Description
This Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread recipe delivers a wonderfully fluffy and flavorful Italian-style bread, infused with fresh garlic, fragrant rosemary, and topped with savory Parmesan cheese. Perfect as a side dish or appetizer, this homemade focaccia features a golden crust and tender interior, with a delightful olive oil drizzle and coarse sea salt to elevate every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Yeast Mixture
- 2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Dough
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1/4 cup olive oil plus more for drizzling and greasing
Toppings
- 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 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 of olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix until a sticky dough forms, combining all the ingredients thoroughly.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 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 it doubles in size.
- Prepare the pan and shape dough: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a 13×18-inch baking sheet generously with olive oil. Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to the baking sheet, stretching and pressing it out evenly to fit the pan.
- Create dimples and add toppings: Use your fingers to make dimples all over the surface of the dough. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped rosemary, and coarse sea salt evenly across the top.
- Second rise: Let the dough rest for an additional 20-30 minutes while the oven preheats, allowing it to puff up slightly.
- Bake the focaccia: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bread turns golden brown on top with a crisp crust.
- Cool and serve: Remove the focaccia from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Warm water temperature should be around 110°F to properly activate yeast without killing it.
- For a softer crust, cover the focaccia with a clean kitchen towel while it cools.
- You can substitute fresh rosemary with dried, but fresh is recommended for optimal flavor.
- Optional: Add olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or caramelized onions as additional toppings.
- Store leftovers wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Focaccia, Italian bread, homemade focaccia, garlic bread, Parmesan cheese bread, rosemary focaccia
