Go Back

Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread

An incredibly easy, no-knead focaccia bread topped with savory garlic, fresh rosemary, and nutty Parmesan cheese.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 18 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
Calories: 285

Ingredients
  

Focaccia Dough
  • 4 cups bread flour (500g)
  • 2 tsp instant yeast (8g)
  • 2 tsp fine sea salt (10g)
  • 1.75 cups warm water (415ml, about 105°F/40°C)
  • 0.25 cup extra virgin olive oil (60ml), plus more for pan
Topping
  • 6 cloves garlic finely minced
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated (50g)
  • 2 tbsp fresh rosemary
  • 1 tsp flaky sea salt for topping
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil for drizzling

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • 9x13 inch Baking Sheet
  • Wire rack
  • Plastic Wrap or Kitchen Towel

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together bread flour, instant yeast, and fine sea salt. Add the warm water and 1/4 cup olive oil. Mix with a spatula until a shaggy, sticky dough forms with no dry flour spots. No kneading is required.
  2. Drizzle a little oil in the bowl and turn the dough to coat. Cover tightly and let rise in a warm place for 1.5-2 hours until doubled, OR for best flavor, refrigerate for 12-48 hours.
  3. On baking day, generously coat a 9x13 inch baking pan with 2-3 tbsp of olive oil. Tip the dough into the pan. Gently stretch and press the dough to fit the pan. Let it rest if it resists. Drizzle with a little more oil.
  4. Cover the pan with a towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours until puffy. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) 30 minutes into this rise.
  5. Oil your fingertips and press deep dimples all over the surface of the dough.
  6. Evenly sprinkle the minced garlic and rosemary over the dough, pressing gently. Follow with the grated Parmesan and a final sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Drizzle with 2 tbsp of olive oil.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the top is a deep golden brown and the bottom is crisp. An internal thermometer should read 190-200°F (88-93°C).
  8. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

For the best flavor and texture, the cold ferment (refrigerating the dough for 12-48 hours) is highly recommended. The dough will be very sticky; this is normal and essential for an open crumb. Use wet or oiled hands to handle it.