Introduction
Prepare yourself for a flavor explosion! This Garlic Parmesan Focaccia isn’t just bread; it’s a culinary adventure, a journey through the sun-drenched fields of Italy, culminating in a symphony of savory garlic and sharp parmesan. We’re transforming humble ingredients into something utterly irresistible – a bread so addictive, you’ll be fighting over the last piece!
Why This Works
This recipe triumphs because of its perfect balance. The airy, pillowy texture of the focaccia contrasts beautifully with the intense, savory punch of garlic and parmesan. It’s ridiculously easy to make, yet delivers restaurant-quality results. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a sophisticated soirée.
Key Ingredients
- 🍞 1 pound (450g) bread flour
- 💧 1 cup (240ml) warm water
- 🥚 1 large egg
- 🥄 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 🧂 1 teaspoon salt
- 🧄 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 🧀 1 cup (200g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 🌿 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 🫒 5 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
Instructions
1️⃣ In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2️⃣ Add flour, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
3️⃣ Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky.
4️⃣ Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5️⃣ Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Generously grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with olive oil.
6️⃣ Punch down the dough and transfer it to the prepared pan. Gently stretch and press the dough to fill the pan.
7️⃣ Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the dough. Use your fingertips to create dimples all over the surface.
8️⃣ Sprinkle minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped rosemary evenly over the dough.
9️⃣ Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the top.
🔟 Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C).
1️⃣1️⃣ Let the focaccia cool slightly in the pan before slicing and serving.
Handy Tips
- Don’t skip the kneading! It develops the gluten, resulting in that perfect airy texture.
- Use good quality olive oil – it makes a world of difference in the flavor!
- If you don’t have fresh rosemary, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary.
Heat Control
Baking at 450°F (232°C) ensures a crispy crust and a perfectly baked interior. Lowering the temperature might result in a soggy bottom, while increasing it risks burning the top before the inside is cooked through. Keep a close eye on your focaccia during the last few minutes of baking.
Crunch Factor
The key to achieving that glorious crunch is the high baking temperature and the generous drizzle of olive oil. The oil creates a beautiful, golden-brown crust that’s both crispy and subtly flavorful.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dough.
- Use a variety of cheeses – a blend of Parmesan, Asiago, and Romano would be amazing!
- Before baking, brush the focaccia with a mixture of olive oil and garlic for an extra layer of flavor.
Storage Tips
Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze slices in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Gift Packaging Ideas
Wrap individual slices in parchment paper and tie with a ribbon. Or, slice the entire focaccia and arrange it beautifully on a platter, covered with a clear dome.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Mediterranean Twist: Add sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and oregano.
🌟 Spicy Fiesta: Incorporate jalapeños, chipotle powder, and cotija cheese.
🌟 Herby Delight: Use a mix of thyme, parsley, and chives instead of rosemary.
🌟 Roasted Garlic: Roast the garlic before mincing for a sweeter, milder flavor.
Troubleshooting
- Dough too sticky: Add more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough is manageable.
- Focaccia too pale: Increase the oven temperature by 25°F (14°C) for the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Focaccia too brown: Reduce the oven temperature by 25°F (14°C) and tent the top with foil.
FAQ
- Can I use different types of flour? While bread flour is recommended for its gluten content, you can experiment with all-purpose flour. The texture might be slightly different.
- Can I make this focaccia ahead of time? You can prepare the dough and let it rise, then refrigerate it overnight. Just add an extra 15-20 minutes to the baking time.
- What if I don’t have fresh rosemary? Dried rosemary can be substituted, but use less (about 1 teaspoon).
Conclusion
There you have it – the most addictive bread you’ll ever make! Share your delicious creations with friends and family, and don’t forget to rate this recipe on RateMyRecipes.com! Enjoy the culinary adventure!
Focaccia Frenzy: Garlic Parmesan Paradise
A deliciously soft and flavorful focaccia bread topped with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm water (110u00b0F)
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt for topping
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 425u00b0F.
- Once risen, punch down the dough and transfer it to a greased baking sheet. Press it out to fit the pan and create dimples with your fingers.
- In a small bowl, mix minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, and chopped rosemary. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the dough.
- Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle coarse sea salt on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips
- For extra flavor, let the focaccia dough rise overnight in the refrigerator.
- Experiment with different toppings like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or various herbs.