Bake the Best Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Recipe
Introduction
Garlic Parmesan Focaccia bread is a flavorful, soft, and crispy Italian classic that’s perfect for sandwiches or as a side to your meal. This recipe guides you through making a fragrant, cheesy focaccia with a golden crust that everyone will love.
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 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 evenly 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 the oven to 425°F (218°C). Bake the focaccia for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Step 7: Let the focaccia cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For extra depth of flavor, let the dough cold ferment overnight in the refrigerator before shaping.
- Add rosemary, sun-dried tomatoes, or olives on top for delicious variations.
- Use fresh parmesan for a more pronounced cheesy taste and good melting texture.
Storage
Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap slices in foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes to restore crispness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast. Use slightly less instant yeast and mix it directly with the dry ingredients without proofing.
How do I make the focaccia extra crispy?
To achieve a crispier crust, drizzle extra olive oil before baking and bake on the lower rack of your oven. Letting the dough rise longer also helps develop better texture.
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Bake the Best Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes to 2 hours 40 minutes (including rise time)
- Yield: 1 large focaccia bread (about 8–10 servings) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread recipe yields a crispy, golden-brown, and flavorful bread with a perfect balance of garlic and parmesan cheese. Soft on the inside and topped with aromatic herbs and olive oil, it’s an ideal accompaniment to any meal or a delicious snack on its own.
Ingredients
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
Toppings
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp Italian herbs (optional)
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy to ensure the yeast is active and ready for baking.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, salt, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Pour in the yeast mixture and stir until a sticky dough forms, combining all ingredients thoroughly.
- First Rise: Cover the bowl with a towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 2 hours, or until it doubles in size, allowing the yeast to ferment and the dough to develop flavor and texture.
- Shape the Dough: Grease a baking pan with olive oil and place the risen dough in it. Use your fingers to press down and create dimples across the dough surface, which helps to hold the toppings and create the traditional focaccia texture.
- Add Toppings: Drizzle extra olive oil evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the minced garlic, grated parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs (if using) across the top for rich flavor and aroma.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Bake the focaccia bread for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy to the touch, indicating it is perfectly baked.
- Cool & Serve: Allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm to enjoy the full flavor and texture of the cheesy garlic focaccia.
Notes
- For extra flavor, let the dough cold ferment overnight in the fridge to enhance the taste and texture.
- Add rosemary, sun-dried tomatoes, or olives for variation to customize the focaccia to your liking.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Focaccia, Italian bread, homemade focaccia, garlic bread, parmesan cheese bread, easy focaccia recipe
