Name: Easy Garlic Butter Focaccia Recipe
Prep time: 22 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 7 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 2 cups warm water; 2 tsp active dry yeast; 2 tbsp honey or granulated sugar; 1 tsp salt; 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (plus more for greasing pan); 1/2 cup salted butter; 4 garlic cloves, minced or grated; 1/2 cup chopped parsley; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 6 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (for drizzling and pan)

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Introduction

Easy Garlic Butter Focaccia is a wonderfully aromatic and fluffy Italian bread perfect for any meal or snack. Infused with garlic-herb butter and topped with Parmesan, it offers a deliciously rich flavor and crisp golden crust that’s sure to impress.

A close-up of golden brown garlic bread with a crispy, bubbly crust showing many small baked garlic and herb pieces on the surface; the bread is cut into fluffy soft sections with melted butter and finely chopped green herbs spread evenly over the top, and the texture looks slightly oily and richly spiced. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups warm water
2 tsp active dry yeast
2 tbsp honey or granulated sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (plus more for greasing pan)
1/2 cup salted butter
4 garlic cloves, minced or grated
1/2 cup chopped parsley
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
6 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (for drizzling and pan)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups warm water with honey or sugar and stir until dissolved. Sprinkle in the active dry yeast, stir gently, and let it sit for about 10 minutes until foamy and doubled in size.
Step 2: In another large bowl, mix the flour and salt evenly. Pour the yeast mixture into the flour, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and mix until a sticky dough forms. Cover and set in a warm spot to rise until doubled, about 1 to 3 hours.
Step 3: Near the end of the first rise, melt the butter over low heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped parsley, simmer gently to infuse flavor without burning the garlic, then remove from heat.
Step 4: Once the dough has risen, remove the cover and, with oiled hands, scrape down the sides. Pour the slightly cooled garlic butter over the dough. Using a ‘pick-up, fold-in’ method, fold the dough 8 times by pivoting the bowl. Cover and rest the dough for 15 minutes for a second short rise.
Step 5: Generously grease a 9×13 inch pan with olive oil. Pour 4 to 6 tablespoons olive oil into the pan to coat the bottom. Transfer the dough, gently stretching it to fit the pan without tearing. Cover and let it rise for 45 minutes for the final proof.
Step 6: After the last rise, sprinkle grated Parmesan over the dough and drizzle with another 4 to 6 tablespoons of olive oil. Using oiled fingers, dimple the dough by pressing fingertips into the surface. Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C) and bake for 18 to 22 minutes until golden and crisp.
Step 7: Remove from oven and let cool 10 to 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy your fluffy, flavorful focaccia!

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add rosemary or thyme to the garlic-herb butter.
Use bread flour instead of all-purpose for a chewier texture.
Try topping with caramelized onions or sun-dried tomatoes for variety.
Make smaller focaccia rounds for individual servings.

Storage

Store cooled focaccia wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze wrapped focaccia for up to 1 month and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Reheat gently to preserve the crisp crust.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of golden brown, crispy bread pieces topped with melted cheese and sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs, likely parsley. The bread surface is bubbly and uneven with some richly browned spots indicating toasty areas. The glossy texture shows some oil or butter pooling in the crevices between the soft cheese-covered bread pieces, which are tightly packed together to form one thick, fluffy layer. The colors range from light yellow cheese to dark golden crispy edges with bright green herb specks scattered across. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, you can use active dry yeast by dissolving it in warm water with sugar before mixing into the flour, as described in this recipe. Instant yeast can be added directly to the flour, but active dry yeast requires proofing first.

How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

The dough should roughly double in size and feel lighter and airy when pressed gently with a finger. If the indentation remains, the dough is ready for the next step. Temperature and humidity affect rising times, so patience is key.