Name: Bake the Best Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-490154H53M36S
Total time: 2 h 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 ¼ cups warm water; 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast; 1 ½ tsp salt; ¼ cup olive oil + extra for topping and greasing; 4 cloves garlic, minced; ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated; 1 tsp Italian herbs (optional)

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Introduction

Garlic Parmesan Focaccia is a flavorful Italian bread known for its crisp crust and soft, airy interior. Infused with garlic and topped with savory parmesan, this focaccia makes a perfect snack or side for any meal. Baking it at home is easier than you think and delivers bakery-quality results.

This image shows a baking tray filled with twelve square pieces of golden baked garlic bread. Each piece has a slightly crunchy, golden-brown top layer sprinkled with melted cheese and small bits of green herbs, giving a textured look. The bread appears soft and airy inside, with a light cream color and some visible holes, indicating fluffiness. The edges of the bread squares are slightly darker and crispier, adding contrast to the soft center. The tray sits on a white marbled surface with part of a gray cloth visible on the side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ¼ cups warm water
¼ cup olive oil, plus extra for topping
2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
1 ½ tsp salt
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
1 tsp Italian herbs (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy.
Step 2: In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Pour in the yeast mixture and stir until a sticky dough forms.
Step 3: Cover the bowl with a towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 4: Grease a baking pan with olive oil and place the risen dough in it. Use your fingers to create dimples evenly across the surface of the dough.
Step 5: Drizzle olive oil over the dough. Sprinkle the minced garlic, grated parmesan, and Italian herbs evenly on top.
Step 6: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Bake the focaccia for 20-25 minutes, until it is golden brown and crispy on the edges.
Step 7: Let the focaccia cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, let the dough ferment overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Add rosemary, sun-dried tomatoes, or olives on top to vary the flavor.
Use fresh parmesan for the best cheesy taste.
Make sure your water is warm but not hot to properly activate the yeast.

Storage

Store the focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore the crisp crust and soft interior.

How to Serve

A metal baking pan holds twelve square pieces of golden brown garlic bread, each piece topped with melted cheese and small bits of green herbs scattered on the surface. The bread has a slightly crispy texture with some browned spots on top, showing a soft and fluffy inside. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface with a light-colored cloth partially visible on the side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can use instant yeast, but mix it directly with the dry ingredients and reduce the initial water by about a quarter to keep the dough consistency right.

What is the best way to create the dimples on focaccia?

Use your fingertips to press gently but firmly into the dough all over the surface. This helps trap olive oil and toppings, creating the characteristic texture and flavor of focaccia.