Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread: The Ultimate Recipe and Baking Guide

Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread: Prepare to be transported to a sun-drenched Italian bakery with every single bite! Imagine sinking your teeth into a cloud-like bread, its surface glistening with golden olive oil, studded with fragrant garlic, and generously blanketed in salty, nutty Parmesan cheese. This isn’t just bread; it’s an experience.

Focaccia, with its humble origins in ancient Italy, has long been a staple, enjoyed as a simple flatbread seasoned with herbs and olive oil. Over time, regional variations emerged, each boasting unique toppings and flavors. The addition of garlic and Parmesan elevates this classic to a truly irresistible treat, a testament to the Italian love affair with simple, high-quality ingredients.

What makes Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread so universally adored? It’s the perfect combination of textures: a crisp, golden crust giving way to a soft, airy interior. The pungent garlic and savory Parmesan create a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! Enjoy it as a side to your favorite pasta dish, use it to create gourmet sandwiches, or simply savor it on its own as a delightful snack. The aroma alone is enough to make your kitchen the most inviting room in the house. So, let’s get baking and bring a little taste of Italy into your home!

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups (281g) bread flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 teaspoon (3g) instant yeast
• 1 1/2 teaspoons (8g) salt
• 1 1/4 cups (300ml) lukewarm water (about 105-115°F or 40-46°C)
• 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary (optional)
• Flaky sea salt, for topping

Preparing the Dough:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the bread flour, instant yeast, and salt. I always make sure these are well combined before adding the wet ingredients. This helps ensure even distribution of the yeast and salt.
2. Add the lukewarm water and 1/4 cup of olive oil to the dry ingredients. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to mix until a shaggy dough forms. Don’t worry if it looks a little rough at this stage; we’ll knead it into shape.
3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time. I find that bread flour absorbs liquid differently depending on the humidity, so adjust as needed.
4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel. Let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This first rise is crucial for developing the flavor and texture of the focaccia.

Infusing the Garlic Parmesan Flavor:

1. While the dough is rising, prepare the garlic Parmesan mixture. In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. If you’re using rosemary, add it to the mixture as well. The aroma of garlic and rosemary is just divine!

Shaping and Proofing the Focaccia:

1. Once the dough has doubled, gently deflate it. Turn it out onto a lightly oiled 9×13 inch baking sheet.
2. Use your fingers to gently stretch and press the dough to fill the baking sheet. Don’t worry if it doesn’t reach the edges at first; it will relax as it proofs.
3. Cover the dough with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel. Let it proof for another 30-45 minutes. This second proof allows the dough to relax and develop even more flavor.
4. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Make sure your oven is properly preheated for the best results.
5. After the second proof, use your fingers to create dimples all over the surface of the dough. These dimples are what make focaccia so unique and delicious!
6. Drizzle generously with olive oil. This is where the magic happens! The olive oil will pool in the dimples and create a crispy, flavorful crust.
7. Sprinkle the garlic Parmesan mixture evenly over the dough, pressing it gently into the dimples. Don’t be shy with the Parmesan!
8. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt. The sea salt adds a wonderful crunch and enhances the flavors of the garlic and Parmesan.

Baking the Focaccia:

1. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the focaccia is golden brown and the bottom is crisp. Keep an eye on it, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.
2. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly on the baking sheet before slicing and serving. I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but letting it cool slightly will prevent it from being too soft and doughy.

Tips and Variations:

• Use high-quality olive oil: The flavor of the olive oil will really shine through in this recipe, so use the best you can afford.
• Don’t overknead the dough: Overkneading can result in a tough focaccia. Knead just until the dough is smooth and elastic.
• Adjust the garlic and Parmesan to your liking: If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to add more!
• Add other toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Try adding sun-dried tomatoes, olives, roasted red peppers, or fresh herbs.
• Make it ahead of time: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just bring it to room temperature before shaping and proofing.
• Freezing: Focaccia freezes well. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve warm as an appetizer or side dish.
• Use it to make sandwiches or panini.
• Dip it in olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
• Enjoy it with a bowl of soup or salad.

Troubleshooting:

• Dough not rising: Make sure your yeast is fresh and your water is warm enough. Also, the temperature of your kitchen can affect the rising time.
• Focaccia too dense: Make sure you’re not overkneading the dough. Also, be sure to let it proof properly.
• Focaccia too oily: Use a good quality olive oil, but don’t overdo it. You want the focaccia to be flavorful, but not greasy.
• Focaccia burning: Keep an eye on the focaccia while it’s baking. If it starts to brown too quickly, tent it with foil.

Why This Recipe Works:

This Garlic Parmesan Focaccia recipe is a winner because it’s relatively simple to make, uses readily available ingredients, and delivers incredible flavor and texture. The combination of the soft, airy focaccia bread with the savory garlic Parmesan topping is simply irresistible. The double proofing process ensures a light and airy crumb, while the generous drizzle of olive oil creates a crispy, golden-brown crust. The flaky sea salt adds a final touch of flavor and texture that elevates this focaccia to the next level. I’ve tested this recipe countless times, tweaking it until it’s absolutely perfect. I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do!

Detailed Explanation of Key Steps:

Kneading the Dough:

Kneading is a crucial step in bread making because it develops the gluten in the flour. Gluten is what gives bread its structure and elasticity. When you knead the dough, you’re essentially stretching and aligning the gluten strands, which creates a network that traps air bubbles and gives the bread its characteristic texture. For this focaccia, we’re aiming for a smooth and elastic dough. This means that when you stretch a small piece of dough, it should be able to stretch thin without tearing easily. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time. If it’s too dry, add a little more water, one teaspoon at a time. The key is to be patient and work the dough until it reaches the right consistency.

The Importance of Proofing:

Proofing is the process of allowing the dough to rise. During proofing, the yeast consumes the sugars in the flour and produces carbon dioxide gas. This gas creates air bubbles in the dough, which makes it rise and become light and airy. There are two proofing stages in this recipe. The first proofing stage allows the dough to double in size. This is important for developing the flavor and texture of the focaccia. The second proofing stage allows the dough to relax and spread out on the baking sheet. This ensures that the focaccia will be evenly thick and have a consistent texture. Make sure to proof the dough in a warm place, as this will help the yeast to work more efficiently. You can proof the dough in a warm oven (turned off), in a sunny spot, or even in your microwave (with a cup of hot water).

Creating the Dimples:

The dimples in focaccia are not just for aesthetics; they also serve a functional purpose. The dimples create pockets that hold the olive oil and toppings, which results in a more flavorful and crispy crust. To create the dimples, use your fingertips to gently press into the dough all over the surface. Be sure to press deep enough to create noticeable indentations, but not so deep that you tear the dough. The dimples should be evenly spaced and cover the entire surface of the focaccia.

The Role of Olive Oil:

Olive oil is a key ingredient in focaccia,

Conclusion:

This Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread recipe is more than just a bread recipe; it’s an experience. From the satisfying dimpling of the dough to the intoxicating aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes, every step is a joy. The resulting focaccia is a symphony of textures: a crisp, golden crust giving way to a soft, airy interior, all infused with the savory goodness of garlic and parmesan. It’s truly irresistible, and I genuinely believe it’s a must-try for any home baker, regardless of skill level.

But why is this particular focaccia so special? It’s the perfect balance of simplicity and flavor. The ingredients are readily available, the method is straightforward, and the results are consistently impressive. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again, not just for special occasions, but for those everyday moments when you want to elevate a simple meal. The generous amount of olive oil not only contributes to the incredible flavor but also ensures a beautifully moist and tender crumb. And let’s not forget the star of the show: the garlic parmesan topping. It’s the perfect salty, savory complement to the soft, pillowy bread.

Now, let’s talk about serving suggestions and variations! This focaccia is incredibly versatile. Serve it warm, straight from the oven, alongside a hearty bowl of soup or stew. It’s also fantastic as a sandwich bread, adding a touch of Italian flair to your lunchtime routine. For a simple appetizer, cut it into squares and serve it with a selection of cheeses and olives. Or, get creative and use it as the base for a homemade pizza!

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are endless ways to customize this recipe to your liking. Try adding fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the dough for an extra layer of flavor. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes will add a touch of heat. For a sweeter twist, drizzle a little honey over the top after baking. You could even incorporate sun-dried tomatoes or olives into the dough for a Mediterranean-inspired variation.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve warm with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping.
• Use as a base for homemade pizzas.
• Pair with soups, salads, or pasta dishes.
• Make delicious sandwiches with your favorite fillings.
• Enjoy as a simple and satisfying snack.

Variations:

• Add fresh rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the dough.
• Sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
• Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes or olives into the dough.
• Drizzle with honey after baking for a sweet and savory treat.
• Top with different cheeses, such as mozzarella or provolone.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! I truly believe you’ll love it as much as I do. The process of making bread is incredibly therapeutic, and the reward of enjoying a freshly baked loaf is simply unmatched. Don’t be intimidated by the yeast; it’s easier than you think! Just follow the instructions carefully, and you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful, delicious Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread that will impress your family and friends.

So, go ahead, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure. And most importantly, don’t forget to share your experience! I’d love to hear how your focaccia turned out, what variations you tried, and what you served it with. Share your photos and stories in the comments below. Happy baking!

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