Description
This Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread recipe delivers a perfectly soft, airy, and flavorful Italian flatbread infused with minced garlic and topped with savory parmesan cheese and Italian herbs. Easy to make and baked to golden perfection, it’s ideal as a snack, appetizer, or accompaniment to your meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp Italian herbs (optional)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups warm water
- ¼ cup olive oil + extra for topping and greasing
Toppings
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water (about 100-110°F) and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, salt, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Pour in the yeast mixture and stir until a sticky dough forms that holds together.
- First Rise: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and place it in a warm spot. Allow the dough to rise for 1 to 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size, creating airiness and lightness in the bread.
- Shape the Dough: Grease a baking pan generously with olive oil. Transfer the risen dough into the pan and use your fingers to gently press and stretch it out. Create characteristic dimples across the surface by pressing your fingertips firmly into the dough, which helps hold toppings and prevent bubbling.
- Add Toppings: Drizzle additional olive oil evenly over the dimpled dough. Sprinkle the minced garlic, grated parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs evenly to blanket the bread with rich flavor layers.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Bake the focaccia in the prepared pan for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the edges become crispy.
- Cool & Serve: Remove the focaccia from the oven and let it cool slightly in the pan. Slice into pieces and serve warm for the best taste experience.
Notes
- For extra depth of flavor, let the dough cold ferment overnight in the fridge before shaping.
- Customize your focaccia by adding rosemary, sun-dried tomatoes, or olives to the 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, savory bread, homemade focaccia, easy focaccia recipe, garlic bread
