Follow Me On Social Media!
Crispy Cheesy Focaccia Bread
Crispy Cheesy Focaccia Bread is a delightful Italian classic that has a special place in my heart—and dinner table. Every time I make it, the aromatic scent of garlicky goodness fills my kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around. This dish is not just a bread; it’s the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for sharing. Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch, looking for a cozy family dinner, or simply craving a warm, cheesy snack, this focaccia hits the spot and impresses every time.
What Makes This Recipe Special
The magic of Crispy Cheesy Focaccia Bread lies in its irresistible combination of flavors and textures. Imagine sinking your teeth into a golden, crispy crust giving way to soft, airy bread flecked with savory garlic and rich Parmesan. This recipe is fantastic for a few reasons: it’s quick to prepare, budget-friendly, and can easily be customized to suit various tastes.
Prepare this focaccia for a weeknight dinner, a casual family brunch, or even a holiday gathering marked by good food and good company. Its beautiful presence on the table is sure to be the star of the meal.
"This focaccia is incredible! I made it for my family pizza night, and it was gone in minutes. The crispy edges and cheesy goodness are a game-changer!" — Happy Home Cook
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Crispy Cheesy Focaccia Bread is easier than you might think! With just a few simple steps, you’ll be well on your way to creating this mouthwatering dish. We’ll begin by preparing a flavorful dough that rises to perfection and then baking it to golden goodness, all while enjoying the delightful aromas wafting through your kitchen.
- Combine warm water and yeast in a bowl and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes bubbly.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Create a well in the center, adding the yeast mixture and olive oil.
- Mix the ingredients until a dough forms, then knead for 5-10 minutes until smooth.
- Place your dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour or until it’s doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- After the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a greased baking sheet. Stretch it out to fit the pan.
- Top the stretched dough with minced garlic, grated Parmesan, and fresh herbs.
- Dimple the surface of the dough with your fingers for added texture.
- Drizzle with olive oil and let it rise again for 20 minutes.
- Bake your focaccia for 20-25 minutes until it turns a lovely golden brown.
- Allow it to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
🍰 30 Easy No-Bake Desserts
A delicious collection of no-bake treats you can make anytime, including:
- ✨ Chocolate lovers’ dreams – fudgy bars, truffles & mousse
- 🍓 Fruity delights – creamy parfaits, lemon & mango desserts
- 🥜 Nutty & indulgent – peanut butter & pistachio bites
- 🍋 Citrus & refreshing – lemon, orange creamsicle & key lime
- 🍪 Classic favorites – icebox cakes & cookie dough cups
Instant digital download • Secure checkout via Gumroad
Gather Your Ingredients
To whip up this Crispy Cheesy Focaccia Bread, here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups warm water
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1/4 cup olive oil (plus more for drizzling and greasing)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh herbs (like rosemary or thyme) for garnishing
Feel free to substitute all-purpose flour with bread flour for an even chewier texture or use any cheese of your preference to customize the flavor.
Step-by-Step Directions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Let it activate until bubbly for 5-10 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour and salt together.
- Make a well in the flour and pour in the yeast mixture along with olive oil.
- Combine until a rough dough forms and knead until smooth.
- Transfer the dough into an oiled bowl, cover with a towel, and place it in a warm spot. Allow to rise until doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Once risen, punch down the dough and reshape it on a greased baking sheet.
- Sprinkle with minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, and the fresh herbs you choose.
- Dimple the dough with your fingertips, then drizzle with additional olive oil.
- Let it rise again for about 20 minutes.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is beautifully golden.
- Cool before slicing!
Best Way to Serve
This Crispy Cheesy Focaccia Bread is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in numerous ways!
- Serve it as a standalone appetizer with your favorite dipping oil or balsamic vinegar.
- Pair it with a hearty soup or salad for a complete meal.
- Use it as a base for your favorite sandwich, layering meats and vegetables to create lunch perfection.
Feel free to experiment, as this focaccia is stunning served warm or at room temperature!
Storage Tips
To keep your Crispy Cheesy Focaccia Bread fresh, it’s essential to store it properly. Here’s how:
- Room Temperature: If you plan to enjoy it within a day or two, place the focaccia in a breadbox or wrap it in a clean kitchen towel to maintain its crispiness.
- Refrigerator: For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Just note that refrigeration can alter the texture slightly.
- Freezing: If you have leftovers, slice and freeze them in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. It’s perfect for later meals!
Always ensure to reheat it quickly in the oven for that delicious crispy texture!
Expert Advice
Here are some handy tips to elevate your focaccia game:
- Don’t skip the dimpleing step. This creates those delightful pockets for the olive oil and toppings.
- Adjust seasoning. Feel free to sprinkle some salt over the surface before baking to enhance flavor.
- Experiment! Add sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or caramelized onions as additional toppings for a flavor explosion.
Recipe Variations
Looking to spice things up? Here are a few creative twists on the classic focaccia:
- Herb-Infused: Add various dried herbs into the dough for an additional flavor punch.
- Cheese Varieties: Swap Parmesan for mozzarella, cheddar, or goat cheese. The possibilities are endless!
- Spicy Option: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the topping for a bit of heat or even jalapeños.
Your Questions Answered
How long does it take to prepare this focaccia bread?
The overall preparation time, including rising and baking, is about 2 hours, but the hands-on work is relatively minimal—about 30 minutes.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?
Absolutely! However, you may need to adjust the liquid slightly since whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture.
How do I know when the dough has risen enough?
The dough should approximately double in size; you can gently press your finger into the dough, and if the indentation remains, it’s ready!
Crispy Cheesy Focaccia Bread is not just a recipe; it’s an invitation to gather around the table and savor good food together. Whether for a casual dinner or a festive occasion, this bread will undoubtedly delight everyone who tries it!
Print
Crispy Cheesy Focaccia Bread
- Total Time: 95 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful Italian classic with a golden, crispy crust and soft, airy bread flavored with garlic and Parmesan.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups warm water
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1/4 cup olive oil (plus more for drizzling and greasing)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh herbs (like rosemary or thyme) for garnishing
Instructions
- Combine warm water and yeast in a bowl and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until bubbly.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Create a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil.
- Mix ingredients until a dough forms, then knead for 5-10 minutes until smooth.
- Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm area for about 60 minutes or until doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a greased baking sheet, stretching it to fit the pan.
- Top the stretched dough with minced garlic, grated Parmesan, and fresh herbs.
- Dimple the surface with your fingers, then drizzle with olive oil and let it rise again for 20 minutes.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
Store in a breadbox or wrapped in a kitchen towel for short-term; wrap in plastic for longer storage or freeze sliced. Reheat in the oven for crispiness.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: focaccia, Italian bread, cheesy bread, garlic focaccia, homemade bread
