Paraben Free Classic Fougasse

Total time2 hr 15 min

Prep time25 min

Cook time20 min

4.5

(20)

This rustic Provençal flatbread is one of those showstopper bakes that looks far more impressive than the effort it actually demands. The dough comes together with just flour, yeast, olive oil, sea salt, and water — a short, clean ingredient list that makes it naturally free of the synthetic preservatives and additives that show up in so many packaged breads. That matters more than people realize, since conventional store-bought loaves often contain compounds that those avoiding parabens and similar preservatives need to watch out for. Here, you control every single thing that goes into the dough, from the quality of the olive oil to the flaky finishing salt scattered on top. The leaf-shaped slashes aren't just decorative — they create extra crispy edges and a gorgeous open crumb that's perfect for tearing apart at the table. A brush of good olive oil and a little fresh rosemary before baking give it an herby, golden finish that smells absolutely incredible coming out of the oven. Serve it warm alongside soup, a cheese board, or honestly just on its own — it won't last long either way.

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Ingredients

6 servings

For the dough

2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 standard packet)
1 tsp granulated sugar
¾ cup warm water (105–110°f / 40–43°c)
2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1 tsp fine sea salt
3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for the bowl

For finishing

1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
½ tsp flaky sea salt
1 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped (optional)

Instructions

1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir briefly and let stand for 5–8 minutes, until the surface is foamy and the mixture smells yeasty.
2
Add the 3 tbsp olive oil and fine sea salt to the yeast mixture and stir to combine. Add the flour all at once and stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms and no dry flour remains.

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