Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread: A Homemade Delight

Ingredients

Dough

• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
• 3 ½ cups all‑purpose flour
• 2  tablespoons extra‑virgin olive oil
• 1  teaspoon sugar
• 1  teaspoon fine sea salt

Garlic‑Parmesan Topping

• 4  cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• ½  cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2  tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
• 1  teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1  tablespoon fresh, chopped)
• Coarse sea salt for sprinkling

Instructions

Forming the Dough

1. Combine dry ingredients. In a large mixing bowl whisk together 3 ½ cups flour and 1  teaspoon fine sea salt. This ensures even seasoning throughout the loaf.
2. Add wet ingredients. Make a well in the center, pour in the foamy yeast mixture and 2  tablespoons extra‑virgin olive oil. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8‑10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Proper kneading develops gluten, which gives the focaccia its airy crumb.
4. First rise. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1‑1½ hours, or until doubled in size.

Shaping & Baking

1. Stretch the dough. Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a greased 12‑inch baking sheet. Using fingertips, gently dimple the surface and stretch the dough to the edges—don’t over‑work it, as the dimples create the classic focaccia texture.
2. Add the topping. Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the surface, then evenly distribute the garlic‑Parmesan mixture. Sprinkle a pinch of coarse sea salt for added crunch.
3. Bake. Place the sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20‑25 minutes, or until the edges turn deep golden brown and the cheese has melted into a crisp crust. The focaccia should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
4. Cool slightly. Remove from the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes, then cut into squares. This short rest lets the interior set while keeping the crumb soft.