll Love This

Soft, fluffy focaccia with a golden, olive oil–crisped crust
Fresh herbs add a fragrant, savory flavor throughout
Simple dough with an impressive bakery-style result
Perfect for dipping, sandwiches, or serving alongside soups and pasta

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Rise Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 20–22 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 8–10

Ingredients

For the Dough

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for greasing)

For the Herb Topping

¼ cup olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried rosemary
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried basil
½ tsp Italian seasoning
Flaky sea salt, for topping
Optional: cherry tomatoes, olives, or sliced red onion

Instructions

Proof the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for
5–7 minutes, until foamy.
Mix the Dough: Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Stir until a soft dough forms, then knead 3–4 minutes (dough will be slightly sticky).
First Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled.
Prepare the Pan: Grease a 9×13 pan with olive oil. Press dough into the pan, gently stretching to fill the edges.
Dimple the Dough: Use your fingertips to press deep dimples all over the dough.
Add the Herb Oil: Mix olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, basil, and Italian seasoning. Pour evenly over the dough, letting it settle into the dimples. Sprinkle with flaky salt.
Bake: Bake at 425°F (218°C) for 20–22 minutes, until golden and lightly crisp on top.
Cool & Slice: Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing into squares.

Ways to Serve

Serve warm with homemade marinara for dipping.
Pair with pasta dishes like Creamy Spinach & Mushroom Bake or Chicken & Spinach Pasta with Lemon & Parmesan.
Slice horizontally for sandwiches (amazing with turkey, pesto, or roasted veggies!).
Add to appetizer spreads with Crab Rangoon Dip, Crack Dip, or Vanilla Maple Walnuts.
Use as the base for mini focaccia pizzas.

FAQ

Can I use fresh herbs?

Absolutely! Use 1 tablespoon of each fresh herb instead of dried.

Can I make focaccia ahead?

Yes — assemble the dough, refrigerate overnight, and bake the next day.

Can I use instant yeast?

Yes. Mix it directly into the flour without proofing.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to restore crispness.

Can I add toppings?

Yes! Popular options are cherry tomatoes, caramelized onions, olives, rosemary sprigs, or parmesan.

Conclusion

This Herbed Focaccia Bread is fluffy inside, golden on top, and infused with fragrant herbs and olive oil. It’s simple to make but tastes bakery-quality — perfect for elevating any cozy dinner or serving as a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Once you add this to your site, it’ll quickly become a reader favorite.