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Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread

4.9 from 99 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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