Description
This Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread is a deliciously fluffy and flavorful Italian bread, infused with fragrant garlic, fresh rosemary, and topped with savory Parmesan cheese. Perfect as a side dish or for sandwiches, it’s easy to make with simple ingredients and yields a golden, crispy crust with a soft interior.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough
- 2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1/4 cup olive oil
Toppings
- 1/4 cup olive oil (for drizzling)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make the Dough: Add the all-purpose flour, salt, and 1/4 cup olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a sticky dough starts to form.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for about 5 minutes.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and allow it to rise in a warm, draft-free spot for 1 to 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a 13×18-inch baking sheet with olive oil.
- Shape the Dough: Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to the prepared baking sheet. Using your fingers, stretch and press the dough to fit the pan, then create dimples all over the surface with your fingertips.
- Add Toppings: Drizzle the dough generously with olive oil. Sprinkle the minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, fresh rosemary, and coarse sea salt evenly over the top.
- Second Rise: Let the prepared dough rest for an additional 20-30 minutes while the oven finishes preheating.
- Bake: Bake the focaccia in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the focaccia to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh active dry yeast and ensure your water is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- You can substitute fresh rosemary with dried rosemary, but fresh will provide better flavor.
- Feel free to add other toppings like olives, cherry tomatoes, or caramelized onions for variation.
- Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Using a stand mixer with a dough hook saves effort during kneading but hand kneading provides better control over dough consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 2 mg
Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Focaccia, Italian bread, homemade focaccia, garlic bread, rosemary bread, Parmesan topping, easy bread recipe
