Description
This Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread recipe offers a flavorful and aromatic Italian classic that’s easy to make at home. Soft and airy with a golden crust, it’s infused with minced garlic, fragrant rosemary, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or alongside your favorite meal, this focaccia brings homemade bread baking to a new level of deliciousness.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough
- 2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1/4 cup olive oil
Toppings
- 1/4 cup olive oil (for drizzling)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and sugar. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix the dough: Add the all-purpose flour, salt, and 1/4 cup olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a sticky dough forms, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook and knead for about 5 minutes.
- First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a 13×18-inch baking sheet with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Shape the dough: Punch down the risen dough to release air. Transfer it to the prepared baking sheet and stretch or press it out evenly to fit the pan.
- Create dimples and add toppings: Use your fingers to create dimples all over the surface of the dough. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped rosemary, and coarse sea salt evenly over the top.
- Second rise: Let the prepared dough rest for an additional 20-30 minutes to puff slightly while the oven preheats.
- Bake: Bake the focaccia in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until it is golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and serve: Allow the focaccia to cool slightly on a wire rack before slicing and serving warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the garlic and olive oil mixture before drizzling it over the dough.
- Experiment with toppings such as sliced olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or fresh herbs to customize your focaccia.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Focaccia, focaccia bread, homemade bread, Italian bread, garlic bread, rosemary focaccia, Parmesan focaccia
