Bake the Best Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Recipe
Introduction
Garlic Parmesan Focaccia is a wonderfully fragrant and crispy Italian bread, perfect as a snack or side dish. This recipe guides you through baking a soft, flavorful 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 the warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Pour in the yeast mixture and stir until a sticky dough forms.
- Step 3: Cover the bowl with a towel and allow the dough to rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Step 4: Grease a baking pan with olive oil and place the dough into the pan. Use your fingers to create dimples all over the surface of the dough.
- Step 5: Drizzle olive oil evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the minced garlic, grated parmesan, and Italian herbs on top.
- Step 6: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Bake the focaccia for 20-25 minutes, or until it turns golden brown and crispy.
- Step 7: Let the bread cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For a richer flavor, allow the dough to cold ferment overnight in the fridge.
- Add rosemary, sun-dried tomatoes, or olives on top for different taste variations.
Storage
Store the focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To refresh the bread, warm it in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, bread flour can be used and may result in a chewier texture due to its higher protein content.
How do I know when the yeast is active?
The yeast is active when the mixture becomes foamy after sitting in warm water for about 5 minutes. If it doesn’t foam, the yeast may be expired or the water temperature might have been too hot or cold.
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Bake the Best Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes (includes 1-2 hour rise)
- Yield: 1 large focaccia (8x12 inch pan, serves 6-8) 1x
Description
This Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread recipe yields a golden, crispy, and flavorful Italian flatbread, infused with minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, and optional Italian herbs. Perfect as an appetizer or accompaniment, this focaccia uses a simple yeast dough that rises twice for a soft yet airy texture, finished in a hot oven for the perfect crust.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 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 and greasing
Toppings
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp Italian herbs (optional)
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and active dry yeast. Let it sit undisturbed for 5 minutes until the mixture is foamy, indicating the yeast is active and ready to use.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then pour in the foamy yeast mixture. Stir everything together until a sticky dough forms.
- First Rise: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and place the dough in a warm draft-free area. Allow it to rise for 1 to 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the Dough: Generously grease a baking pan with olive oil. Transfer the risen dough into the pan and gently press it out with your fingers to spread evenly. Use your fingertips to create characteristic dimples all across the top of the dough surface.
- Add Toppings: Drizzle additional olive oil evenly over the dough’s surface. Sprinkle minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs on top, evenly distributing the toppings.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Place the baking pan with the prepared dough in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the focaccia is golden brown and crispy on top.
- Cool & Serve: Remove the focaccia from the oven and allow it to cool slightly in the pan. Slice and serve warm, enjoying the fragrant garlic and cheesy flavors.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, allow the dough to cold ferment overnight in the refrigerator before shaping.
- Add rosemary, sun-dried tomatoes, or olives as additional topping variations for unique tastes.
- Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Focaccia, Focaccia Bread, Italian Bread, Garlic Bread, Parmesan Cheese Bread, Homemade Focaccia, Easy Bread Recipe
