Fougasse Recipe – How To Bake Mediterranean Flatbread

Fougasse is a traditional French flatbread known for its rustic appearance and rich Mediterranean flavors. Often shaped like a leaf or an ear of wheat, it is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. This fougasse recipe features olives and aromatic rosemary, making it a perfect accompaniment to soups, stews, or charcuterie boards.

Its unique shape not only looks beautiful but also ensures that each piece has a crispy edge. Whether you’re looking for an appetizer or a bread to complement your main course, fougasse is a versatile choice. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, it’s a recipe you’ll want to bake again and again.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 6 slices

Ingredients:

• 400g (3 1/3 cups) bread flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 10g (2 tsp) instant yeast
• 240ml (1 cup) warm water
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 100g (1/2 cup) chopped olives
• 1 tbsp dried rosemary

Instructions:

1. Mix flour, salt, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl.
2. Gradually add water and olive oil, mixing until dough forms.
3. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth. Fold in olives and rosemary.
4. Let dough rise for 1 hour.
5. Roll into an oval shape, cut slits, and stretch slightly.
6. Place on a baking sheet, brush with olive oil, and sprinkle with rosemary.
7. Bake at 220°C (425°F) for 20–25 minutes until golden.

Fougasse Bread Tips:

1. Use Olive Oil: Generously incorporate olive oil into the dough for richness and flavor.
2. Don’t Overwork the Dough: For the best texture, handle the dough gently to maintain air pockets.
3. Add Herbs and Olives: Traditional fougasse often includes herbs like rosemary, thyme, and olives for Mediterranean flavor.
4. Bake at High Heat: Fougasse is best baked in a hot oven (about 220°C/450°F) for a crispy crust and airy interior.
5. Shaping the Dough: When shaping, try making an “X” or other decorative pattern to mimic traditional fougasse shapes.

Fougasse Recipe Variations:

• Olive and Rosemary Fougasse: Add chopped olives and fresh rosemary to the dough for a classic combination.
• Cheese Fougasse: Incorporate grated cheese, like Parmesan or Gruyère, into the dough for extra flavor.
• Sun-Dried Tomato Fougasse: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and garlic for a savory twist.
• Garlic and Herb Fougasse: Mix in garlic, thyme, and basil for an aromatic, savory bread. (Check our Extra Easy Garlic bread )
• Spicy Fougasse: Add chili flakes or jalapeños for a spicy version.
• Sweet Fougasse: Use honey and dried fruits like figs or apricots for a sweet variation.

Have a taste for flat bread ? then try our Pita Flat bread recipe !