Garlic Parmesan Focaccia: The Ultimate Recipe and Baking Guide

Garlic Parmesan Focaccia: 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-brown garlic and parmesan, the aroma alone enough to make your mouth water. This isn’t just bread; it’s an experience, a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into something truly extraordinary.

Focaccia, with its ancient roots tracing back to the Etruscans, has long been a staple in Italian cuisine. Traditionally baked on hearthstones, this flatbread was a blank canvas for regional flavors, from rosemary and olive oil to tomatoes and onions. Our Garlic Parmesan Focaccia is a modern twist on this classic, adding a savory punch that’s simply irresistible.

What makes this focaccia so beloved? It’s the perfect combination of textures: a crisp, golden crust giving way to a soft, airy interior. The garlic and parmesan create a symphony of flavors – the pungent garlic perfectly balanced by the salty, nutty parmesan. It’s incredibly versatile, too! Enjoy it as a side to your favorite pasta dish, use it to make gourmet sandwiches, or simply tear off a piece and savor it on its own. Trust me, once you try this Garlic Parmesan Focaccia, you’ll be making it again and again!

Ingredients:

• For the Dough:
• 500g (about 4 cups) bread flour, plus more for dusting
• 350ml (1 1/2 cups) lukewarm water (around 105-115°F or 40-46°C)
• 7g (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 10g (2 teaspoons) salt
• 30ml (2 tablespoons) olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• For the Garlic Parmesan Topping:
• 60ml (1/4 cup) olive oil
• 6-8 cloves garlic, minced
• 100g (about 1 cup) grated Parmesan cheese, finely grated
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary (optional, but highly recommended!)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
• Sea salt flakes, for sprinkling
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Preparing the Dough:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the lukewarm water and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the yeast is foamy. This indicates that the yeast is alive and active. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast might be old and you’ll need to start with fresh yeast.
2. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Add the bread flour and salt to the bowl with the yeast mixture. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix until a shaggy dough forms. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly smooth at this point.
3. Add Olive Oil and Knead: Add the 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the dough. Now, it’s time to knead! You can knead the dough by hand on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for about 6-8 minutes. The dough should become smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. 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.
4. First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let it 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. I usually put mine in a slightly warmed oven (turned off, of course!).

Preparing the Garlic Parmesan Topping:

1. Infuse the Olive Oil: While the dough is rising, prepare the garlic Parmesan topping. In a small saucepan, heat the 1/4 cup of olive oil over low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the garlic-infused oil cool slightly.
2. Combine Topping Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the cooled garlic-infused olive oil, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh rosemary (if using), dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well to combine.

Shaping and Second Rise:

1. Prepare the Baking Sheet: Generously grease a 9×13 inch baking sheet with olive oil. This is important to prevent the focaccia from sticking and to ensure a crispy bottom.
2. Transfer Dough to Baking Sheet: Gently deflate the risen dough and transfer it to the prepared baking sheet. Using your fingertips, gently stretch and press the dough to fill the baking sheet. Don’t worry if it doesn’t reach all the corners at first; it will spread out during the second rise.
3. Dimpling the Dough: This is the fun part! Use your fingertips to create deep dimples all over the surface of the dough. These dimples will hold the garlic Parmesan topping and create those characteristic focaccia pockets.
4. Second Rise: Cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise again for 30-45 minutes, or until it’s puffy and the dimples are well-defined.

Adding the Topping and Baking:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking the focaccia.
2. Apply the Topping: Drizzle the garlic Parmesan topping evenly over the dimpled dough, making sure to get the topping into all the dimples. Sprinkle generously with sea salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper.
3. Bake the Focaccia: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the focaccia is golden brown and the bottom is crispy. Keep an eye on it, as baking times may vary depending on your oven. If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil.
4. Cool and Serve: Remove the focaccia from the oven and let it cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Cut into squares or rectangles and serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips and Variations:

• Use High-Quality Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will greatly impact the flavor of the focaccia. Use good quality bread flour, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese for the best results.
• Don’t Overwork the Dough: Overkneading the dough can result in a tough focaccia. Knead until it’s smooth and elastic, but not overly stiff.
• Adjust the Garlic: If you’re not a huge fan of garlic, you can reduce the amount of garlic in the topping. Conversely, if you love garlic, feel free to add more!
• Experiment with Toppings: Get creative with your toppings! You can add other herbs like thyme or sage, or try adding vegetables like roasted red peppers, olives, or sun-dried tomatoes.
• Make it Ahead: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
• Freezing Instructions: Baked focaccia can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.
• Reheating Instructions: To reheat focaccia, wrap it in foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat it in a skillet over low heat.

Serving Suggestions:

• As an Appetizer: Serve the garlic Parmesan focaccia as an appetizer with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of balsamic glaze.
• With Soup or Salad: Focaccia is a delicious accompaniment to soup or salad.
• As a Sandwich Bread: Use focaccia as a sandwich bread for a flavorful and satisfying lunch.
• With Cheese and Charcuterie: Create a beautiful cheese and charcuterie board and include slices of focaccia for dipping and spreading.
• On its Own: Honestly, this focaccia is so good, you can just eat it on its own!

Enjoy your homemade Garlic Parmesan Focaccia! I hope you love it as much as I do!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This Garlic Parmesan Focaccia recipe is more than just bread; 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. But the real magic happens when you take that first bite – the crispy, golden crust giving way to a soft, airy interior, infused with the savory goodness of garlic and the salty tang of Parmesan. Trust me, this isn’t your average loaf; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen.

Why is this a must-try? Because it’s incredibly versatile, surprisingly easy to make, and utterly delicious. Forget store-bought bread that lacks character; this focaccia is bursting with personality. It’s the perfect accompaniment to a hearty Italian meal, a simple salad, or even just enjoyed on its own as a satisfying snack. The combination of textures and flavors is simply irresistible, and I guarantee it will become a staple in your kitchen.

But don’t just take my word for it! I encourage you to give this recipe a try. And the best part? There are so many ways to make it your own!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Dipping Delight: Serve warm slices of focaccia with a bowl of high-quality olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a sprinkle of herbs. It’s a classic for a reason!
* Sandwich Superstar: Elevate your sandwiches by using this focaccia as the bread. Imagine a Caprese sandwich with fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil nestled between two slices of this garlicky goodness.
* Pizza Perfection: Use the focaccia as a base for a quick and easy pizza. Simply top with your favorite sauce, cheese, and toppings, and bake until bubbly and golden.
* Herb Heaven: Experiment with different herbs in the dough. Rosemary, thyme, oregano, or even a mix of Italian herbs would all be fantastic additions.
* Cheese Please: Add other cheeses to the dough or sprinkle them on top before baking. Asiago, provolone, or even a little bit of crumbled feta would add a delicious twist.
* Sweet and Savory: For a unique flavor combination, try adding a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of sea salt after baking. The sweetness will complement the savory flavors beautifully.
* Roasted Vegetable Medley: Top the focaccia with roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and onions before baking for a colorful and flavorful vegetarian option.

The possibilities are truly endless! Feel free to get creative and experiment with different flavors and toppings to create your own signature focaccia.

I’m so confident that you’ll love this Garlic Parmesan Focaccia recipe. It’s a crowd-pleaser, a conversation starter, and a guaranteed way to impress your friends and family. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure.

Once you’ve tried it, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your photos and comments on social media using your favorite platform. Let me know what variations you tried and what you thought of the recipe. Your feedback is invaluable, and I can’t wait to see what you create. Happy baking!

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