Jump to Recipe

This olive and rosemary focaccia is a beautifully soft, airy bread topped with fragrant rosemary, juicy olives and plenty of golden olive oil. It’s an easy focaccia recipe that delivers that classic dimpled crust, crisp edges and fluffy centre, the kind of bake that fills the kitchen with the most irresistible aroma.

Whether you’re searching for homemade focaccia, a simple Italian bread to serve with dinner, or a flavour‑packed loaf for dipping, sharing or sandwich‑making, this olive and rosemary version is ideal.

I always find this perfect for picnics with sliced cheese or maybe pesto and mozzarella, weekend baking, entertaining or elevating a simple meal or simply along side pasta or salad. It’s a rustic, crowd‑pleasing bread that always impresses.

Serving Suggestions for Olive & Rosemary Focaccia

• Burrata with Roasted Tomatoes — the creamy burrata and jammy tomatoes pair beautifully with the salty olives.
• Marinated Olives & Artichokes — a simple antipasti plate that echoes the focaccia’s flavours.
• Prosciutto or Mortadella — thin slices of cured meat draped over warm focaccia feel effortlessly elegant.
• Caprese Salad — tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and olive oil; the focaccia becomes the perfect mop‑up bread.
• Roasted Red Pepper Soup — sweet, smoky flavours that complement the rosemary.
• Pesto Pasta or Lemon Linguine — light, fresh pasta dishes that sit well alongside the herby bread.
• Grilled Chicken with Lemon & Herbs — simple, summery, and great for turning focaccia into a fuller meal.
• Aubergine, Courgette & Pepper Traybake — Mediterranean roasted veg match the focaccia’s vibe.
• Whipped Ricotta with Honey & Black Pepper — a soft, creamy dip that contrasts the savoury olives.
• Garlic & Herb Dips — aioli, basil pesto, or a lemony yoghurt dip.
• Smoked Salmon & Crème Fraîche — a brunch‑friendly pairing that works surprisingly well with rosemary.
• Green Salad with Lemon Dressing — crisp, fresh, and balances the richness of the bread.
• Baked Camembert — warm, gooey cheese with olive focaccia is always a crowd‑pleaser.

Variations for Olive and Rosemary Focaccia

• Sun-Dried Tomato and Rosemary Focaccia — Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes for bursts of sweet, intense flavour throughout the bread.
• Garlic and Herb Focaccia — Scatter thinly sliced garlic over the dough before baking for a fragrant, savoury twist.
• Red Onion and Olive Focaccia — Top with thinly sliced red onions for a touch of sweetness that complements the olives.
• Cheese-Topped Focaccia — Sprinkle with grated Parmesan or mozzarella before baking for a golden, cheesy finish.
• Chilli and Olive Focaccia — Add chilli flakes for gentle heat and extra depth of flavour.
• Mediterranean Focaccia — Top with olives, roasted peppers, and sun-dried tomatoes for a colourful Mediterranean-inspired variation.
• Rosemary and Sea Salt Focaccia — Keep it simple with extra rosemary and flaky sea salt for a classic bakery-style loaf.
• Caramelised Onion Focaccia — Scatter caramelised onions over the dough for rich sweetness and depth.
• Feta and Olive Focaccia — Add crumbled feta before baking for a salty, tangy flavour boost.
• Roasted Garlic Focaccia — Press roasted garlic cloves into the dough for a mellow, savoury flavour.
• Thyme and Olive Focaccia — Replace some of the rosemary with fresh thyme for a different herbal note.
• Pesto Focaccia — Swirl small spoonfuls of pesto into the dough before baking for added richness and flavour.
• Black and Green Olive Focaccia — Use a mix of olives to add variety in flavour, colour, and texture.
• Olive and Courgette Focaccia — Top with thin slices of courgette for a summery variation that pairs well with the rosemary.
• Walnut and Olive Focaccia — Add chopped walnuts for a delicious crunch and subtle nutty flavour.