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
- Make the yeast mixture: In a large bowl, mix 2 cups warm water with 2 tbsp honey or granulated sugar until dissolved. Sprinkle 2 tsp active dry yeast over the water, stir gently, and let sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
- Prepare and rise the dough: In another large bowl, combine 4 cups all-purpose flour and 1 tsp salt. Pour the yeast mixture into the flour and add 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil. Stir until a sticky dough forms. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 to 3 hours.
- Make the garlic butter: Melt 1/2 cup salted butter in a small pan over low heat. Add minced garlic and chopped parsley, simmer gently until fragrant, then remove from heat.
- Incorporate garlic butter and do second rise: Lightly grease your hands with olive oil, scrape down the dough from the bowl sides, pour cooled garlic butter over the dough, and using the ‘pick-up, stretch, and fold’ technique, turn the bowl and fold the dough about 8 times. Cover and rest for 15 minutes.
- Prepare the pan and do final proof: Generously grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with olive oil and pour in 4 to 6 tbsp olive oil to coat the bottom. Transfer the dough gently into the pan, stretch to fill without tearing, cover, and let rise for 45 minutes.
- Top, dimple, and bake: After the last rise, sprinkle 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese over the dough. Drizzle another 4 to 6 tbsp olive oil on top. Using oiled fingertips, press dimples all over the surface. Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C) and bake for 18 to 22 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Cool, slice, and serve: Let the focaccia cool for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Use all-purpose flour for best results; bread flour can be used for a chewier texture., Instant yeast can replace active dry yeast in equal amounts; mix directly with dry ingredients if using., Honey can be substituted with granulated sugar or maple syrup; omitting sweetener may reduce yeast activation., Salted butter can be replaced with unsalted butter plus a pinch of salt or with olive oil for a dairy-free version., Fresh parsley can be substituted with dried parsley (2-3 tbsp) or other fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano., Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Romano, Asiago, or sharp cheddar, or omitted for dairy-free option, adding more herbs instead., Do not rush dough rising; it needs at least 1 to 2 hours to double for light, fluffy bread., Use warm water (about 100–110°F) for activating yeast to avoid killing it., Be generous with olive oil for a tender crust; drizzle on pan and dough surface., Preheat oven fully; adding a pan of water to create steam can help develop a crusty golden crust., Store focaccia at room temperature wrapped in a towel or bread box for up to 2 days, refrigerated up to 1 week wrapped tightly, or freeze up to 3 months., Reheat wrapped in foil in 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or toast slices directly for a crunchy treat.
- Prep Time: 30-60 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/10th of the loaf)
- Calories: 390-420 per serving (based on 10 servings)
- Fat: 20-22 g per serving
- Carbohydrates: 42-45 g per serving
- Protein: 5.5-6.5 g per serving