The Best Garlic Parmesan Focaccia You’ll Ever Bake Recipe
This Garlic Parmesan Focaccia is a wonderfully soft and flavorful Italian bread, infused with minced garlic, fragrant herbs, and topped with grated Parmesan cheese. Perfect as a snack, side dish, or accompaniment to any meal, this recipe yields a golden, crispy crust with a fluffy interior that’s sure to impress both novice and seasoned bakers alike.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 3 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for brushing
Flavorings & Toppings
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh herbs (rosemary or thyme, optional)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: Combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast in a large bowl. Let this mixture sit undisturbed for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active and ready to use.
- Make Dough: Add the all-purpose flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix well, then knead the dough by hand or with a stand mixer for 5–7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough into an oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 45 minutes or until it doubles in size.
- Shape & Top: Transfer the risen dough to a greased baking pan. Gently press the dough out evenly to cover the pan, then use your fingertips to create dimples all over the surface. Drizzle additional olive oil on top, then evenly sprinkle the minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs if using.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the focaccia in the oven for 20–25 minutes or until it turns golden brown and the crust is crisp on top.
- Serve: Once baked, brush the surface lightly with olive oil to add shine and extra flavor. Serve the focaccia warm for the best texture and taste.
Notes
- For extra garlic flavor, try mixing the minced garlic directly into the dough before the first rise.
- Using high-quality olive oil will significantly enhance the overall taste and aroma of the focaccia.
- Allow the focaccia to cool slightly before slicing to maintain a soft and fluffy interior.
Keywords: Comfort Food, easy baking, focaccia, garlic bread, Homemade Bread, Italian recipes, Parmesan, quick bread recipe, savory bread
