Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Recipe
This Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread is a deliciously soft and flavorful Italian flatbread, infused with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and fresh rosemary. Perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or snack, it’s easy to make at home with a simple dough that rises twice to achieve a light, airy texture with a crispy golden crust.
- Author: Dana
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Bread, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Dry Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- ¼ cup olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
Flavorings and Toppings
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped (optional)
- Coarse sea salt for topping
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Stir until all ingredients are evenly mixed to form the base of the dough.
- Add Wet Ingredients and Form Dough: Gradually add the warm water and ¼ cup of olive oil to the dry ingredients. Mix with a wooden spoon or your hands until a sticky dough forms.
- First Rise: Cover the bowl with a damp kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour or until the dough has doubled in size.
- Prepare the Dough for Baking: Once risen, punch down the dough gently to release the air and transfer it to a well-oiled 9×13 inch baking sheet. Use your fingertips to stretch and press the dough evenly, creating dimples all over its surface.
- Make Garlic Oil and Brush: In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Brush this mixture generously over the surface of the dough, infusing it with rich garlic flavor.
- Add Cheese and Herbs: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top of the dough. If desired, scatter the chopped fresh rosemary over the cheese for added aroma and taste.
- Second Rise: Cover the dough again with a towel and let it rise for another 20-30 minutes to develop more flavor and a lighter texture.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it ready for baking.
- Add Final Topping: Just before baking, sprinkle coarse sea salt over the focaccia to enhance its flavor and add a crunchy contrast.
- Bake: Place the focaccia in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bread turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool slightly. Drizzle with a bit more olive oil if you like, then slice and serve warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Make sure the water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast without killing it.
- Use fresh rosemary for the best flavor or omit it if preferred.
- Allowing the dough to rise twice creates a softer and airier focaccia.
- Coarse sea salt on top adds a nice crunch and balances the garlic flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/12th of the focaccia)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1.5g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 2mg
Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Focaccia, Italian bread, garlic bread, Parmesan cheese bread, rosemary focaccia, homemade bread, appetizer, snack