Name: Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast; 1½ teaspoons salt; 1½ cups warm water (about 110°F); 1 tablespoon sugar; ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more for greasing; 3–4 cloves garlic, minced; ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or chopped rosemary (optional); Flaky sea salt, for topping

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Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread

Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread is an irresistible treat that delivers a delightful blend of flavors and textures. This warm, soft bread, sprinkled with fragrant garlic and rich Parmesan cheese, invites you to indulge in its buttery, golden crust. Perfect for sharing as an appetizer or serving alongside your favorite soup or salad, this bread is more than just a side; it’s an experience. Whether you’re looking for an easy family-friendly baking project or want to impress guests with your culinary skills, this step-by-step recipe will guide you through the process and ensure your focaccia turns out perfectly every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The beauty of Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread lies in its simplicity. Made with minimal ingredients, it delights bread enthusiasts and novice bakers alike. The prep is quick, and with no complicated techniques, you can have this fragrant bread rising in no time. It’s an excellent choice for family gatherings, holiday dinners, or everyday meals. The smell of freshly baked focaccia wafting through your home is a sentimental aroma that connects families. Plus, who can resist the combination of fresh garlic and savory cheese? Your loved ones will be begging for seconds!

Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful bread. Here’s what you’ll need, each component bringing its unique flair to the final product:

4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your focaccia, providing a light and airy structure.
2¼ teaspoons instant yeast: A convenient way to get that perfect rise.
1½ teaspoons salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness in the dough.
1½ cups warm water (about 110°F): Crucially helps to activate the yeast.
1 tablespoon sugar: A touch of sweetness that boosts yeast activity.
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more for greasing: Adds richness and flavor, ensuring a beautiful crust.
3–4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the bread with aromatic goodness.
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Delivers a burst of umami and creaminess.
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or chopped rosemary (optional): For those who desire an herbaceous twist.
Flaky sea salt, for topping: To elevate your focaccia with a delightful crunch.

Step-by-Step Directions for Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread

Creating Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread is a delightful journey from mixing to baking. Follow these simple steps for extraordinary results:

In a large bowl, combine flour, instant yeast, and salt. Whisk them together until evenly mixed.
Add warm water, sugar, and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir them together until a lumpy dough forms. Don’t stress about smoothness just yet.
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for 8-10 minutes. Your goal is a smooth and elastic texture that feels wonderful to the touch.
Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm area until it has doubled in size—this will take about 1 to 1.5 hours.
Once the dough has risen, carefully press it into a greased pan, creating dimples with your fingers to hold toppings.
Sprinkle the surface with minced garlic, grated Parmesan, optional herbs, and generously finish with flaky sea salt. Allow the focaccia to rest for 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake your focaccia for 20-25 minutes or until it turns golden brown and gives off a fragrant aroma.
Once out of the oven, allow it to cool for a few moments, then cut into squares and serve warm, letting the flavors shine.

Tips & Tricks

Mastering focaccia is easier with a few insider secrets. First, make sure your water is warm but not too hot; it should feel comfortable to the touch. This ensures the yeast activates properly without killing it. If you want to experiment with flavors, consider adding toppings like sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or even spinach before baking. For an extra touch of indulgence, brush the focaccia with more olive oil after baking to enhance its richness. Additionally, letting it rest after baking will allow the flavors to meld beautifully, making each bite a savory delight.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread is versatile and pairs beautifully with various dishes. Serve it alongside a rich tomato soup for a comforting meal or offer slices with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping. It’s also fantastic for sandwiches, providing a flavorful base for an Italian sub filled with cold cuts and fresh veggies. For an elegant touch, present it as an appetizer with a charcuterie board, complementing cheeses, meats, and a selection of olives or pickles. Additionally, it can be an excellent accompaniment to grilled meats or salads, rounding out any dining experience.

Nutritional Information

With each bite of Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread, you not only enjoy a delightful flavor but a bread that can be part of a balanced meal. While exact nutritional values can vary, a standard 1-piece serving (about 100g) typically contains approximately:

Calories: 280
Total Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 44g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 1g
Protein: 8g

Enjoy this delicious bread in moderation as part of a healthy diet.

Storing Tips & Variations for Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread

To keep your Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, you can wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm slices in the oven or toaster until heated through. Consider making healthier swaps like using whole-wheat flour for a more wholesome version. You can also experiment with different cheeses, such as mozzarella or cheddar, or add walnuts or olives for a delightful twist.

Conclusion for Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread

Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread is a winning recipe that will impress your family and friends while being easy enough for any novice baker to master. With its rich flavors and delightful texture, it’s truly irresistible. So why wait? Gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a homemade loaf that’s sure to become a favorite.

FAQs

1. Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes! You can substitute active dry yeast. Just dissolve it in the warm water with sugar first, and let it sit for about 10 minutes until frothy before mixing it with the flour.

2. How can I make the focaccia more flavorful?
Adding herbs directly into the dough, such as oregano or thyme, can enhance the flavor profile. You can also drizzle olive oil on top before baking for extra richness.

3. Can I add other toppings to the focaccia?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with toppings like caramelized onions, different cheeses, or even sliced cherry tomatoes. Just be mindful of treating delicate toppings during baking.

4. Is Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread suitable for freezing?
Yes! You can freeze it. Wrap pieces in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, just reheat in the oven.

5. How long does it take to rise the dough?
It typically takes 1 to 1.5 hours for the dough to rise until it doubles in size, but it may vary based on your kitchen’s temperature. Be patient and allow it to rise fully for the best results!