Description
Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread is a savory and easy-to-make Italian flatbread that features a crispy golden crust, soft and airy interior, topped with fragrant garlic-infused olive oil, grated Parmesan cheese, and optional fresh herbs. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or accompaniment to meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for dough)
- 1 ¾ cups warm water (about 110°F)
Topping Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (for topping and garlic oil)
- 3 cloves garlic (finely minced)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Flaky sea salt for sprinkling
- Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme (optional)
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and instant yeast thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients for a consistent dough.
- Form the Dough: Stir in 2 tablespoons of olive oil and warm water into the dry mixture until a sticky dough forms. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow the dough to rise in a warm place for 1 to 2 hours until it doubles in size, which activates the yeast and develops flavor.
- Prepare the Baking Dish and Shape Dough: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil. Transfer the risen dough into the pan and gently stretch it to fit the edges of the dish. Let the dough rest and rise again for another 30 minutes to enhance its airy texture.
- Prepare Garlic Oil: In a small saucepan over low heat, warm 3 tablespoons of olive oil and add the finely minced garlic. Cook slowly just until fragrant, taking care not to brown the garlic to avoid bitterness. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Add Focaccia Dimples and Toppings: Using your fingers, press dimples all over the surface of the dough to create texture. Drizzle the garlic-infused olive oil evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese, flaky sea salt, and fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme if desired, distributing them evenly.
- Bake the Focaccia: Place the baking dish in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the focaccia is golden brown on top and cooked through. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For a fluffier focaccia, let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free environment.
- You can substitute fresh herbs with dried herbs if fresh ones are not available.
- Be careful not to brown the garlic when making the garlic oil to keep the flavor mellow and pleasant.
- Focaccia is best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Adjust the amount of Parmesan cheese and garlic oil based on your taste preference.
