Bake the Best Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Recipe

Introduction

Garlic Parmesan Focaccia is a wonderfully fragrant and flavorful Italian bread, perfect for any meal or as a snack. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, this bread combines garlic and parmesan for a savory treat that’s simple to make at home.

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

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Step 5: Drizzle olive oil over the dough, then sprinkle minced garlic, grated parmesan, and Italian herbs evenly on top.
6. Step 6: Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Bake the focaccia for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
7. 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 rosemary, sun-dried tomatoes, or olives to the topping for delicious variations.
• Using warm water (not hot) helps activate the yeast without killing it.

Storage

Store focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes to regain crispiness.

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 but skip the activation step and mix it directly with the flour.

How do I keep the focaccia soft inside but crispy outside?

Use enough olive oil on the dough and bake at a relatively high temperature. Also, do not overbake to maintain a soft interior.

Bake the Best Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 80 reviews

• Author: Olivia
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours 35 minutes (including rising time)
• Yield: 1 large focaccia (approximately 8 servings) 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread recipe delivers a fragrant, crispy, and golden crust with rich parmesan and garlic flavors. Perfectly soft on the inside with delightful herb-infused dimples, this easy homemade focaccia is ideal for serving as an appetizer, side dish, or snack. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a wonderful bread to bake for any occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough Ingredients

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ¼ cups warm water
• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 ½ tsp salt
• ¼ cup olive oil + extra for topping and greasing pan

Toppings

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tsp Italian herbs (optional; a blend of oregano, basil, thyme)

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Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and active dry yeast. Let it sit undisturbed for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is activated and ready for use.
2. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the yeast-water mixture. Stir until a sticky dough forms, ensuring all the flour is incorporated.
3. First Rise: Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and place it in a warm, draft-free spot. Allow the dough to rise for 1 to 2 hours or until it has doubled in size.
4. Shape the Dough: Grease a baking pan generously with olive oil to prevent sticking. Transfer the risen dough to the pan and use your fingers to gently press it out evenly. Press your fingers into the dough to create dimples all over the surface; this characteristic texture helps hold the toppings and olive oil.
5. Add Toppings: Drizzle additional olive oil evenly over the dimpled dough. Sprinkle the minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, and the optional Italian herbs uniformly across the top.
6. Bake: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Place the baking pan with the dough in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the focaccia turns a beautiful golden brown and the edges become crispy.
7. Cool & Serve: Remove the focaccia from the oven and let it cool slightly for a few minutes. Slice into portions and serve warm to enjoy the fresh, garlicky, and cheesy flavors to the fullest.

Notes

• For extra depth of flavor, consider cold-fermenting the dough overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
• Customize your focaccia by adding toppings like fresh rosemary, sun-dried tomatoes, or olives for a unique twist.
• Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Focaccia, homemade focaccia, Italian bread, garlic bread, parmesan focaccia, easy bread recipe, herb focaccia