Description
This Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread is a flavorful Italian flatbread, infused with fresh garlic, rosemary, and topped with savory Parmesan cheese. Perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, this homemade focaccia is an easy yet impressive appetizer or side dish that pairs wonderfully with soups, salads, or as a base for sandwiches.
Ingredients
Scale
Yeast Mixture
- 2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Dough
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1/4 cup olive oil, plus more for drizzling and greasing
Topping
- 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 the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and sugar. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active and ready.
- 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, combining the ingredients thoroughly.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook and knead for 5 minutes.
- Let the Dough Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and allow it to rise in a warm spot for 1 to 2 hours or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a 13×18-inch baking sheet with olive oil. Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to the baking sheet, stretching and pressing it out to evenly fit the pan.
- Add Toppings and Dimples: Use your fingers to create dimples all across the surface of the dough. Drizzle olive oil over the top, then evenly sprinkle the minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped rosemary, and coarse sea salt.
- Second Rest: Let the dough rest for an additional 20-30 minutes to rise slightly while the oven is preheating.
- Bake: Bake the focaccia for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. Remove from oven and allow it to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use warm water around 110°F to effectively activate the yeast without killing it.
- You can substitute dried rosemary if fresh is not available, but reduce the amount to 1 teaspoon.
- For a richer flavor, drizzle a little extra olive oil after baking before serving.
- This focaccia is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat before serving.
- Customize toppings by adding olives, cherry tomatoes, or caramelized onions for variations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 1/12th of the bread)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 1.5 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Focaccia, Italian Bread, Homemade Focaccia, Garlic Bread, Rosemary Focaccia, Parmesan Cheese Bread
