Print

Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Recipe

Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Recipe

5.1 from 28 reviews

Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread is a flavorful Italian flatbread, crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, topped with aromatic garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, fresh rosemary, and a sprinkle of coarse sea salt. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, this homemade focaccia bread is simple to prepare and bakes to golden perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons instant yeast
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
  • ¼ cup olive oil (plus extra for drizzling and brushing)

Toppings

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped (optional)
  • Coarse sea salt for topping

Instructions

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Stir well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
  2. Form the Dough: Gradually add the warm water and ¼ cup olive oil to the dry ingredients. Mix with a wooden spoon or your hands until a sticky dough forms.
  3. First Rise: Cover the bowl with a damp kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until the dough doubles in size.
  4. Prepare for Baking: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release trapped air, then transfer it to a well-oiled 9×13 inch baking sheet.
  5. Shape the Dough: Use your fingertips to gently stretch and press the dough evenly into the baking sheet, creating dimples all over the surface.
  6. Prepare Garlic Oil: In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Brush this mixture generously over the dough’s surface to infuse flavor.
  7. Add Toppings: Evenly sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the dough, and, if desired, scatter chopped fresh rosemary on top for added aroma and taste.
  8. Second Rise: Cover the dough again with a towel and allow it to rise for another 20-30 minutes to enhance fluffiness.
  9. Preheat Oven: Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready to bake the focaccia after its final rise.
  10. Add Final Touches: Just before baking, sprinkle coarse sea salt over the dough to add texture and burst of flavor.
  11. Bake: Place the focaccia in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and hollow sounding when tapped on the bottom.
  12. Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the bread cool slightly. Drizzle with extra olive oil if desired, slice into pieces, and serve warm for the best taste.

Notes

  • Use warm water (not too hot) to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
  • Dimples on the dough help trap the garlic oil and toppings for enhanced flavor.
  • Fresh rosemary is optional but adds a wonderful herbal aroma to the focaccia.
  • Allow enough rising time for light, fluffy texture.
  • This focaccia can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
  • For a crispier crust, bake on a preheated baking stone or tray.

Nutrition

Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Focaccia, Italian bread, Garlic bread, Focaccia recipe, Homemade bread, Parmesan focaccia, Rosemary focaccia, Appetizer, Snack