Crispy and Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Recipe
This Crispy and Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread recipe creates a wonderfully golden, crunchy crust infused with aromatic garlic and topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Perfect as an appetizer or side, this homemade focaccia is incredibly flavorful and easy to prepare with simple ingredients and a few basic steps.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1¾ cups warm water
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- ¼ cup olive oil
Topping Ingredients
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Proof the Yeast: In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast on top and let it sit undisturbed for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active and ready to use.
- Mix Dough: To the bowl with proofed yeast, add the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and olive oil. Stir and mix until a sticky dough forms. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 1½ hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare Toppings: While the dough is rising, mince the garlic cloves and grate the Parmesan cheese freshly to maximize flavor. Pour olive oil into a baking pan, then transfer the risen dough into the pan, spreading it out evenly.
- Dimple Dough: Using your fingertips, gently press dimples into the surface of the dough to create the characteristic focaccia texture. Evenly sprinkle the minced garlic and grated Parmesan cheese, and add any optional herbs if desired.
- Final Rise & Bake: Allow the dough to rise again for another 20 to 30 minutes while preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Once risen, bake the focaccia in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the crust turns a beautiful golden brown and becomes crispy.
Notes
- Ensure the water is warm but not hot to properly activate the yeast.
- You can add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme on top for extra flavor.
- Use good quality Parmesan cheese for best results.
- To keep the focaccia soft inside, brush with additional olive oil after baking if desired.
- Let the focaccia cool slightly before slicing for cleaner cuts.
Keywords: focaccia bread, garlic parmesan focaccia, cheesy focaccia, Italian bread recipe, crispy bread, homemade focaccia, easy bread recipe