Introduction
Hey there, bakers! Ready to transform simple ingredients into a warm, golden-brown loaf of pure happiness? This Garlic Parmesan Focaccia is the answer to your bread cravings. It’s ridiculously easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and guaranteed to become a family favorite. Get ready to experience focaccia perfection!
Why This Works
This recipe works because it’s a beautiful balance of simple ingredients and big flavor. The combination of fluffy focaccia dough, fragrant garlic, and salty parmesan cheese is irresistible. Plus, the recipe is forgiving – even if you’re a beginner baker, you’ll achieve amazing results!
Key Ingredients
- 🍞 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 🥄 1 teaspoon sugar
- 🥚 1 large egg
- 🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 🌿 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 🥛 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for greasing
- 🧂 1 teaspoon salt
- 🌾 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 🧈 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 🧀 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1️⃣ In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and egg. Let it sit for a few minutes until a little foamy.
2️⃣ Add the minced garlic, rosemary, olive oil, and salt to the wet ingredients. Stir to combine.
3️⃣ Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
4️⃣ Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
5️⃣ Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
6️⃣ Punch down the dough and transfer it to a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Press the dough evenly into the pan.
7️⃣ Drizzle the melted butter over the dough and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
8️⃣ Cover the pan and let rise for another 30 minutes.
9️⃣ Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
🔟 Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the focaccia is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
1️⃣1️⃣ Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Handy Tips
- Use good quality olive oil for the best flavor.
- Don’t over-knead the dough, or it will become tough.
- If you don’t have fresh rosemary, you can substitute with 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary.
Heat Control
Baking at 400°F (200°C) ensures a perfectly golden-brown crust while keeping the inside of the focaccia soft and fluffy. Don’t be tempted to increase the temperature, as this could lead to burning. Keep an eye on your focaccia during the last few minutes of baking.
Crunch Factor
This recipe boasts a delightfully soft and airy interior with a slightly crisp, golden-brown exterior. The perfect balance of textures makes it truly irresistible!
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of coarse sea salt to the top of the focaccia before baking.
- Use a pizza cutter for easy slicing after it’s cooled slightly.
- For fun shapes, use cookie cutters before baking!
Storage Tips
Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage; simply reheat slices in the oven or toaster oven until warm.
Gift Packaging Ideas
Wrap individual slices in parchment paper and tie with ribbon for a beautiful homemade gift. A small card with the recipe would be a lovely addition!
Flavor Variations
🌟 Mediterranean Twist: Add sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
🌟 Spicy Kick: Sprinkle with red pepper flakes before baking.
🌟 Herb Garden: Experiment with different herbs like oregano, thyme, or basil.
🌟 Cheese Lover’s Delight: Add a mix of your favorite cheeses like mozzarella, provolone, or Asiago.
Troubleshooting
- Dough too sticky: Add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together.
- Focaccia too brown: Reduce the oven temperature by 25°F (14°C) and monitor it closely.
- Focaccia undercooked: Bake for a few more minutes, checking for doneness by tapping the bottom – it should sound hollow when ready.
FAQ
Q: Can I use other types of cheese? A: Absolutely! Experiment with your favorite cheeses.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time? A: You can prepare the dough ahead and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Just let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
Q: What if I don’t have fresh rosemary? A: Dried rosemary works well too; use about 1 teaspoon.
Q: How do I know when it’s done baking? A: When the focaccia is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Q: Can I freeze this? A: Yes! Wrap well in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoy this incredibly addictive Garlic Parmesan Focaccia! It’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion, and we know it’ll become a staple in your kitchen. Don’t forget to share your creations with us – we love seeing your baking adventures! Happy baking!