Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Recipe
This Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread is a flavorful, golden-brown Italian flatbread topped with aromatic garlic and savory Parmesan cheese. Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or for sandwich making, its airy texture and crispy crust make it a delightful treat to enjoy any time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 ¼ cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
Toppings
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the yeast mixture: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Mix until a sticky dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough inside, and cover with a damp kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the dough: Transfer the risen dough onto a well-oiled baking sheet or pan. Press and stretch the dough out gently with your fingers to form a rectangular or round shape about ½ inch thick. Let it rest for another 20 minutes.
- Add garlic topping: In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Using your fingers, create dimples all over the surface of the dough and brush the garlic-infused olive oil evenly over the top.
- Add Parmesan cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese generously and evenly over the top of the dough.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the focaccia on the middle rack for 18-22 minutes or until the bread turns a golden brown color and the cheese is melted and slightly crispy.
- Cool and serve: Remove from oven, let the focaccia cool on a wire rack for a few minutes, then slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sprinkle with fresh rosemary or other herbs before baking.
- You can substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or a blend of Italian cheeses for a different taste.
- Use room temperature water to activate yeast properly but avoid water that is too hot as it can kill the yeast.
- Storage tip: Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze portions for longer storage.
Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Focaccia, focaccia bread recipe, Italian bread, garlic bread, Parmesan cheese bread
