Crispy and Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Recipe
This Crispy and Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread is a deliciously golden, soft, and fluffy Italian flatbread topped with fragrant garlic and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or snack, this homemade focaccia features a crisp crust with flavorful dimples infused with olive oil and herbs for an irresistible taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 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
Toppings
- 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 for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the mixture is foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Dough: Add the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix until a sticky dough forms. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 1½ hours until it doubles in size.
- Prepare Toppings: While the dough is rising, mince the garlic cloves finely and grate the Parmesan cheese freshly. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Transfer Dough and Dimple: Pour olive oil into a baking pan to coat it. Transfer the risen dough into the oiled pan. Using your fingertips, create dimples all over the surface of the dough to help capture the oil and toppings.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the minced garlic and freshly grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the dough. You may optionally add herbs like rosemary or thyme for added flavor.
- Final Rise & Bake: Allow the dough to rise for another 20–30 minutes in the pan while the oven finishes preheating. Bake the focaccia for 20 to 25 minutes until it turns golden brown and crispy on the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the focaccia from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy the crispy, cheesy, and garlicky goodness.
Notes
- Make sure the water for activating the yeast is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- You can add herbs such as rosemary or thyme when sprinkling the toppings for extra flavor.
- For a crispier crust, bake the focaccia on a preheated pizza stone or baking sheet.
- This recipe can be doubled for larger gatherings.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, then reheat before serving.
Keywords: focaccia, garlic parmesan bread, Italian bread, cheesy garlic bread, homemade focaccia, crispy bread, bread recipe
