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Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Recipe

4.7 from 109 reviews

This Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread is a deliciously fragrant and soft Italian flatbread, infused with fresh garlic, grated parmesan cheese, and optional rosemary. Perfect as a flavorful side or a snack, this recipe features a yeasted dough that is easy to prepare and baked to golden perfection in the oven.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
  • 1 1/4 cups warm water
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar

Topping Ingredients

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary (optional)

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm water. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the water and let it stand until foamy, about 5 minutes, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Form Dough: Add the flour, salt, and 1/4 cup olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms, then knead the dough on a floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  3. First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in an oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
  4. Prepare for Baking: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a greased baking sheet. Use your hands to press the dough out into a 9 by 13-inch rectangle.
  5. Add Toppings and Dimples: Drizzle olive oil generously over the dough. Evenly sprinkle the minced garlic, grated parmesan cheese, and fresh rosemary (if using) on top. Create characteristic dimples in the dough by pressing your fingers firmly into the surface.
  6. Bake: Bake the focaccia in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until the bread is a beautiful golden brown. Remove from oven and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • For a more aromatic bread, allow the dough to rise longer, up to 2 hours.
  • Rosemary is optional but adds wonderful flavor; feel free to substitute with other herbs like thyme or oregano.
  • To enhance the garlic flavor, lightly sauté the minced garlic in olive oil before drizzling over the dough.
  • Use room temperature ingredients to encourage better yeast activation.
  • Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.

Keywords: garlic parmesan focaccia, focaccia bread recipe, Italian bread, garlic bread, homemade focaccia, easy bread recipe, rosemary focaccia