Crispy and Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Recipe
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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
