Crispy and Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Recipe

Introduction

Crispy and cheesy garlic Parmesan focaccia bread is a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. This recipe combines a tender, airy dough with a flavorful garlic and Parmesan topping, baked to golden perfection. It’s a fantastic addition to meals or enjoyed on its own as a savory snack.

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1¾ cups warm water
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Step 2: Add flour, kosher salt, and olive oil to the bowl; mix until a sticky dough forms. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1½ hours.
3. Step 3: Mince the garlic and grate the Parmesan cheese. Once the dough has risen, pour olive oil into a baking pan and transfer the dough into it.
4. Step 4: Use your fingertips to create dimples all over the dough. Sprinkle minced garlic and grated Parmesan evenly on top. Optionally, add herbs like rosemary for extra flavor.
5. Step 5: Let the dough rise for another 20–30 minutes while preheating the oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the focaccia for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

Tips & Variations

• For an herbaceous touch, add fresh rosemary or thyme to the topping before baking.
• Replace Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
• Brush extra olive oil on the crust after baking for added crispness and shine.
• Use a stand mixer to knead the dough if you want to save time and effort.

Storage

Store focaccia bread in an airtight container or wrapped in foil at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze it tightly wrapped for up to 1 month. To reheat, warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–10 minutes to regain crispness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can use instant yeast. It doesn’t require proofing, so you can mix it directly with the flour and other dry ingredients, but reduce the rising time slightly as it acts faster.

How do I make focaccia softer instead of crispy?

To achieve a softer focaccia, add a bit more olive oil to the dough and reduce baking time slightly. Also, covering the focaccia with foil partway through baking will help retain moisture.

Crispy and Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 126 reviews

This Crispy and Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread recipe yields a perfectly golden, airy, and flavorful Italian-style bread. Infused with fragrant garlic and topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, this focaccia is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making it a delightful accompaniment to any meal or a tasty snack on its own.

• Author: Naya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

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Dough Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1¾ cups warm water
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• ¼ cup olive oil

Toppings

• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Proof the Yeast: In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water and sugar to create an ideal environment for the yeast. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the surface and let it sit undisturbed for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating that the yeast is active and ready to use.
2. Mix Dough: Add the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and olive oil to the bowl with the foamy yeast mixture. Stir and knead the ingredients together until they form a sticky dough. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and place it in a warm spot to allow the dough to rise for 1 to 1½ hours, until it doubles in size.
3. Prepare Toppings: While the dough is rising, mince the garlic cloves finely and freshly grate the Parmesan cheese. This will ensure the toppings are ready once the dough has risen. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) in preparation for baking.
4. Shape and Dimple Dough: Pour olive oil into a baking pan, then transfer the risen dough into it. Use your fingertips to press and create dimples across the surface of the dough. This step encourages flavor absorption and an attractive texture. Evenly sprinkle the minced garlic and grated Parmesan cheese on top, along with any optional herbs if desired.
5. Final Rise and Bake: Let the dough rise once more in the pan for an additional 20 to 30 minutes while the oven heats. Bake the focaccia in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until it achieves a beautiful golden brown color, with a crispy crust and tender interior. Remove from oven, let cool slightly, then slice and serve.

Notes

• For an extra herby flavor, sprinkle fresh rosemary or thyme along with the Parmesan and garlic before baking.
• You can substitute all-purpose flour with bread flour for a chewier texture.
• Letting the dough rise longer will deepen the flavor.
• Using quality olive oil enhances the bread’s flavor profile.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days; reheat in the oven for best texture.

Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Focaccia, Italian Bread, Cheesy Bread, Garlic Bread, Focaccia Recipe