Description
This Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread recipe brings the classic Italian flatbread to your kitchen with a flavorful twist of garlic and parmesan cheese. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, topped with aromatic herbs and olive oil, this focaccia is perfect as an appetizer, side, or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ¼ cups warm water
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for greasing and topping)
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 with the active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating that the yeast is active and ready to use.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Pour in the yeast mixture and stir everything together until a sticky dough forms.
- First Rise: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and leave the dough to rise in a warm place for 1 to 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size, which ensures a light and airy bread texture.
- Shape the Dough: Grease a baking pan generously with olive oil. Transfer the risen dough onto the pan and use your fingers to press and create characteristic dimples all over the surface of the dough.
- Add Toppings: Drizzle additional olive oil over the top of the dough. Evenly sprinkle the minced garlic, grated parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs (if using) over the surface to infuse the bread with rich flavor.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Place the baking pan in the oven and bake the focaccia for 20 to 25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Cool & Serve: Once baked, let the focaccia cool slightly to set before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy its savory, garlicky goodness.
Notes
- For extra depth of flavor, allow the dough to cold ferment overnight in the refrigerator.
- Variations such as adding rosemary, sun-dried tomatoes, or olives make excellent complementary toppings.
- 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, Italian bread, homemade focaccia, garlic bread, Parmesan cheese bread, easy focaccia recipe, savory bread
