The only way to make homemade focaccia better? Stuff it full of cheese and herbs! The dimpled surface collects the olive oil, salt, and herbs, creating flavorful pockets. The focaccia below is an instant sandwich — it has its fillings baked right inside.
Weigh your flour; or measure it by gently spooning it into a cup, then sweeping off any excess. Combine all of the dough ingredients, then knead — using your hands, a mixer, a food processor or a bread machine — to form a smooth dough.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and allow it to rise for 1 1/2 hours, or until it's puffy.
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured or lightly greased work surface, knead it gently, then divide it in half. Round each half into a loose ball, and allow the balls to rest, covered, for 10 to 15 minutes.
Roll one ball into a 10" to 12" circle. Place it on a lightly oiled baking sheet or deep dish pizza pan (or onto a peel dusted with semolina if you'll be baking the focaccia on an oven stone).
Top the shaped round with the filling ingredients, spreading them evenly over the surface, and leaving about 1" border bare around the edges.
Roll the second half of dough into an equal-sized circle, then place it atop the filling. Press the edges of the dough together firmly to seal the two circles.
Cover the focaccia with lightly greased plastic wrap or a reusable cover.
Preheat your oven to 425°F.
Allow the focaccia to rise for 45 minutes, or until it's noticeably puffy. Just before placing it in the oven, dimple it (poke gentle indentations into it) with your fingers, brush it with 1 tablespoon olive oil, and sprinkle it with large-flake salt and rosemary.
Bake the focaccia for 30 to 35 minutes, until it's golden brown.
Remove it from the oven, and serve it warm, or at room temperature.
Store, well-wrapped, for 3 days at room temperature, or freeze for up to a month.
