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Bake the Best Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 150 reviews

This Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread recipe guides you step-by-step through prepping and baking a soft, airy, and flavorful Italian bread topped with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and herbs. The dough is carefully prepared with yeast, allowed to rest and rise, folded for structure, and baked to golden perfection with olive oil enhancing its rich texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)

Topping Ingredients

  • Olive oil, for drizzling and greasing
  • 3–4 cloves garlic, minced or thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon fresh or dried herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano)

Instructions

  1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the yeast and sugar with 1 cup of warm water. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture is frothy, indicating the yeast is active and ready to use.
  2. Mix the Dough: In a larger bowl, add the flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and stir with a wooden spoon or stand mixer until a shaggy dough ball forms, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
  3. Initial Dough Rest: Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and allow it to rest for 20 minutes. This helps the dough relax for easier handling.
  4. Fold the Dough: After the rest, perform a series of four folds, spacing each fold about 20 minutes apart. Folding helps develop the dough’s gluten structure and improves its texture.
  5. Final Rise in Pan: Place the dough into a well-oiled baking pan, spreading it evenly. Cover again and let it rise for 45 minutes or until it doubles in size.
  6. Prepare the Topping: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Once the dough has risen, use your fingers to dimple the surface gently. Drizzle olive oil generously over the dough, then sprinkle minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, and your choice of herbs evenly on top.
  7. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the focaccia is golden brown and cooked through.
  8. Cool and Serve: Remove the focaccia from the oven and allow it to cool slightly in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature as a delicious appetizer or side bread.

Notes

  • Warm water should be around 110°F to properly activate yeast without killing it.
  • Folding the dough multiple times during the rising phase helps create a light and airy texture.
  • You can customize the herbs according to preference—rosemary pairs especially well with focaccia.
  • For a crispier crust, increase the olive oil drizzle before baking.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.

Keywords: Garlic Parmesan focaccia, focaccia bread recipe, Italian bread, homemade focaccia, garlic bread, Parmesan cheese bread, herb focaccia

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