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Classic Garlic Bread Focaccia Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 103 reviews

This Classic Garlic Bread Focaccia is a beautifully airy and flavorful Italian bread infused with aromatic garlic butter, topped with flaky sea salt, fresh parsley, and Parmesan cheese. Its slow-fermented dough results in a perfectly textured, golden crust, ideal as a side for meals or a delicious snack on its own.

Ingredients

Scale

For the dough:

  • 2 cups warm water
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
  • 1 tsp granulated sugar
  • 5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tbsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

For topping and finishing:

  • extra olive oil, for drizzling
  • flaky sea salt, several pinches
  • chopped flat-leaf parsley, for garnish
  • freshly grated parmigiano reggiano cheese

For the garlic butter:

  • 4 tbsp salted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced or pressed

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast: In a medium mixing bowl, combine warm water, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar. Whisk thoroughly and let sit for 10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, ensuring the yeast is activated for baking.
  2. Prepare Dough: In a stand mixer bowl fitted with a dough hook, whisk together flour and kosher salt. Add the foamy yeast mixture and knead on low speed for 6 minutes until the dough is stretchy and pulls away from bowl sides. Alternatively, knead by hand until smooth and elastic.
  3. First Rise in Fridge: Lightly oil a large bowl with olive oil. Transfer dough into the bowl, turning to coat evenly. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 24 hours for slow fermentation to develop flavor and texture.
  4. Shape Dough: Remove dough from fridge. Pour 1/4 cup olive oil into a 9×13-inch metal baking pan and spread evenly. Place dough into pan, gently stretching it towards the edges. Cover and rest for 15 minutes at room temperature, then use fingertips to stretch dough fully to edges. Cover again and let rise for 3 hours.
  5. Preheat Oven and Prepare for Baking: Preheat oven to 450°F, allowing 5-10 minutes for it to fully reach temperature. Uncover dough, drizzle a couple tablespoons of olive oil on top, and create deep dimples all over surface with fingertips. Sprinkle flaky sea salt evenly.
  6. Bake Focaccia: Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top and sides turn deep golden brown. Rotate pan halfway through baking for even browning.
  7. Make Garlic Butter: While baking, melt salted butter in a small saucepan over medium to medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and sauté about 1 minute until fragrant and golden, then immediately remove from heat to prevent burning. Transfer to a heatproof bowl.
  8. Finish and Serve: Remove focaccia from oven and immediately brush warm garlic butter over the top. Sprinkle chopped parsley and freshly grated parmigiano reggiano cheese. Let cool slightly on a wire rack to keep crust crisp, or slice and enjoy warm.

Notes

  • Slow refrigeration for 24 hours enhances dough flavor and texture.
  • Use freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano for best flavor and melt.
  • Rotate the pan halfway during baking for even color and texture.
  • Garlic butter can be stored and used as a flavorful drizzle for other dishes.
  • Adjust the amount of flaky sea salt to taste for desired saltiness.

Keywords: Garlic bread focaccia, Italian bread, garlic butter focaccia, homemade focaccia, slow rise bread, garlic bread

Find it online: https://tastybynova.com/classic-garlic-bread-focaccia-recipe/