If you love bread with a golden crust that crackles beneath your fingertips and melts into gooey cheese with every bite, then you are absolutely going to adore this Crispy And Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Recipe. This focaccia is a perfect marriage of textures and tastes — crispy outside, soft and airy inside, with fragrant garlic and sharp Parmesan layering every forkful. Whether you’re looking to wow guests or simply treat yourself, this recipe brings the comfort and elegance of artisan bread right to your kitchen, making it one of those unforgettable baking adventures you’ll want to revisit again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making this focaccia bread is surprisingly straightforward, relying on a handful of pantry staples that each play a vital role in building its luscious flavor and texture. Every ingredient contributes something special, from the yeast that gives life to the dough to the Parmesan cheese that adds that irresistible sharpness and melt.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, providing the structure and chewiness that define focaccia.
- Active dry yeast: Essential for the dough to rise beautifully, creating an airy crumb.
- Warm water: Activates the yeast and hydrates the flour for the perfect dough consistency.
- Sugar: Just a touch to feed the yeast and help develop flavor.
- Kosher salt: Highlights all the other flavors and enhances the bread’s seasoning.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and keeps the focaccia moist while promoting that crisp, golden crust.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Bursts of fragrant, savory flavor imbue every bite with warmth and depth.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Gives a sharp, nutty finish that melts perfectly on top, creating a bubbly, cheesy layer.
How to Make Crispy And Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Begin by combining the flour, active dry yeast, sugar, and kosher salt in a large mixing bowl. Pour in the warm water and olive oil and stir everything together until a shaggy, loose dough forms. This mixture doesn’t look perfect yet, but that’s where the magic starts.
Step 2: Knead Until Smooth
Turn your dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5 to 7 minutes. The dough should become elastic and smooth, a sign that the gluten is developing to give your focaccia that delightful chew. Then, place it in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise until doubled in size — usually about one to one and a half hours.
Step 3: Shape and Dimple the Dough
Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release excess air. Transfer it to a greased baking sheet and stretch it out to fit the pan’s shape. The dough should be puffy but manageable. Now, use your fingers to create those signature dimples — press down firmly but don’t flatten the dough completely. These dimples will catch the garlicky olive oil and create pockets of flavor throughout the bread.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Parmesan
In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic with a little extra olive oil to make it easy to brush over the surface of the dough. Make sure it’s well coated but not dripping. Sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan generously over the top, knowing it will create a crispy, golden, cheesy crust that defines this Crispy And Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Recipe.
Step 5: Final Rise and Bake
Allow the dough to rest again for about 20 to 30 minutes to puff up slightly before baking. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) so it’s nice and hot. Bake the focaccia for 20 to 25 minutes until it turns a dazzling golden brown with bubbling cheese edges. This step is crucial for that satisfying crunch.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Once out of the oven, transfer the focaccia to a cooling rack — this keeps the bottom crisp rather than soggy. Let it cool just a bit so the cheese firms up before slicing into squares or wedges. Get ready for a taste that’s both crispy and wonderfully cheesy, packed with fragrant garlic that steals the show.
How to Serve Crispy And Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of freshness, sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley over the top right after baking. A light drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil just before serving can boost the flavor and add a gleaming finish. You could also add a pinch of flaky sea salt to enhance the crunch and add bursts of savory seasoning.
Side Dishes
This focaccia pairs beautifully with soups such as tomato basil or creamy butternut squash. It’s also irresistible alongside charcuterie boards, cheeses, and olives, acting as the perfect vehicle for dips like pesto, hummus, or a fresh tomato bruschetta topping. It’s a versatile side that elevates any meal effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Crispy And Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Recipe as individual mini focaccia rounds for a charming appetizer or party snack. You can also layer slices with roasted vegetables and greens to create savory focaccia sandwiches. The appeal of this bread in any presentation is its crispy-cheesy dimension that makes it party-worthy every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover focaccia bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This helps maintain its moisture while preserving the crust’s crunchiness as much as possible.
Freezing
You can freeze focaccia by wrapping it well in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and storing it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it at room temperature before reheating.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked crispiness, warm leftover focaccia in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread chewy and less delightful. A quick reheat in the oven revives the crispy, cheesy goodness perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! Bread flour has a higher protein content which can give your focaccia more chew and structure. It may make the bread slightly denser, but it works wonderfully for focaccia.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Since Parmesan cheese is traditionally made from animal rennet, replacing it with a vegan Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast can keep the cheesy flavor while making it vegan friendly.
Why is my focaccia not crispy enough?
For the crispiest crust, make sure your oven is fully preheated to 425°F and bake the bread on a well-oiled baking sheet. Also, avoid covering the focaccia immediately after baking to allow steam to escape, preserving the crispiness.
Can I add other toppings to this focaccia?
Definitely! This recipe is a great base for all kinds of toppings like caramelized onions, cherry tomatoes, olives, or fresh herbs. Just add them right before baking to ensure they meld beautifully with the garlic and cheese.
How long will the dough keep if I refrigerate it?
You can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours after kneading. Just cover it tightly and allow it to come to room temperature before shaping and baking. This slow fermentation can deepen the flavor even more.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy And Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Recipe is truly a labor of love that rewards you with every crunchy, cheesy bite. Its simple ingredients come together to create something special, making it a standout in any gathering or a luxurious everyday treat. Once you try this recipe, I promise it’ll become a beloved staple you’ll reach for time and again. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and bake your way to focaccia bliss!
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Crispy And Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Crispy and Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread is a deliciously fluffy and golden Italian flatbread topped with aromatic garlic and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or snack, this recipe combines a tender crumb with a crispy crust enhanced by a flavorful garlic olive oil brush and a cheesy finish.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 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
Topping Ingredients
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Additional olive oil for brushing (approx. 2 tablespoons)
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 4 cups all-purpose flour, 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast, 2 teaspoons sugar, and 2 teaspoons kosher salt until evenly distributed.
- Add Wet Ingredients and Form Dough: Pour 1¾ cups warm water and ¼ cup olive oil into the dry mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms, pulling together but still slightly sticky.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but manageable.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot until it has doubled in size, approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Shape the Dough: After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release air. Transfer it to a greased baking sheet and stretch or press it out evenly to fit the pan. Use your fingers to create characteristic dimples all over the surface of the dough.
- Prepare Garlic Oil and Add Toppings: In a small bowl, mix minced garlic cloves with about 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Brush this garlic-infused oil generously over the dough’s surface. Then sprinkle ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
- Second Rest: Allow the prepared dough to rest and rise lightly on the baking sheet for 20 to 30 minutes at room temperature while preheating the oven.
- Bake the Focaccia: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the baking sheet with the dough into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the bread is golden brown, the crust is crispy, and the cheese is melted and slightly toasted.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the focaccia from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool slightly. Once cooled enough to handle, slice into pieces and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use warm water (about 100-110°F) to activate the yeast properly.
- For extra flavor, you can add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the garlic oil brushing.
- Allowing the dough to rest before baking ensures a lighter, airier texture.
- Make sure not to over-bake to keep the focaccia moist inside with a crisp crust.
- Store leftovers wrapped in foil at room temperature and reheat for best texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
