Perfect Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Recipe
This classic Focaccia Bread recipe yields a soft, airy, and flavorful Italian flatbread. Infused with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and fresh rosemary, and finished with a drizzle of olive oil and coarse sea salt, this versatile bread is perfect as a snack, side, or base for sandwiches.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 40 minutes (including rising times)
- Yield: One 13x18-inch focaccia bread, approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 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
- Extra 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 that the yeast is active.
- Make the dough: Add the all-purpose flour, salt, and 1/4 cup olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until you form a sticky dough.
- Knead the dough: On a floured surface, knead the dough for about 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 the dough has doubled in size.
- Prepare for baking: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a 13×18-inch baking sheet generously with olive oil.
- Shape the dough: Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to the prepared baking sheet. Stretch and press the dough to fit the pan evenly.
- Create dimples and add toppings: Use your fingers to create dimples across the entire surface of the dough. Drizzle with olive oil, then evenly sprinkle on the minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped rosemary, and coarse sea salt.
- Second rise: Let the dough rest for an additional 20-30 minutes at room temperature while the oven preheats, allowing it to puff slightly.
- Bake: Bake the focaccia in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until it turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- For extra flavor, try adding olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or caramelized onions as additional toppings.
- The dough can be prepared ahead and refrigerated overnight for enhanced flavor development. Bring it back to room temperature before proceeding.
- Use fresh rosemary if possible, but dried rosemary works well in a pinch.
- To keep the focaccia soft, store it in an airtight container or wrapped in foil.
- Adjust garlic amount to taste; roasting garlic before adding can give a milder flavor.
Keywords: focaccia, focaccia bread, Italian bread, garlic focaccia, rosemary focaccia, homemade bread, easy focaccia
