Fougasse is a classic French bread known for its unique shape and irresistible flavor. Traditionally crafted to resemble a leaf or an ear of wheat, this visually striking bread is just as delightful to eat as it is to look at. With its golden crust and light, airy interior, fougasse makes a perfect addition to any meal or charcuterie board.
Originating from the Provence region of France, fougasse is often compared to Italian focaccia but has a thinner, crispier texture and is typically shaped by hand with slits cut into the dough to create its signature pattern. The dough is usually enriched with olive oil, which adds moisture and flavor, and it can be flavored with a variety of savory additions such as herbs, olives, garlic, cheese, or even sun-dried tomatoes.
One of the best things about fougasse is its versatility. It can be served warm as an appetizer, enjoyed as a snack throughout the day, or paired with soups, salads, or cheeses for a more complete dish. Its tear-and-share nature makes it a favorite for gatherings and casual meals.
Fresh out of the oven, fougasse offers a delicious combination of crispy edges and soft, airy bread that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, making fougasse at home is both satisfying and surprisingly simple. All it takes is a basic dough, a little creativity with shaping, and your favorite mix-ins.
Fougasse is more than just bread—it’s a celebration of French culinary artistry and the joy of sharing food with others. Serve it fresh and warm, and you’ll understand why this beautiful bread continues to be a beloved staple in kitchens around the world.
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cup warm water
- 2 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
Instructions
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
- Mix the ingredients together until they form a cohesive dough.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour until it doubles in size.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to the prepared baking sheet. Shape it into a rough rectangle.
- Using a sharp knife or a baker's lame, make slashes across the dough to create a leaf-like pattern.
- Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake the fougasse in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before serving.
Nutrition
This was AMAZING! Tasted just like the ones from my favorite bakery. Will definitely make again!
I’m so glad you liked it! Fougasse is such a fun bread to make. Did you try adding any herbs or toppings?
This was amazing! I followed the recipe exactly and it turned out perfectly. Crispy on the outside and soft inside. Will make again!
I dunno, didn’t seem like it was worth the effort. Bread is just bread, right?
This was super easy! I had no idea making bread could be so simple. It tasted great, too!
I don’t know what I did wrong, but my dough turned out super flat. The instructions were a bit confusing. Any tips for a beginner?
It turned out okay, but the dough was really sticky. I don’t think I did it right.
Why add sugar to bread? Isn’t that for cakes? Idk, but it tasted fine I guess.
What even is a fougasse? Sounds fancy. I just want bread. LOL
Took way longer than 30 mins for the second rise! But look at that crust, it was worth it!
30 mins? More like an hour, lol. I’ve had that issue too, but as long as it tastes good, right?
That crust looks amazing! Sometimes things just take longer than expected. Glad it turned out well!
Fougasse? More like faux-gasse! Can’t believe it takes so long to make.
Flour and water bread? Yummm! Easy to make! 😋
Easy to follow recipe, even for a beginner like me. Thanks!
I don’t know what went wrong, but mine just wouldn’t rise! Followed all the steps. Pretty disappointed.
Baked this for a family gathering and everyone loved it! So easy to follow. I did add some rosemary on top before baking for extra flavor. Yum!
I usually mess up bread recipes but this one actually worked! I’m feeling like a pro now.
It was alright, but mine didn’t rise like it was supposed to. Maybe my yeast was old? Not sure I’ll try again.
Looks great but isn’t fougasse usually filled with herbs? This one seems plain. Where’s the flavor at? 🤔
This is the best fougasse recipe I’ve ever tried! The texture was perfect, and it paired wonderfully with my homemade olive tapenade. Will definitely make again!
Can u use bread flour instead of all-purpose? I have lots and not sure if it’ll work.
Yeah, bread flour should work just fine! Just keep in mind it might change the texture a bit, maybe a little denser. But on the whole, go for it!
Meh. My dough was sticky and it didn’t look pretty at all. What am I doing wrong? Maybe too much water…
Sounds like you might need to adjust your flour to water ratio. Try adding a bit more flour to the dough if it’s too sticky!
The crust was perfect, but my fougasse turned out too dense. Maybe I kneaded it too much? I’m not sure.
I added olives and rosemary to the dough. So good! Perfect for dinner parties.
Instructions were easy to follow, but my oven is old so it burned a bit. Keep an eye on it!
Thanks for the tip! I always burn my bread too! Will watch my old oven closely next time.
Yum! Bread is bread. Can u put any other stuff in it? Like cheese? I love cheese on my bread!
Do I really need to let it double in size? I just wanna eat bread already!
This was amazing! My family loved it and it made the house smell so good while baking.
I swear this is just glorified flatbread. Not impressed at all. My grandma made better bread without all these steps!
Best bread I’ve ever made! I added some herbs in the dough before baking. So flavorful!
Yum! So good with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Everyone loved it at my dinner party!
Glad to hear it was a hit! What other toppings did you use?
Had no idea what fougasse was! Made it for my French friend, and he ate it all! Quick and easy too!
Bread heaven!! 🍞❤️ Thank you for sharing this recipe!!
Waste of time. I thought it would taste better. Just bread with some slashes. What’s the fuss about?
Soo yum! I sprinkle some garlic on top and it knocked my socks off!!
Garlic sounds amazing! I need to try that next time. 🙌
Really? Garlic on bread? That’s a little much, don’t you think? 😒
Not sure what I did wrong, but mine didn’t rise much. It turned out kinda flat. Sad face…