Introduction
Ever wished you could bake amazing bread, but thought it was too hard? Think again! This Garlic Parmesan Focaccia is ridiculously easy to make, transforming simple ingredients into a golden-brown, crispy-edged, incredibly flavorful loaf that’ll disappear faster than you can say “pizza night.” This recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike, guaranteed to impress your family and friends. Get ready for the most addictive bread you’ll ever make!
Why This Works
This recipe works because it strikes the perfect balance between simple technique and big flavor. The combination of olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese creates an irresistible aroma and taste that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Plus, the slightly chewy interior and perfectly crispy exterior make for the ultimate textural experience. It’s the kind of bread that’s equally delicious on its own, with soup, or alongside your favorite pasta dish.
Key Ingredients
- 🍞 1 (1-pound) loaf of store-bought pizza dough
- 🧄 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 🧀 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 🌿 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 🍃 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 🧂 1 teaspoon salt
- 🌿 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 💧 1/4 cup olive oil
- 💧 1/4 cup water
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a large baking sheet or cast iron skillet.
2️⃣ Gently punch down the pizza dough to release any trapped air. Place it on the prepared baking sheet and stretch it out to fill the pan. It’s okay if it’s not perfectly even—rustic is good!
3️⃣ In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, rosemary, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4️⃣ Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the dough. Then, sprinkle the garlic-Parmesan mixture generously all over the dough, pressing it gently into the surface.
5️⃣ Using your fingers, create small dimples in the dough all over. This allows the oil and seasonings to penetrate and helps create a beautiful, rustic look.
6️⃣ Sprinkle the dough with a little extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
7️⃣ Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the focaccia is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach about 200°F (93°C).
8️⃣ Let the focaccia cool slightly on the baking sheet before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Handy Tips
- For extra flavor, try using a high-quality olive oil.
- If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried herbs work well too – just use about 1/3 of the amount called for.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Asiago, Pecorino Romano, or even a blend would be delicious.
Heat Control
Baking at 400°F (200°C) ensures the focaccia gets perfectly golden brown and crispy on the outside while remaining soft and chewy on the inside. If your oven runs hot, you might want to reduce the temperature slightly and increase the baking time. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
Crunch Factor
The crunch factor comes from the olive oil creating a crispy exterior and the baking process developing a slightly browned crust. The combination of the crispy edges and the soft, chewy interior creates a wonderful textural contrast.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For an extra crispy crust, brush the top of the focaccia with a little more olive oil during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to the top right before it comes out of the oven for an extra gourmet touch.
- If you want a bigger focaccia, simply use a larger baking sheet and increase the amount of ingredients proportionally.
Storage Tips
Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It’s also delicious toasted! For longer storage, freeze slices in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This focaccia makes a wonderful homemade gift! Wrap individual slices in parchment paper and tie with ribbon, or slice the whole loaf and present it in a beautiful bakery-style box. A handwritten card with the recipe is a thoughtful touch.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Mediterranean Focaccia: Add sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
🌟 Spicy Focaccia: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic-Parmesan mixture.
🌟 Herb Focaccia: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, basil, or parsley.
🌟 Cheesy Focaccia: Increase the amount of Parmesan cheese, or add other cheeses like mozzarella or provolone.
Troubleshooting
- Focaccia is too dry: This could be due to using too little oil or letting it bake for too long. Next time, add more olive oil and monitor the baking time closely.
- Focaccia is too gummy: This could mean it wasn’t baked long enough at the correct temperature. Make sure your oven is preheated to 400°F (200°C) and bake until golden brown and cooked through.
- Focaccia burned: Your oven might run hot. Check your oven’s temperature using an oven thermometer, and lower the temperature slightly if it’s too high.
FAQ
- Can I use frozen pizza dough? Yes, just make sure to thaw it completely before using.
- Can I make this ahead of time? You can prepare the focaccia up to the point of baking and refrigerate it for a few hours. Just add a few minutes to the baking time.
- What can I serve this with? This focaccia is delicious served with soup, pasta, salads, or simply on its own as a snack.
- Can I use a different type of oil? Olive oil is best because of its flavor, but you could try another oil with a neutral flavor, like vegetable oil.
- Can I make this in a bread pan? Yes, you can shape the dough into a loaf and bake it in a greased bread pan instead of a baking sheet.
Conclusion
This Garlic Parmesan Focaccia is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser – it’s so easy to make, yet so incredibly flavorful and satisfying. We hope you enjoy baking (and eating!) this addictive bread. Don’t forget to share your pictures and reviews on RateMyRecipes! Happy baking!
Crazy Good Garlic Parmesan Focaccia
A deliciously fluffy focaccia bread topped with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs, perfect as an appetizer or side dish.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm water (about 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 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- Flaky sea salt for topping
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes or until doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 425u00b0F (220u00b0C).
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a greased baking sheet. Stretch the dough into a rectangle or circle, about 1/2 inch thick.
- In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, rosemary, and thyme. Sprinkle this mixture over the dough evenly.
- Use your fingers to make dimples all over the surface of the dough. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Tips
- For extra flavor, let the dough rise overnight in the refrigerator.
- Feel free to experiment with different herbs or cheeses to customize the focaccia to your taste.