Fougasse

Name: Fougasse
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: Europe, French
Ingredients: 4 cups bread flour; 1-3/4 teaspoons salt; 1-3/4 teaspoons active dry yeast; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1-1/2 cups warm water (110° to 115°); 2 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary; 2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 2 teaspoons minced fresh basil or 1 teaspoon dried basil; 2 teaspoons chopped fresh sage or 1 teaspoon dried sage leaves; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon sea salt flakes

Total Time Prep: 35 min. + rising Bake: 15 min.

Yield 12 servings

Test Kitchen Approved

This fougasse bread recipe is just as good for a special occasion as it is for an everyday loaf.

Ingredients

4 cups bread flour
1-3/4 teaspoons salt
1-3/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
2 tablespoons olive oil
1-1/2 cups warm water (110° to 115°)
2 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 teaspoons minced fresh basil or 1 teaspoon dried basil
2 teaspoons chopped fresh sage or 1 teaspoon dried sage leaves
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon sea salt flakes

Directions

In a large bowl, mix flour, yeast and salt. Add water and oil to dry ingredients; beat on low for 2 minutes. Using a dough hook, beat on medium speed, for 5 minutes. Stir in herbs and Parmesan cheese; dough will be sticky.
Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 425°. Turn dough out onto lightly floured surface; carefully divide in half. Place each half onto parchment-lined baking sheets. With floured hands, shape into long ovals.
Using a sharp knife, make 1 long cut down the middle, leaving 1 in. of uncut edges on each end. Make 4 cuts on either side of the long cut, so the dough resembles a leaf shape. Stretch the dough as needed to emphasize the cuts.
Cover with kitchen towels; let rise in a warm place, until almost doubled, about 20 minutes.
Sprinkle with salt, dried basil and additional grated Parmesan cheese. Bake until golden brown, about 15-20 minutes.

Nutrition Facts

1 piece: 194 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 456mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.

This traditional French bread, a kind of French variation of focaccia, is easy to make and so flavorful, and it looks impressive on the table. Use whatever herbs you like; try adding red pepper flakes for heat! You can also use 1 tsp. dried herbs in place of the fresh. It’s often served with a dipping sauce, like olive oil and garlic.

Recipe Creator

Community Cook