Get Ready for a Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Adventure!
Hey there, bread lovers! Today, I’m super excited to share my favorite recipe for homemade Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread. There’s just something incredibly satisfying about making your own bread, and this one is so easy, you’ll feel like a professional baker in no time! This focaccia is fluffy, herb-infused, and topped with delicious garlic and Parmesan—a perfect accompaniment to soups, salads, or simply enjoyed on its own.
Health Benefits of Focaccia
Now, you might think of bread as a guilty pleasure, but homemade focaccia can actually have some great health perks! Since you’re in control of the ingredients, you can tailor this bread to your dietary needs. For instance, you can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour, which adds extra fiber and nutrients. Plus, the olive oil in the recipe is a heart-healthy fat that can help reduce inflammation. Just think of all the warmth you’re bringing into your kitchen—and your body!
Adaptable Variations for Your Focaccia
What I absolutely love about focaccia is how flexible it is! Here are a few fun ideas to personalize your bread:
- Herb-Infused: Mix in some fresh or dried herbs like rosemary or thyme into the dough or on top for added flavor.
- Olives or Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Toss some chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes into your dough before baking for an extra burst of flavor.
- Substitute Cheese: If you want to shake things up, why not try mozzarella or feta instead of Parmesan? It’ll give you a different but delicious taste!
Delicious Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ¾ cup warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for greasing)
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
- Coarse sea salt (for sprinkling)
Let’s Get Baking!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, salt, and sugar. Mix them together until well combined.
- Now, slowly add the warm water and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Stir until a shaggy dough forms; it’s going to look a bit messy and that’s okay!
- Transfer that lovely dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Trust me, the effort is worth it!
- Lightly grease a bowl with some olive oil, then place your dough inside it. Turn the dough to coat it with oil. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it’s doubled in size—like magic!
- While we wait, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and give it a light grease with olive oil.
- Once your dough has risen, punch it down gently (why not let out some stress, right?) and transfer it to your prepared baking sheet. Using your fingers, stretch and press the dough into a nice rectangular shape.
- In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil. Spread this tasty mixture evenly across the surface of the dough.
- Now for some fun—make deep dimples all over the dough with your fingers! Drizzle a little more olive oil on top and sprinkle with coarse sea salt to taste.
- Pop it in the oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and smells heavenly!
- When it’s ready, take it out and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before slicing into it. Serve warm and enjoy this delicious bread!
Helpful Tips for Your Focaccia
- Store any leftover focaccia in an airtight container to keep it fresh. It can also be reheated in the oven for a few minutes to regain that crispy texture.
- If you find yourself with too much garlic, (though is that really possible?), feel free to sauté it lightly in olive oil before adding to the bread topping—it’ll mellow the flavor out nicely.
- Want to impress? Sprinkle some extra cheese on it right before it finishes baking for a melty, cheesy crust!
What You’ll Need to Make This Bread
Here’s a quick equipment check to make sure you’re ready to bake:
- A large mixing bowl
- A spatula or wooden spoon for mixing
- A clean kitchen towel (for covering the dough)
- A baking sheet and parchment paper
- A small bowl for mixing the garlic and cheese
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour? Absolutely! Bread flour will give your focaccia a chewier texture, which can be really nice.
- How can I tell when my dough has risen enough? After about an hour, it should be visibly puffy and nearly doubled in size—give it a poke, and it should spring back gently!
- Can I leave the dough to rise overnight? Sure thing! Just place it in the fridge to prevent it from over-rising, and bring it back to room temp before baking.
- Can I make this gluten-free? Yes! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check the packaging for specific rising instructions, as they can differ.
- What’s the best way to serve this focaccia? I love it fresh out of the oven, but it pairs beautifully with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping!
Join the Focaccia Fun!
Have you made this Garlic Parmesan Focaccia? I can’t wait to see how it turns out for you! Share your creations and tag me on Pinterest, or drop a comment below! Happy baking!
