Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Recipe

Introduction

Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread is a flavorful and easy-to-make Italian classic that works perfectly as a snack, side, or appetizer. With its crispy crust and soft, airy interior infused with garlic, rosemary, and Parmesan, this bread will quickly become a favorite at your table.

Ingredients

• 2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1/4 cup olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• 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

1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
2. Step 2: Add the flour, salt, and 1/4 cup olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a sticky dough forms.
3. Step 3: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for about 5 minutes.
4. Step 4: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. Step 5: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Grease a 13×18-inch baking sheet with olive oil.
6. Step 6: Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to the prepared baking sheet. Stretch and press it out evenly to fit the pan.
7. Step 7: Use your fingers to create dimples all over the dough surface. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, rosemary, and coarse sea salt.
8. Step 8: Let the dough rest for an additional 20 to 30 minutes while the oven finishes preheating.
9. Step 9: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the focaccia is golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add sun-dried tomatoes or olives along with the garlic and rosemary before baking.
• If you prefer a softer crust, cover the focaccia with foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.
• Use fresh rosemary if possible for a more vibrant taste, but dried rosemary works well too.
• Brush the finished bread with a little more olive oil right after baking for a glossy, flavorful finish.

Storage

Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep it longer, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in a warm oven for 5 to 10 minutes to restore freshness and crispiness.

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. The focaccia might be slightly denser but still delicious.

How can I tell if my yeast is still active?

When mixed with warm water and sugar, the yeast should become frothy within 5 to 10 minutes. If there’s no foam, your yeast may be expired or inactive, and it’s best to use a new packet.

Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Recipe

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This Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread recipe is an easy and flavorful homemade bread with a crispy golden crust, infused with fragrant garlic, freshly grated Parmesan, and aromatic rosemary. Perfect as a savory snack or accompaniment to meals, this focaccia is soft on the inside and packed with comforting Italian flavors.

• Author: Lily
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough Ingredients

• 2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1/4 cup olive oil, plus more for drizzling and greasing

Topping Ingredients

• 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

1. Activate Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and sugar. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
2. Make the Dough: Add the all-purpose flour, salt, and 1/4 cup olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix together until a sticky dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook and knead for about 5 minutes.
4. First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 2 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size.
5. Prepare to Bake: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a 13×18-inch baking sheet with olive oil.
6. Shape the Dough: Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to the prepared baking sheet. Stretch and press the dough out to fit the pan evenly.
7. Create Dimples and Add Toppings: Use your fingers to create deep dimples all over the dough’s surface. Drizzle olive oil generously over it, then sprinkle minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped rosemary, and coarse sea salt evenly on top.
8. Second Rise: Allow the dough to rest and rise again for 20 to 30 minutes while the oven finishes preheating.
9. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the focaccia is golden brown and crisp on the edges.
10. Cool and Serve: Remove the focaccia from the oven and let it cool slightly before cutting into slices and serving warm or at room temperature.

Notes

• Use fresh active dry yeast and ensure the water is about 110°F to properly activate the yeast.
• You can substitute dried rosemary if fresh is not available, but reduce amount to 1 teaspoon.
• Feel free to customize toppings with olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or additional herbs for variety.
• If the dough is too sticky during kneading, sprinkle with a little more flour but avoid adding too much to keep bread tender.
• Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.

Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Focaccia, homemade focaccia recipe, Italian bread, easy focaccia, garlic bread, rosemary focaccia, Parmesan cheese bread