Name: Garlic Bread Focaccia
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet); 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F); 1 tablespoon sugar; 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup olive oil, divided; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tablespoon dried); 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt flakes for topping (optional)

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Prepare yourself for a savory sensation that will have your taste buds dancing with joy! Garlic Bread Focaccia is a combination of two beloved classics—garlic bread and focaccia—wrapped up in one perfect, golden, fluffy package. Imagine biting into a soft, airy focaccia, topped with a golden, garlicky butter sauce that’s rich and aromatic. It’s as comforting as it sounds, and trust me, this will be your new go-to side dish for any meal. Whether you’re serving it alongside pasta, enjoying it on its own with a dip, or pairing it with a salad, it’s a total crowd-pleaser. Ready to dive into the world of deliciously fragrant bread? Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love Garlic Bread Focaccia

This isn’t just any bread—this is the ultimate garlic lover’s dream. Here’s why you’ll adore it:

Versatile: Perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or snack. It’s an easy addition to any meal or simply enjoyed on its own.

Budget-Friendly: All the ingredients you need are pantry staples, so you won’t have to break the bank for this scrumptious treat.

Quick and Easy: With minimal effort and just a few simple steps, you’ll have a golden, buttery loaf of focaccia ready to devour in no time.

Customizable: Add extra toppings like herbs, cheese, or even sun-dried tomatoes for a personal twist. The flavor possibilities are endless!

Crowd-Pleasing: You can never go wrong with garlic bread, and combining it with the fluffiness of focaccia makes it even better. This dish is sure to have everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients

Let’s take a look at the ingredients that will come together to make this warm, aromatic bread:

Focaccia Dough: The base of this dish. Soft, fluffy, and slightly crispy on the edges, it’s the perfect bread for soaking up all that garlic goodness.

Olive Oil: The magic ingredient for a tender, flavorful dough and for brushing over the top to give the bread that golden, irresistible sheen.

Garlic: Fresh garlic is key! Its strong, fragrant flavor infuses the bread and brings the garlic bread aspect to life.

Butter: Adds a rich, creamy depth to the garlic topping. This ensures each bite is full of savory goodness.

Parmesan Cheese: For that deliciously cheesy, savory flavor that adds a bit of bite and umami to the dish.

Fresh Herbs: Fresh rosemary is the classic choice for focaccia, giving it a subtle, aromatic flavor that complements the garlic.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get started on creating this mouthwatering garlic bread focaccia:

Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will give the focaccia the perfect environment for a crispy, golden crust.

Prepare the Dough: If you’re using store-bought dough, you can skip this step, but if you’re making your own, mix the ingredients to form a soft dough and let it rise for about an hour. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Make the Garlic Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but not browned. Stir in a pinch of salt and set aside.

Assemble the Focaccia: Once the dough is ready, use your fingers to gently stretch it out into a rectangular shape on the baking sheet. Use your fingers to create little indentations all over the dough. Drizzle the garlic butter mixture generously over the top, making sure the garlic is spread evenly.

Top with Cheese and Herbs: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and fresh rosemary over the dough. The cheese will melt beautifully, giving the focaccia an irresistible golden topping.

Bake to Perfection: Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the focaccia is golden and crispy on the edges, and the cheese has melted.

Finishing Touches: Once out of the oven, let the focaccia cool for a few minutes. Slice it up, and feel free to drizzle a little extra olive oil or top with more fresh herbs for that final touch.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm with your favorite pasta, as a standalone snack, or with a fresh salad. This garlic bread focaccia will be a hit at any meal.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8 slices
Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories per slice (depending on the specific ingredients used).

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Garlic Bread Focaccia

This garlic bread focaccia is the perfect complement to a wide variety of dishes. Here are a few serving suggestions:

Pair it with a classic Italian pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine for a hearty meal.
Serve alongside a fresh salad to balance the richness of the garlic and butter.
Enjoy it with a bowl of tomato soup for a comforting, simple dinner.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

If you’re not a fan of rosemary, feel free to use thyme, oregano, or basil for a different herbal flavor.
For an extra kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter.
You can freeze leftovers (if there are any!) by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap. Just reheat in the oven for a few minutes before serving.

FAQ’s

Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, store-bought pizza dough or focaccia dough works great for this recipe. Just let it rise and follow the rest of the steps!
How do I store leftover focaccia?
Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container for up to 2 days. You can also freeze it for up to a month.
Can I make this without Parmesan cheese?
Absolutely! You can omit the cheese or substitute with a dairy-free alternative if you prefer.
Can I add other toppings?
Yes! Sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or even caramelized onions would be great additions to this focaccia.
How can I make this spicier?
Add some crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a nice spicy kick.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
While fresh garlic is best for the most authentic flavor, you can use garlic powder in a pinch. Just adjust to taste!
How do I make this focaccia extra crispy?
For a crispier crust, bake the focaccia on a preheated baking stone or pizza stone.
Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend to make this focaccia gluten-free, but the texture may be slightly different.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients to make a larger batch. Just make sure to adjust the baking time if necessary.
How do I know when the focaccia is done?
The focaccia is done when the top is golden brown and the edges are crispy. You can also tap on the bottom—it should sound hollow when fully baked.

Conclusion

Garlic Bread Focaccia is more than just bread—it’s an experience. With the rich flavors of garlic, butter, and Parmesan, paired with the soft, fluffy texture of focaccia, this recipe is a must-try. Whether you’re making it for a casual dinner or as a showstopper at a gathering, this garlic bread focaccia will definitely make your meal unforgettable. Ready to savor every bite? Happy baking!