Description
This Garlic Bread Focaccia recipe combines the classic Italian flatbread with a rich, buttery garlic topping and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, resulting in a fragrant and crispy side perfect for any meal. Soft, chewy, and loaded with garlicky goodness, it’s an easy homemade bread that pairs wonderfully with soups, salads, or pasta dishes.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup olive oil (plus more for greasing)
For the Garlic Butter Topping
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Flaky sea salt for topping
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make Dough: Add the all-purpose flour, salt, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms, then knead it on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and set it in a warm place to rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare Pan and Second Rise: Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with olive oil and press the risen dough evenly into the pan. Let it rise again for 20–30 minutes while you prepare the garlic butter topping.
- Make Garlic Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter with the minced garlic over low heat for about 2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley, then remove from heat.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dough: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Using your fingertips, dimple the risen dough evenly across the surface, then drizzle the garlic butter mixture over the top.
- Add Toppings and Bake: Sprinkle the top with grated Parmesan cheese and flaky sea salt. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes until the focaccia is golden and the edges are crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the focaccia to cool slightly before slicing into 12 pieces. Serve warm as a delicious side bread.
Notes
- You can prepare the dough a day ahead and let it rise overnight in the refrigerator for added flavor and convenience.
- For an even stronger garlic flavor, try roasting a head of garlic and mixing the soft roasted cloves into the garlic butter before spreading.
- Use flaky sea salt to add texture and bursts of salty flavor on top.
- Ensure water temperature is approximately 110°F to properly activate yeast without killing it.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
