Crispy and Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread You’ll Love Recipe
This Crispy and Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread is a deliciously golden and aromatic Italian flatbread featuring a crunchy crust, soft interior, and a flavorful topping of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or snack, this recipe delights with its fragrant garlic and cheesy goodness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1¾ cups warm water (approximately 110°F or 43°C)
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- ¼ cup olive oil
For the Toppings
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme (not included in original recipe)
- Additional olive oil (for the baking pan and drizzling)
Instructions
- Proof the Yeast: In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast on top and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Dough: Add the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and ¼ cup olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix thoroughly until a sticky dough forms. Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 1½ hours until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare Toppings: Meanwhile, mince the garlic cloves and grate the Parmesan cheese finely. Once the dough has risen, pour a generous amount of olive oil into a baking pan and transfer the dough into it.
- Dimple Dough: Using your fingertips, press down into the dough to create dimples across the surface. Sprinkle the minced garlic, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and optional chopped herbs evenly on top of the dough.
- Final Rise & Bake: Allow the dough to rise again for 20 to 30 minutes while preheating the oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the focaccia bread in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the crust turns a beautiful golden brown and becomes crispy. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Using warm water is crucial for activating the yeast properly; water that is too hot can kill the yeast.
- You can add fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme for additional flavor.
- For a more intense garlic flavor, consider mixing some minced garlic into the dough as well.
- Ensure not to overbake to keep the interior soft while the crust stays crispy.
- This focaccia is best served warm but can be reheated in an oven for a few minutes to regain crispness.
Keywords: focaccia, garlic bread, parmesan, cheesy bread, Italian bread, homemade bread, easy bread recipe
