Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread

Introduction

Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread is a fragrant, tender Italian classic that’s perfect for snacking or serving alongside your favorite meals. This homemade version features a golden crust, flavorful garlic, and savory Parmesan, making it irresistible and easy to prepare.

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
• ¼ cup olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ 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 it becomes frothy.
2. Step 2: Add the flour, salt, and ¼ cup olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
3. Step 3: Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 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 it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. Step 5: Preheat your oven to 425°F and 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 to fit the pan.
7. Step 7: Use your fingers to create dimples all over the surface of the dough. 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 20-30 minutes while the oven preheats.
9. Step 9: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a softer crust, brush the focaccia with a little more olive oil right after baking.
• Try adding other fresh herbs like thyme or oregano for different flavor profiles.
• To make a cheesy focaccia, sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top along with the Parmesan before baking.
• If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, roast the garlic beforehand and spread it over the dough.

Storage

Store focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze sliced focaccia wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to restore its crispiness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast, but you may need to adjust the rising time slightly. Instant yeast also doesn’t require proofing in water.

How can I make the focaccia dough ahead of time?

You can prepare the dough and let it rise once, then refrigerate it overnight. Before baking, shape it onto the baking sheet and let it come to room temperature and rise a bit more before adding toppings and baking.

Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread

Print Recipe

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This Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread is a classic Italian flatbread featuring a golden, crispy crust infused with fragrant minced garlic, fresh rosemary, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Perfect as a side or snack, it combines a soft, airy interior with savory toppings for a delightful savory treat.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: 1 focaccia bread (serves 8) 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough

• 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

Topping

• 1/4 cup olive oil (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. Activate Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
2. Prepare Dough: To the yeast mixture, add the all-purpose flour, salt, and 1/4 cup olive oil. Mix together until a sticky dough forms, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
3. Knead Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead by hand for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook to knead the dough for 5 minutes.
4. First Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 2 hours, or until its size has doubled.
5. Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Grease a 13×18-inch baking sheet with olive oil to prevent sticking and to help form a crispy crust.
6. Shape Dough: Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to the prepared baking sheet. Stretch and press the dough out to fill the entire pan evenly.
7. Create Dimples & Add Toppings: Using your fingers, create dimples all over the surface of the dough to hold the toppings. Drizzle olive oil evenly on top, then sprinkle minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped rosemary, and coarse sea salt.
8. Second Rise: Allow the dough to rest for an additional 20 to 30 minutes at room temperature while the oven preheats, to develop a light texture.
9. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the focaccia for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and fragrant.
10. Cool and Serve: Remove the focaccia from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

• Use fresh rosemary if possible for the best flavor; dried rosemary works as a substitute.
• Ensure the water is not too hot when activating yeast, as this can kill the yeast.
• The dimples created before baking help hold the toppings and create the characteristic focaccia texture.
• Olive oil drizzling improves crust crispiness and adds richness to the bread.
• For variations, you can add other toppings such as cherry tomatoes, olives, or caramelized onions.

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