Introduction
Transform humble pantry staples into a show-stopping, utterly addictive garlic parmesan focaccia in under an hour! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, delivering restaurant-quality flavor without the restaurant-quality time commitment. Get ready to impress your family and friends (or just yourself!) with this incredibly easy yet unbelievably delicious bread.
Why This Works
This focaccia recipe prioritizes speed and simplicity without sacrificing flavor. The combination of garlic, parmesan, and olive oil creates a symphony of savory goodness that’s both comforting and irresistible. The technique is foolproof, making it perfect for even the most novice bakers. You’ll be surprised how quickly this comes together!
Key Ingredients
- 🍞 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 🥚 1 large egg
- 🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 🌿 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 🧂 1 teaspoon salt
- 🥄 1 teaspoon sugar
- 🌾 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 酵母 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 🧀 ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 🫒 ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
Instructions
1️⃣ In a large bowl, combine warm water, egg, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and sugar. Stir gently.
2️⃣ Add the yeast and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. This proves your yeast is alive and kicking!
3️⃣ Gradually add the flour, 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 using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook for 5 minutes.
5️⃣ Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
6️⃣ Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
7️⃣ Punch down the dough and transfer it to the prepared pan. Stretch and gently press the dough to fill the pan.
8️⃣ Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and use your fingers to create dimples all over the surface.
9️⃣ Sprinkle generously with Parmesan cheese.
10️⃣ Drizzle with remaining olive oil.
11️⃣ Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
12️⃣ Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Handy Tips
- For extra flavor, use fresh oregano instead of dried.
- If you don’t have a 9×13 inch pan, a similar-sized baking dish will work.
- Don’t over-knead the dough; it can lead to a tough focaccia.
Heat Control
The high oven temperature (450°F) ensures a crispy crust and a perfectly baked interior. Keep a close eye on your focaccia during the last few minutes of baking to prevent burning.
Crunch Factor
This focaccia boasts a beautifully crisp exterior, thanks to the olive oil and high baking temperature. The interior is soft and airy, creating a delightful textural contrast.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For a quicker rise, place the dough in a warm place, such as near a sunny window or on top of the oven while it preheats.
- Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt before baking for an extra touch of gourmet appeal.
- Substitute rosemary for oregano for a different flavor profile.
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 for a few minutes until warmed through.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This focaccia makes a fantastic homemade gift! Wrap individual slices in parchment paper and tie with a ribbon, or present a whole loaf in a pretty baking tin lined with festive paper.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Focaccia: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dough for a kick.
🌟 Herb Focaccia: Include fresh rosemary, thyme, and parsley along with the oregano.
🌟 Sun-dried Tomato Focaccia: Incorporate chopped sun-dried tomatoes into the dough.
🌟 Roasted Garlic Focaccia: Roast whole heads of garlic before mincing for a deeper, sweeter garlic flavor.
Troubleshooting
- Dough is too sticky: Add a tablespoon of flour at a time until the dough becomes manageable.
- Focaccia is too pale: Increase the baking time by a few minutes.
- Focaccia is burnt: Reduce the oven temperature by 25°F and watch it carefully.
FAQ
- Can I use instant yeast? Yes, you can use 1 ¼ teaspoons of instant yeast instead of active dry yeast.
- Can I make this focaccia ahead of time? You can prepare the dough ahead of time and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Just let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
- What kind of olive oil should I use? Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- Can I add other cheeses? Absolutely! Try adding mozzarella, provolone, or asiago cheese.
Conclusion
This Garlic Parmesan Focaccia is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser – perfect for sharing with friends and family (or keeping all to yourself!). Its simplicity and delicious flavor make it a go-to recipe for any occasion. Give it a try and let us know what you think at c.ratemyrecipes.com! Happy baking!
30-Minute Garlic Parmesan Focaccia: Dinner Ready in a Flash
A quick and easy focaccia bread topped with garlic and parmesan, perfect for a last-minute side dish or snack.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm water (110u00b0F)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- Add flour, salt, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl and cover with a damp cloth. Let rise for 15 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 400u00b0F (200u00b0C).
- Once the dough has risen, spread it out onto a greased baking sheet, creating dimples with your fingers.
- In a small bowl, mix minced garlic, remaining olive oil, rosemary, black pepper, and half of the parmesan cheese.
- Spread the garlic mixture evenly over the dough and sprinkle with the remaining parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Let cool for a few minutes before slicing.
Tips
- For extra flavor, add more herbs like thyme or oregano to the garlic mixture.
- Serve warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.