Bake the Best Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Recipe
Introduction
Garlic Parmesan Focaccia is a flavorful and aromatic Italian bread that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. This easy recipe combines garlic, parmesan, and herbs to create a perfect accompaniment for any meal or a delicious snack on its own.
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 warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, mix 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 doubled in size.
- Step 4: Grease a baking pan with olive oil and place the dough in it. Use your fingers to create dimples across the dough surface.
- Step 5: Drizzle olive oil over the dough. Sprinkle minced garlic, grated parmesan, and Italian herbs evenly on top.
- Step 6: Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C). Bake the focaccia for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Step 7: Let the bread cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, let the dough cold ferment overnight in the fridge before baking.
- Add fresh rosemary, sun-dried tomatoes, or olives for a delicious variation.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for a more intense flavor.
Storage
Store your focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to restore crispness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use active dry yeast straight without proofing?
It’s best to proof active dry yeast in warm water first to ensure it’s active, which helps the dough rise properly.
Can I make this focaccia gluten-free?
Traditional focaccia relies on gluten for its texture, but you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends designed for bread. Expect a different texture and follow any specific instructions on your flour blend.
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Bake the Best Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (including rising time)
- Yield: 1 large focaccia, about 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread recipe delivers a perfectly soft and fluffy Italian flatbread with a crispy golden crust. Infused with garlic, aromatic Italian herbs, and a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese, this focaccia is ideal as an appetizer, side dish, or snack. The recipe includes step-by-step instructions from activating the yeast, allowing the dough to rise, to baking the bread to golden perfection in the oven.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 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
For the Toppings
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp Italian herbs (optional)
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active and ready to use.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour, salt, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Pour in the yeast mixture and mix until a sticky dough forms.
- First Rise: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 2 hours or until it has doubled in size, ensuring a light and airy bread texture.
- Shape the Dough: Generously grease a baking pan with olive oil. Transfer the risen dough into the pan and spread it out. Use your fingers to create dimples all over the surface to give focaccia its distinctive texture.
- Add Toppings: Drizzle additional olive oil over the dough surface. Evenly sprinkle the minced garlic, grated parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs for added flavor.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Place the dough in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the focaccia is golden brown and the crust feels crispy to the touch.
- Cool & Serve: Allow the bread to cool slightly in the pan before slicing. Serve warm, perfect as a standalone treat or alongside meals.
Notes
- For a deeper, more complex flavor, consider cold fermenting the dough overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
- Experiment with toppings such as fresh rosemary sprigs, sun-dried tomatoes, or olives to customize the focaccia.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Focaccia, Italian bread, savory focaccia, garlic bread, parmesan cheese bread, homemade focaccia, easy focaccia recipe
