Description
This Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread is a flavorful and aromatic Italian flatbread featuring a soft, airy texture topped with a delicious garlic-infused olive oil, grated Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs. Perfect as a side, appetizer, or snack, this easy-to-make focaccia requires no kneading and is ready in under 3 hours.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ¾ cups warm water (about 110°F)
For the Garlic Parmesan Topping:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)
To Finish:
- Additional olive oil for greasing
- Flaky sea salt for sprinkling
- Fresh parsley or herbs for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and instant yeast. Stir in the olive oil and warm water. Mix until a sticky dough forms. There’s no need to knead—just cover with plastic wrap and let it rise at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Pan: Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or sheet pan with olive oil. Transfer the dough to the pan and gently stretch it to the edges. Allow it to rest for another 30 minutes while you prepare the topping.
- Make the Garlic Oil: In a small saucepan, heat olive oil over low heat. Add the minced garlic and a pinch of salt. Cook just until fragrant—do not brown the garlic. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Dimple the Dough: Use your fingers to press deep dimples into the dough all over. Drizzle the prepared garlic oil evenly over the surface. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, and a pinch of flaky sea salt on top.
- Bake the Focaccia: Bake in a preheated 425°F (220°C) oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. Remove from oven and let it cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve and Enjoy: Cut into squares or strips and serve warm. This bread is perfect alongside soups, salads, or as a standalone snack. Watch how quickly it disappears!
Notes
- Ensure the water temperature is warm but not hot (about 110°F) to activate the yeast without killing it.
- Do not brown the garlic when making the garlic oil, as it will become bitter.
- You can substitute fresh herbs with dried herbs if fresh are unavailable, using about 1 teaspoon of dried herbs.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute with a gluten-free flour blend and adjust liquids accordingly.
- Leftover focaccia can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated for up to 4 days. Reheat before serving.
- Add a variety of toppings like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or caramelized onions to customize your focaccia.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/12 of the focaccia)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: garlic parmesan focaccia, focaccia bread recipe, Italian bread, garlic bread, easy focaccia, homemade focaccia
