Description
This Crispy and Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread is a delightful Italian-style flatbread featuring a golden crust, aromatic garlic, and a generous sprinkling of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It’s perfect as a flavorful appetizer, side dish, or snack, boasting a soft and airy interior contrasted with a crispy exterior.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1¾ cups warm water
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- ¼ cup olive oil
Toppings
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Proof the Yeast: In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast on top and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix the Dough: Add the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a sticky dough forms. Cover the bowl and allow the dough to rise in a warm place for 1 to 1½ hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare Toppings: While the dough is rising, mince the garlic cloves and grate the Parmesan cheese. Once the dough has risen, pour a little olive oil into a baking pan and transfer the dough into the pan.
- Dimple the Dough: Using your fingertips, create small dimples all over the surface of the dough. Evenly sprinkle the minced garlic and freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top. Optionally, add your favorite herbs if desired.
- Final Rise & Bake: Let the topped dough rise for an additional 20–30 minutes while you preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the focaccia for 20–25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy.
Notes
- Ensure the water used to proof the yeast is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast without killing it.
- You can add herbs like rosemary or thyme on top for added flavor.
- For an extra crispy crust, drizzle a bit more olive oil on the focaccia before baking.
- Let the focaccia cool slightly before slicing to maintain texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: focaccia, garlic bread, Parmesan focaccia, cheesy bread, Italian bread, easy focaccia
