Garlic Parmesan Focaccia: The Ultimate Baking Guide Recipe

If you have ever dreamed of baking a bread that is gloriously fluffy on the inside, perfectly crispy on the outside, and infused with irresistible flavors, then this Garlic Parmesan Focaccia: The Ultimate Baking Guide Recipe is exactly what you need. Picture a golden, fragrant focaccia topped with the vibrant aroma of garlic and the savory punch of Parmesan cheese, enhanced by herbs and a hint of spice. This recipe is your go-to resource to create bakery-style focaccia right in your own kitchen, no complicated steps involved, just pure deliciousness. Whether you’re serving it as a snack, side, or centerpiece of a meal, this focaccia will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient plays a starring role in creating that perfect focaccia. From the flour’s structure to the rich olive oil and the aromatic herbs and cheese, every element is essential for texture, flavor, and that irresistible golden crust.

• Bread flour: Provides the ideal protein content for chewy, airy focaccia texture.
• Instant dry yeast: Ensures a reliable, quick rise for fluffy bread.
• Granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and encourages browning during baking.
• Kosher salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness perfectly.
• Lukewarm water: Activates yeast gently without killing it.
• Olive oil: Adds richness and moisture, plus helps with that crisp crust.
• Garlic cloves: Minced fresh for robust, fragrant flavor.
• Parmesan cheese: Finely grated to melt beautifully and add intense umami.
• Fresh rosemary: Adds a piney, aromatic note (optional but highly recommended).
• Dried oregano: Brings subtle earthiness to the topping.
• Red pepper flakes: Give a slight kick to balance the richness (optional).
• Sea salt flakes: Sprinkled on top for crunch and bursts of salty goodness.
• Freshly ground black pepper: Adds mild heat and depth in seasoning.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Focaccia: The Ultimate Baking Guide Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the bread flour, instant dry yeast, sugar, and kosher salt in a large bowl. Remember to keep yeast and salt apart initially so the salt doesn’t hinder yeast activity. This step creates the foundational structure for your focaccia dough.

Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients

Pour lukewarm water and olive oil into the dry mix. Stir until you form a shaggy, somewhat sticky dough. Don’t worry if it feels a bit rough—that’s what gives focaccia its rustic charm and airy crumb after rising.

Step 3: First Rise (Bulk Fermentation)

Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let the dough rest in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours. During this time, the yeast works its magic, and the dough should double in size, becoming airy and soft.

Step 4: Stretch and Fold

After the dough has risen for one hour, perform a gentle stretch and fold process to strengthen the dough’s gluten. Stretch one side upward and fold it back over. Rotate the bowl 90 degrees and repeat four to five times. Cover and let rise another 30 minutes to develop texture and structure.

Step 5: Infuse the Olive Oil with Garlic

While your dough is resting, heat olive oil on medium-low and add minced garlic. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and just turning golden. This oil mixture will give your focaccia that delectable garlic aroma and rich flavor.

Step 6: Mix the Garlic Parmesan Topping

Once garlic oil cools slightly, mix it with grated Parmesan, fresh rosemary, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes if you like a spicy punch. Finish with freshly ground black pepper. This mixture will become that irresistible topping that sinks into the dough’s dimples.

Step 7: Prepare Your Baking Sheet

Grease a 9×13 inch baking sheet liberally with olive oil. This helps the dough stick and develop a crispy underside during baking.

Step 8: Transfer the Dough

Carefully move your risen dough to the oiled baking tray. Avoid deflating it too much—keep those delightful bubbles intact for a tender crumb.

Step 9: Stretch and Dimple the Dough

Gently stretch the dough to cover the entire baking sheet. Use your fingertips to create deep dimples across the surface. These indentations hold the flavorful garlic Parmesan oil and give focaccia its signature look and texture.

Step 10: Second Rise (Proofing)

Cover the dough and allow it to rise again for 30 to 45 minutes. You want it puffy and the dimples well-defined, ready to soak up that seasoning and develop a golden crust.

Step 11: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) so it’s nice and hot when your focaccia goes in. The high heat encourages a wonderful crust without drying out the inside.

Step 12: Add the Topping

Drizzle your garlic Parmesan mixture evenly over the dimpled dough, making sure to fill each dimple with the mix. Sprinkle sea salt flakes generously on top for bursts of savory crunch.

Step 13: Bake to Perfection

Bake the focaccia for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown and crispy on the bottom. The aroma filling your kitchen at this stage will be nothing short of heavenly.

Step 14: Cool and Serve

Remove the focaccia from the oven and let it cool briefly on the baking sheet to settle. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely or slice warm—either way, it’s fabulous!

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Focaccia: The Ultimate Baking Guide Recipe

Garnishes

Adding a few fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme right before serving elevates your focaccia’s presentation and adds fresh bursts of flavor. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of additional Parmesan can also make each piece shine.

Side Dishes

This focaccia pairs beautifully with olive tapenades, marinated olives, or a fresh caprese salad. It’s also perfect alongside soups, stews, or a robust pasta dish, turning any meal into a celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your focaccia into fun shapes or fancy squares and serve it as an appetizer with dipping sauces like balsamic vinegar mixed with olive oil or a herby garlic yogurt dip. You can even use it as a base for mini sandwiches loaded with your favorite fillings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover focaccia tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container to keep it moist and tasty. It stays fresh at room temperature for up to two days and maintains its texture beautifully.

Freezing

For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic and freeze in a sealed bag. This method preserves flavor and texture for up to a month, so you can enjoy your focaccia anytime.

Reheating

To revive frozen or leftover focaccia, warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 to 10 minutes until heated through and crispy again. A quick toast under the broiler also works wonders for restoring that golden crust.

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Yes, all-purpose flour can be used, but bread flour gives a chewier, more elastic texture due to its higher protein content, which is ideal for focaccia. Using all-purpose flour might result in a softer, less structured crumb.

What if I don’t have fresh rosemary?

Dried rosemary can be used as a substitute, though fresh rosemary offers a brighter aroma and flavor. If using dried, sprinkle a bit less since its flavor is more concentrated and can be slightly bitter if overused.

Is it necessary to do the stretch and fold step?

While optional, the stretch and fold technique improves the dough’s gluten network, resulting in better texture and more air pockets. Skipping it may lead to a denser focaccia, but it will still be delicious.

How do I get the dimples deep and well-defined?

Use your fingertips gently without pressing all the way through the dough. Applying slightly more pressure helps the topping cling better inside the indentations, making every bite flavorful.

Can I make the garlic Parmesan oil topping ahead of time?

Absolutely! Preparing the infused oil and mixing it with Parmesan and herbs ahead of time lets flavors deepen. Just keep it refrigerated and bring to room temperature before drizzling on the dough.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Parmesan Focaccia: The Ultimate Baking Guide Recipe has all the magic you want from homemade bread—crisp edges, tender crumb, and a topping that sings with garlic, Parmesan, and herbs. Baking this focaccia is rewarding, approachable, and endlessly satisfying, making it a beloved treat for yourself and everyone you share it with. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become your new favorite way to impress at any meal or gathering.

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