There’s something incredibly inviting about the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen, and when that bread is a garlic parmesan focaccia, it becomes an irresistible experience. This Delectable Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Recipe combines the delightful flavors of garlic and cheese with a pillowy soft texture that makes every bite feel like a warm hug. Whether you’re gearing up for a family dinner, planning a gathering with friends, or simply indulging in a treat for yourself, this focaccia will take center stage.
Beyond its alluring smell and taste, this focaccia bread is surprisingly easy to make at home. With just a few basic ingredients and simple steps, you can create a bakery-quality loaf right in your own kitchen. The best part? You can customize it to suit your preferences by adding herbs or spices! Prepare to impress your loved ones as you pull this golden-brown delight from the oven—it’s not just food; it’s an experience worth savoring.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One of the main reasons you’ll fall head over heels for this garlic parmesan focaccia is its unbeatable flavor combination. The savory garlic pairs perfectly with the rich, nutty flavor of parmesan cheese, creating a taste sensation that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. Every bite offers a perfect balance of flavors that works wonderfully as an appetizer or side dish.
Another compelling reason to love this recipe is its versatility. This focaccia can stand alone as a delicious snack or accompaniment to soups and salads, making it perfect for any occasion. Plus, it’s an excellent base for sandwiches—just slice it horizontally and fill it with your favorite ingredients for a truly gourmet experience.
Lastly, the simplicity of this recipe cannot be overstated. With minimal ingredients and straightforward instructions, even novice bakers will find success. Plus, watching the dough rise and turn golden brown in the oven is incredibly satisfying. Once you’ve made this focaccia once, you’ll want to keep it on rotation in your baking repertoire!
Key Ingredients
To create this delectable garlic parmesan focaccia, you’ll need some key ingredients that contribute to its unique flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll be working with:
- All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of any bread recipe, all-purpose flour provides structure while allowing the focaccia to remain light and airy.
- Active Dry Yeast: Essential for leavening, yeast helps the dough rise and gives it that signature fluffy texture.
- Water: Warm water activates the yeast and hydrates the flour; it’s crucial for achieving the right dough consistency.
- Olive Oil: Adds richness and moisture to the dough while also creating a beautiful crust when baked.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses incredible flavor throughout the focaccia, making each bite aromatic.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated parmesan adds depth and complexity; it melts beautifully into the bread as it bakes.
- Salt: Enhances all flavors in the recipe while also strengthening gluten structure within the dough.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making garlic parmesan focaccia at home is quite straightforward if you follow these clear steps:
- Prepare Your Dough: In a large bowl, mix 4 cups of all-purpose flour with 2 teaspoons of salt. In another bowl, combine 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) of active dry yeast with 1 ¾ cups of warm water (about 110°F) and let it sit until bubbly (around 5-10 minutes).
- Add Ingredients: Pour the yeast mixture into the flour mixture along with ¼ cup of olive oil. Mix until everything is combined into a sticky dough.
- Knead Your Dough: On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for about 3-4 minutes on medium speed.
- First Rise: Place your kneaded dough into an oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size (approximately 1-1.5 hours).
- Add Toppings: Once risen, punch down the dough gently to remove air bubbles. Transfer it onto an oiled baking sheet or pan (roughly 12×18 inches), stretching it out gently to fit. Create dimples across its surface using your fingertips.
- Bake: Drizzle more olive oil over the top along with minced garlic and grated parmesan cheese. Let it rise again for about 20-30 minutes before baking in preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Expert Tips
To ensure your garlic parmesan focaccia turns out perfectly every time, consider these expert tips:
- Mise en Place: Before starting your recipe, prepare all ingredients beforehand so you have everything organized—this helps streamline your baking process.
- Dough Temperature Matters: Make sure your water temperature is just right—too hot can kill yeast while too cold won’t activate it properly; aim for around 110°F (43°C).
- Punching Down Dough: Don’t skip punching down your dough after its first rise! This helps redistribute yeast cells while also enhancing gluten structure for better rise during baking.
- Topping Variations: Feel free to get creative! Experiment by adding toppings like rosemary sprigs or sun-dried tomatoes along with cheese for extra flavor dimensions.
- Crispier Crust Tip: For an extra crispy crust on bottom: place an empty baking tray on bottom rack of oven while preheating; then pour hot water into tray just as you place focaccia inside!
Presentation Ideas
Once baked to perfection, presentation can elevate your garlic parmesan focaccia from simple bread to an eye-catching centerpiece.
- Sliced Widthwise: Slice across horizontally before serving; arrange pieces on a rustic wooden board paired alongside small bowls filled with olive oil mixed with balsamic vinegar for dipping.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh parsley or basil leaves sprinkled atop just before serving! It adds color while complementing flavors beautifully.
- Create Sandwiches: Use whole slices horizontally cut open as sandwich bases! Fill them generously with roasted vegetables or cured meats topped off with spreads like pesto or aioli – guaranteed crowd-pleasers!
FAQs
Can I make garlic parmesan focaccia ahead of time?
You can absolutely prepare this focaccia ahead of time! After shaping it on the baking sheet but before final rising, cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight. When ready to bake next day: allow sufficient time at room temperature before proceeding directly into oven instructions!
I don’t have fresh garlic; can I use garlic powder instead?
If fresh garlic isn’t available—you may opt using garlic powder instead! Substitute by using approximately one teaspoon per clove desired; however remember that flavor intensity differs slightly between forms—so adjust according individual preference & taste accordingly!
This looks great but how do I store leftovers?
If you have any leftover focaccia (which might be unlikely!), store them covered tightly at room temperature for up-to two days max without losing freshness! Alternatively freezing slices wrapped individually keeps them well-preserved up-to three months—just reheat whenever hunger strikes!
I’m gluten-intolerant; can I use gluten-free flour?
You may certainly try substituting gluten-free flour blends available commercially designed specifically for baking breads! Just pay attention adhering closely directions outlined on packaging since results may vary based specific blend used versus standard wheat-based options!
By following this detailed guide filled with tips & tricks alongside step-by-step instructions—you’ll soon find yourself enjoying homemade Delectable Garlic Parmesan Focaccia like never before! Whether enjoyed alone straight from oven warmth or savored among friends during gatherings—the journey within every bite promises satisfaction beyond measure!
Garlic Parmesan Focaccia
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the heavenly aroma and taste of homemade Garlic Parmesan Focaccia. This easy-to-make bread features a delightful blend of savory garlic and rich parmesan cheese, creating a pillowy texture that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether served as an appetizer, side dish, or sandwich base, this focaccia will impress your family and friends with its warmth and flavor.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 ¾ cups warm water (about 110°F)
- ¼ cup olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix flour and salt together. In another bowl, combine yeast with warm water and let sit until bubbly (5-10 minutes).
- Pour the yeast mixture into the flour mixture along with olive oil, mixing until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth or use a stand mixer for 3-4 minutes.
- Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size (1-1.5 hours).
- Punch down the dough gently, place it on an oiled baking sheet, and stretch it to fit the pan. Create dimples on the surface.
- Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with minced garlic and parmesan cheese, then let rise again for about 20-30 minutes.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice - approximately 70g
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg