Description
Discover the rich, aromatic delights of Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread with this easy bake recipe. This golden, fluffy bread is infused with garlic olive oil and topped with savory Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, making it a perfect appetizer or side for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 4 cups All-Purpose Flour (Substitute with bread flour for a chewier texture)
- 2 teaspoons Salt (Enhances flavor and regulates yeast activity)
- 2 teaspoons Instant Yeast (Active dry yeast can work if proofed beforehand)
- 1/4 cup Olive Oil (Extra virgin is best for a burst of flavor)
- 1.5 cups Warm Water (Ensure the temperature is around 110°F)
Garlic Oil and Toppings
- 4 cloves Minced Garlic (Garlic powder can be substituted)
- 1 teaspoon Flaky Sea Salt (Kosher salt is a fine alternative)
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (Nutritional yeast for a vegan option)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Herbs (Rosemary or thyme, optional)
- 2 tablespoons Additional Olive Oil for Greasing (Ensures easy removal from the pan)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley or Herbs (optional, brightens the dish for presentation)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour, salt, and instant yeast. Add olive oil and warm water, then stir until a sticky dough forms. Cover the bowl and allow the dough to rise for 1 to 2 hours until it doubles in size.
- Shape the Dough: Generously grease a 9×13-inch pan with olive oil. Once the dough has risen, gently stretch it into the pan to evenly cover the bottom. Cover again and let it rest for an additional 30 minutes to rise further.
- Make Garlic Oil: Warm olive oil in a small saucepan over low heat. Add minced garlic and a pinch of salt, cooking gently until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside to infuse.
- Add Toppings: Using your fingers, press deep dimples all over the dough surface. Drizzle the garlic-infused olive oil evenly over the dough, then sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, and flaky sea salt for an aromatic finish.
- Bake the Focaccia: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the pan in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the focaccia is beautifully golden brown on top.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the focaccia cool for about 10 minutes. Cut into squares or strips and serve warm as a delightful appetizer or side dish.
Notes
- You can substitute bread flour for all-purpose flour to achieve a chewier texture.
- If you don’t have instant yeast, active dry yeast can be used but must be proofed in warm water before mixing.
- Garlic powder is an alternative if fresh minced garlic is unavailable.
- Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme enhance the flavor but are optional.
- Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a vegan-friendly version.
- Ensure water temperature for dough is around 110°F to activate yeast properly.
- Letting the dough rest in the pan before baking improves texture and rise.
- Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Focaccia, Italian Bread, Easy Bread Recipe, Homemade Focaccia, Garlic Bread, Parmesan Cheese Bread, Appetizer Bread
