Garlic Bread Focaccia Recipe

If you love the warm, irresistible aroma of garlic bread but crave something with a bit more texture and flair, this Garlic Bread Focaccia Recipe is going to become your new go-to comfort food. Combining the soft, pillowy tenderness of focaccia with the rich, buttery punch of garlic and herbs, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a spectacularly flavorful bread that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re pairing it with pasta, soups, or enjoying it on its own, this Garlic Bread Focaccia Recipe delivers a golden, crispy crust with an herbaceous, garlicky heart that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this Garlic Bread Focaccia Recipe lies in a short list of simple, staple ingredients that harmonize beautifully. Each one plays a vital part — from giving the bread structure to infusing it with aromatic flavor and a golden, crispy finish.

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: This provides the structure and chewiness that are essential to perfect focaccia.
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast: Helps the dough rise, creating those airy pockets that make focaccia so delightful.
• 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F): Activates the yeast and hydrates the dough for elasticity.
• 1 teaspoon sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory elements.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and strengthens the dough.
• 1/4 cup olive oil: Adds moisture and a subtle fruity flavor, plus it’s used for greasing the pan.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Combines with garlic to create the luscious topping that makes this recipe shine.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: The hero ingredient that infuses every bite with bold, aromatic flavor.
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried): Brings a fresh, vibrant note that brightens the rich garlic butter.
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Offers a blend of herbs that beautifully complement the garlic.
• Salt flakes, for topping (optional): Adds a crunchy, salty finish to balance the buttery richness.

How to Make Garlic Bread Focaccia Recipe

Step 1: Activate the yeast

Start by combining warm water, sugar, and yeast in a large mixing bowl. Let the mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This frothiness tells you the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic, turning your dough into a soft, airy masterpiece.

Step 2: Mix the dough

Next, add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir everything until you get a shaggy dough. Then knead the dough either by hand or using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for about 8 to 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic — this kneading step is essential for developing the dough’s gluten structure.

Step 3: Let the dough rise

Place your dough in a greased bowl and cover it. Find a warm spot in your kitchen and let it rest for about an hour, or until it doubles in size. This rising time allows the yeast to create those lovely air pockets that give focaccia its signature lightness.

Step 4: Prepare your baking pan and reshape dough

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or sheet pan with olive oil. Transfer the risen dough into the pan and press it out evenly with your hands to fill the pan. Cover again and let it rise for another 20 to 30 minutes. This second rise makes the bread even more tender and inviting.

Step 5: Make the garlic butter topping

While your dough is rising the second time, mix the melted butter with freshly minced garlic, chopped parsley, and Italian seasoning. This buttery herb mixture will penetrate the bread’s surface and infuse it with irresistible flavor.

Step 6: Preheat the oven

Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) so it’s nice and hot when your bread is ready to bake. A hot oven helps create a crisp crust without drying out the inside.

Step 7: Dimple the dough and add garlic butter

Use your fingers to make dimples all over the surface of the dough. These little wells are perfect for holding the garlic butter, ensuring each bite bursts with herby, garlicky goodness. Drizzle the garlic butter mixture evenly over the dough, making sure to let some seep into those dimples. If you’re using salt flakes, sprinkle them on top now for an extra touch of crunch and flavor.

Step 8: Bake until golden

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until your focaccia turns a beautiful golden brown with a slightly crisp top. The buttery aroma filling your kitchen at this stage is nothing short of hypnotic.

Step 9: Cool and slice

Let the focaccia cool just enough to handle, then slice it into 12 generous servings. The bread is best served warm, so enjoy it fresh out of the oven for the ultimate garlic bread experience.

How to Serve Garlic Bread Focaccia Recipe

Garnishes

Top your focaccia with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of finely grated Parmesan for an elegant finish. Some toasted pine nuts or a light drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil can also add lovely textures and nuances to elevate the dish.

Side Dishes

Garlic Bread Focaccia pairs beautifully with hearty soups like tomato basil or creamy mushroom, vibrant salads, or classic Italian pastas. It’s also a fantastic companion to charcuterie boards, balancing salty meats and cheeses with its buttery, garlicky richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your focaccia as a base for mini open-faced sandwiches topped with roasted vegetables and fresh mozzarella. Or slice it thinly to create crispy crostini, perfect for scooping up dips or tapenades at your next gathering. The versatility of this Garlic Bread Focaccia Recipe is truly endless!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover focaccia, wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store it at room temperature for up to two days. This helps maintain its chewy texture without drying it out.

Freezing

You can freeze focaccia by wrapping it well in plastic wrap and then in foil or a freezer bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to one month. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature.

Reheating

To bring back that freshly baked crispiness, reheat slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make bread chewy or soggy instead of crisp and warm.

FAQs

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh parsley?

Absolutely! Dried parsley works well in this recipe. Use about one teaspoon of dried parsley in place of one tablespoon fresh, keeping in mind dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.

How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

The dough has risen sufficiently when it has approximately doubled in size. You should be able to gently press your finger into the dough and see the indentation stay without bouncing back immediately.

Can I make this dough ahead of time and refrigerate it?

Yes! After the first rise, you can cover the dough tightly and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature and rise a bit more before shaping and baking.

What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?

If you don’t have Italian seasoning on hand, you can mix your own by combining dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary. This fresh blend will add a great herbal punch to the focaccia.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

This particular recipe relies heavily on gluten for structure and texture, so it’s challenging to convert directly to gluten-free. However, experimenting with gluten-free flour blends designed for bread baking could work with some trial and error.

Final Thoughts

Making this Garlic Bread Focaccia Recipe is like inviting a warm hug from your oven: it’s comforting, flavorful, and utterly satisfying. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it becomes a favorite for sharing with friends and family, or simply enjoying on your own with a cup of soup or salad. So dive in, get your hands a little floury, and bake up this sensationally tasty bread that’s bursting with garlic buttery goodness. Trust me, your kitchen and taste buds will thank you!

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