Easy Garlic Butter Focaccia Recipe

Introduction

Easy Garlic Butter Focaccia is a soft, flavorful Italian bread perfect for snacking or accompanying meals. Infused with garlic, herbs, and Parmesan, this homemade focaccia offers a delightful combination of buttery richness and crisp texture.

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups warm water
• 2 tsp active dry yeast
• 2 tbsp honey or granulated sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (plus more for greasing pan)
• 1/2 cup salted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced or grated
• 1/2 cup chopped parsley
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 6 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (for drizzling and pan)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of warm water with the honey or sugar and stir until dissolved. Sprinkle in the yeast, stir gently, and set aside for about 10 minutes until foamy and doubled in size.
2. Step 2: In a separate large bowl, mix the flour and salt evenly. Pour the yeast mixture into the flour, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and mix until a sticky dough forms. Cover and let rise in a warm spot until doubled, 1 to 3 hours.
3. Step 3: Near the end of the rise, melt butter in a pan over low heat. Add minced garlic and chopped parsley, and simmer gently until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Step 4: After the dough has risen, remove the cover and gently scrape down the sides with oiled hands. Pour the garlic butter over the dough, then use the ‘pick-up, fold-in’ method to stretch and fold the dough 8 times. Cover and rest for 15 minutes for a second rise.
5. Step 5: Grease a 9×13 inch pan generously with olive oil. Pour 4 to 6 tablespoons of olive oil in the pan, then transfer the dough, stretching it gently to fit without tearing. Cover and let rise for 45 minutes for the final proof.
6. Step 6: After the last rise, sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the dough and drizzle with another 4 to 6 tablespoons of olive oil. Dimple the dough using oiled fingertips to create indentations. Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C).
7. Step 7: Bake the focaccia for 18 to 22 minutes until golden and crisp. Optionally, drizzle a bit more olive oil right after baking for extra flavor.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme alongside parsley for additional fragrance.
• For a dairy-free version, replace butter with olive oil in the garlic-herb mixture.
• Try adding sliced olives or sun-dried tomatoes on top before baking for a savory twist.
• Ensure water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast without killing it.

Storage

Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container or wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the focaccia wrapped in plastic and foil for up to 1 month. Reheat in a warm oven to restore crispness before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast. Use about 1 1/2 teaspoons, and mix it directly with the flour without proofing in water first.

How do I get the classic focaccia dimples?

After the final rise, dip your fingertips in olive oil and press gently but firmly into the dough surface. This prevents large bubbles and creates the signature texture.

Easy Garlic Butter Focaccia Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 61 reviews

A simple and flavorful recipe for Easy Garlic Butter Focaccia that combines a soft, airy bread dough with a rich garlic-herb butter infusion and a savory Parmesan topping. Perfect as a side dish or for dipping in olive oil.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 1 focaccia loaf (serves 8) 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups warm water
• 2 tsp active dry yeast
• 2 tbsp honey or granulated sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (plus more for greasing pan)

For the garlic-herb butter:

• 1/2 cup salted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced or grated
• 1/2 cup chopped parsley

For the topping:

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 6 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (for drizzling and pan)

Instructions

1. Activate yeast: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of warm water with the honey or sugar and stir until dissolved. Sprinkle in yeast, stir gently, and set aside for 10 minutes until foamy and doubled in size.
2. Make the dough: In a separate bowl, mix flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and 1 tbsp olive oil. Mix until sticky dough forms. Cover and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 3 hours until doubled.
3. Prepare garlic-herb butter: Melt salted butter over low heat, add minced garlic and chopped parsley, and gently simmer until fragrant, avoiding burning the garlic.
4. Incorporate garlic butter: After the first rise, with oiled hands, scrape dough sides, pour in slightly cooled garlic butter. Stretch and fold dough 8 times, then cover and rest for 15 minutes for a second rise.
5. Prepare pan and final rise: Grease a 9×13 inch pan with olive oil. Drizzle 4-6 tbsp olive oil on bottom. Transfer dough gently, stretch to fit without tearing, cover, and let rise 45 minutes for final proof.
6. Add toppings and bake: Sprinkle grated Parmesan and any seasonings over dough. Drizzle 4-6 tbsp olive oil on top. Use oiled fingers to dimple dough surface. Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C) and bake 18-22 minutes until golden brown and crisp. Optionally, drizzle extra olive oil after baking.

Notes

• Ensure the water used to activate yeast is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
• Resting times for the dough rising may vary depending on room temperature.
• Use a light hand when stretching the dough to avoid tearing.
• Fresh parsley provides the best flavor, but dried can be used in a pinch.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with vegan butter or olive oil.
• Serve warm for best texture and flavor.

Keywords: garlic butter focaccia, Italian bread, homemade focaccia, garlic herb bread, easy focaccia recipe, Parmesan focaccia