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To make Garlic Parmesan Focaccia, you need key ingredients for a tasty result. - 4 cups all-purpose flour - 2 teaspoons instant yeast - 1 teaspoon sugar - 2 teaspoons salt - 1 3/4 cups warm water (about 110°F) - 1/4 cup olive oil (plus extra for drizzling) - 6 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary) - Coarse sea salt for sprinkling For variations, you can add herbs like thyme or oregano. You can also top with olives or sun-dried tomatoes. - Mixing bowl - Baking sheet or cast-iron skillet - Damp towel or plastic wrap - Small bowl for mixing toppings Gather these items before you start. Having everything ready will make your cooking process smooth and fun! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, grab a large mixing bowl. Add the dry ingredients: - 4 cups all-purpose flour - 2 teaspoons instant yeast - 1 teaspoon sugar - 2 teaspoons salt Mix these well to blend them together. Next, pour in the warm water and olive oil. You need 1 3/4 cups of warm water and 1/4 cup of olive oil. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. Now, it’s time to knead the dough. You can do this in two ways: - Manual: Use your hands to knead for about 5-7 minutes. - Stand Mixer: If you have one, use the dough hook for 4-5 minutes. The dough should feel sticky and elastic. Once your dough is kneaded, lightly oil a large bowl. Place the dough in the bowl and turn it to coat with the oil. Cover the bowl with a damp towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours. It should double in size. A warm kitchen works best for this. If your home is cool, try placing the bowl near a warm oven. Now, it’s baking time! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). After the dough has risen, pour it onto a greased baking sheet or a large cast-iron skillet. Use your fingers to stretch the dough into a rectangle or circle, about 1/2-inch thick. In a small bowl, mix minced garlic with a few tablespoons of olive oil. Brush this mixture all over the surface of the dough. Next, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese, fresh rosemary, and coarse sea salt on top. To create the perfect texture, use your fingers to make dimples all over the dough. Now, bake the focaccia for 20-25 minutes. It should turn golden brown, and the cheese will be bubbly. When done, take it out of the oven. Let it cool slightly before slicing. Drizzle a bit more olive oil on top if you like. Enjoy your delicious Garlic Parmesan Focaccia! To get the best focaccia, focus on texture. You want a light, airy bread. Here are my top tips: - Knead well: Knead your dough for 5-7 minutes. This builds gluten and gives you good rise. - Check your water: Use warm water, around 110°F. Too hot can kill the yeast. - Don’t rush the rise: Let your dough double in size, about 1-1.5 hours. This step is key for a fluffy loaf. Now, let’s avoid some common mistakes: - Too much flour: Adding too much flour makes the bread dense. Use just enough to keep it from sticking. - Skipping the dimples: Dimpling the dough helps hold toppings and creates a nice texture. - Not enough salt: Salt boosts flavor. Use coarse sea salt for a tasty finish. Focaccia is great on its own, but you can make it even better. Here are some ideas: - Extra toppings: Try olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or fresh herbs like basil. Mix them in or sprinkle on top. - Season with spices: A sprinkle of red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning adds a nice kick. For pairing, focus on dips: - Marinara sauce: A warm bowl of marinara complements the garlic and cheese. - Olive oil and balsamic vinegar: A classic dip that adds richness and flavor. Experiment with these tips to make your focaccia stand out! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and high-quality Parmesan cheese will elevate the flavor of your focaccia. Opt for freshly grated cheese and minced garlic for the best results. Perfecting the Dimple: When creating dimples in the dough, make sure to press firmly but not too deep. This technique helps the focaccia to rise evenly and creates the perfect texture. Let It Rise: Ensure the dough rises in a warm, draft-free environment. If your kitchen is cool, consider placing the dough in an oven with the light on to create a cozy rising spot. Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to get creative with toppings! Try adding olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or different herbs to customize your focaccia to your liking. {{image_2}} You can make your focaccia fit different diets easily. For those needing gluten-free options, use gluten-free flour blends. Look for blends with a mix of rice flour and tapioca flour. This swap keeps the dough light and airy. If you want a vegan version, you can skip the cheese. Try using a mix of nuts or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. For the olive oil, use coconut oil or vegan butter. Both add a nice richness to the dough. Want to spice things up? You can add different herbs to your focaccia. Fresh basil or thyme can bring new tastes. You can also swap the Parmesan for cheeses like feta or goat cheese. They will change the flavor and give you a unique twist. Feeling adventurous? Try making a sweet focaccia! Add some honey and cinnamon for a dessert version. You can even top it with berries or chocolate chips. This will transform this bread into a tasty treat for breakfast or dessert. To keep your garlic Parmesan focaccia fresh, let it cool first. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it soft and tasty for about 2-3 days in the fridge. If you want to store it longer, consider freezing it. Cut the focaccia into pieces, wrap each piece in foil, and place them in a freezer bag. This way, you can enjoy it for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat your focaccia, reheating is key. For best results, use an oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the focaccia directly on the rack or on a baking sheet. Heat it for about 10-15 minutes. This warms it up and keeps it crispy. You can also use a microwave, but it may get soft. If you do, cover it with a damp paper towel. This keeps it from drying out. Enjoy your focaccia warm to bring out the rich garlic and cheese flavors. You can tell your focaccia is done by looking for a few signs: - The crust should be golden brown. - The cheese should be bubbly and slightly browned. - When you tap the bottom, it should sound hollow. - The edges should pull away from the pan slightly. These signs mean your focaccia has the perfect texture and flavor. Yes, you can make focaccia ahead of time! Here are some tips: - Prepare the dough and let it rise. - After rising, shape the dough and put it in the pan. - Cover it and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. - When ready, let it come to room temp before baking. This method saves time and ensures fresh focaccia. Garlic parmesan focaccia pairs well with many dishes. Here are some ideas: - Serve it with marinara sauce for dipping. - Pair it with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. - Enjoy it alongside soup or salad for a meal. - Use it as a side for pasta or grilled meats. These pairings enhance the flavors and make your meal special. In this blog post, we covered how to make delicious focaccia. We discussed key ingredients, from flour to Parmesan cheese, and shared methods for mixing and kneading. You learned the best tips for rising and baking to achieve a perfect loaf. We also explored various toppings and flavors, plus ways to store and reheat your focaccia. Remember, practice and creativity will bring you great results. Enjoy your homemade focaccia and impress your friends and family with your baking skills!

Garlic Parmesan Focaccia

A deliciously fluffy focaccia topped with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Italian
Servings 12
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons instant yeast
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1.75 cups warm water
  • 0.25 cups olive oil
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 pinch coarse sea salt

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Mix well to combine the dry ingredients.
  • Pour in the warm water and 1/4 cup of olive oil. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
  • Knead the dough in the bowl for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes sticky and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 4-5 minutes.
  • Lightly oil a large bowl and place the kneaded dough inside, turning it to coat with oil. Cover the bowl with a damp towel or plastic wrap.
  • Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours or until it has doubled in size.
  • Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  • Once the dough has risen, pour it onto a greased baking sheet or a large cast-iron skillet. Use your fingers to spread and stretch the dough into a rectangle or circle (about 1/2-inch thick).
  • In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic with a few tablespoons of olive oil. Brush this mixture generously over the surface of the dough.
  • Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese, fresh rosemary, and coarse sea salt evenly over the top.
  • Use your fingers to create dimples all over the surface of the dough, which will help in creating a nice texture.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes until the focaccia is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
  • Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing. Drizzle a little more olive oil on top if desired.

Notes

Serve warm, cut into squares or triangles, and garnished with extra chopped rosemary on top for a fresh touch. Pair with marinara sauce or olive oil for dipping.
Keyword bread, focaccia, garlic, herbs, Parmesan