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Classic Garlic Bread Focaccia Recipe

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4.4 from 126 reviews

Classic Garlic Bread Focaccia is a flavorful and airy Italian bread combining the rich, buttery garlic taste of traditional garlic bread with the thick, chewy texture of focaccia. Perfect as a side, appetizer, or for sharing, this recipe uses simple pantry staples and involves slow fermentation for a restaurant-quality result with a crispy crust and fluffy interior. It’s great served with pasta, salad, soups, or grilled meats and can be made ahead with easy storage options.

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. Prepare the Yeast Mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, combine 2 cups warm water, 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast, and 1 tsp granulated sugar. Whisk thoroughly and let sit for 10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, signaling the yeast is activated and ready for use.
  2. Make and Knead the Dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, whisk together 5 cups all-purpose flour and 1 1/2 tbsp kosher salt. Add the foamy yeast mixture and knead on low speed for 6 minutes until the dough is stretchy and pulls away from the sides. Alternatively, knead by hand until smooth and elastic.
  3. First Rise: Chill the Dough: Lightly oil a large bowl with olive oil. Transfer the kneaded dough into the bowl and turn it to coat evenly. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 24 hours to allow slow fermentation, which develops flavor and an airy texture.
  4. Second Rise: Pan and Proof the Dough: Remove the dough from the fridge. Pour 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil into a 9×13-inch metal baking pan and spread to coat the bottom. Place the dough into the pan, gently stretching it toward the edges. Cover and let it rest at room temperature for 15 minutes, then stretch it fully to the edges. Cover tightly again and let rise at room temperature for 3 hours until expanded and pliable.
  5. Dimple and Bake the Focaccia: Preheat the oven to 450°F and let it fully heat for 5-10 minutes. Uncover the dough, drizzle a couple tablespoons of olive oil over the top, and use fingertips to create deep dimples all over the surface. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Bake for 20-25 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through, until the crust is deeply golden and crispy.
  6. Make the Garlic Butter: While the focaccia bakes, melt 4 tbsp salted butter in a small saucepan or skillet over medium to medium-low heat. Add 4 cloves minced garlic and sauté about 1 minute until fragrant and lightly golden. Remove from heat immediately to prevent burning and transfer to a heatproof bowl.
  7. Finish and Serve the Focaccia: Remove the focaccia from the oven and immediately brush the warm garlic butter evenly over the top. Sprinkle chopped flat-leaf parsley and freshly grated parmigiano reggiano cheese over the surface. Let the focaccia cool slightly on a wire rack to maintain crispness or serve warm.

Notes

  • Use kosher salt specifically; table salt or sea salt can make the bread too salty.
  • Maintain water temperature around 110°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
  • Do not rush the long fermentation; it is key to the focaccia’s airy texture.
  • Generously oil the dough surface before baking to create crispy, golden pockets.
  • Allow the bread to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing to avoid gummy texture.
  • Store covered at room temperature up to 2 days or wrap tightly for refrigeration up to a week.
  • Focaccia freezes well when wrapped tightly; thaw before reheating in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes.
  • Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can substitute parsley for a different flavor profile.

Keywords: garlic bread focaccia, focaccia recipe, garlic butter bread, Italian bread, homemade focaccia, garlic bread

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