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Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Recipe

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3.9 from 15 reviews

Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread is a delicious Italian flatbread that features a crisp exterior with a soft and chewy interior, infused with the rich flavors of garlic and Parmesan cheese. This easy-to-make bread is perfect for sandwiches, dipping into soups, or accompanying your favorite pasta dishes.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 pieces

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 3 cups unbleached all purpose flour
  • 2¼ teaspoons dry active yeast (1 package)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 teaspoons salt, plus more for topping
  • 1 tablespoon dry minced garlic

Wet Ingredients

  • 1½ cups warm water
  • ¼ cup olive oil, plus more for topping

Toppings

  • ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, dry active yeast, sugar, salt, and dry minced garlic. Mix the dry ingredients thoroughly to distribute all components evenly.
  2. Add Liquids and Mix: Stir in the warm water and ¼ cup of olive oil until a cohesive dough forms. Ensure all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
  3. Let Dough Rise: Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and place it in a warm area. Allow the dough to rise for 30-45 minutes, or until it has doubled in size, indicating proper fermentation.
  4. Shape the Dough: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil. Transfer the risen dough onto the dish and gently spread it to fit the pan edges. Use your fingertips to dimple the dough surface evenly, creating characteristic indentations.
  5. Add Toppings and Second Rise: Drizzle about a tablespoon of additional olive oil over the dough. Sprinkle the shredded Parmesan cheese, dried parsley, and extra salt evenly on top. Cover the dish again and place it in a warm location for another brief rise.
  6. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.
  7. Bake the Bread: Once the oven is fully preheated, remove the cover from the dough and bake the focaccia for 30 minutes. The bread should develop a golden-brown crust and be cooked through.
  8. Cool and Serve: After baking, let the focaccia rest and cool in the baking dish for about 10 minutes. This resting period helps the bread set before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Warm water should be comfortably warm, around 105-110°F, to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
  • Use a good quality olive oil for the best flavor, both in the dough and for drizzling on top.
  • To enhance the garlic flavor, consider using fresh crushed garlic mixed with the olive oil drizzle if desired.
  • Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature and consume within 2 days for optimal freshness.
  • Optional: Add rosemary or other herbs along with parsley for added aroma and taste.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 1 hour
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian