Linda CainGarlic focaccia bread is a versatile and flavorful treat that pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. A classic pairing is olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Drizzling your focaccia with high-quality olive oil and rich balsamic vinegar enhances its flavor and makes for a delightful starter. For a refreshing contrast, an arugula salad with parmesan shavings and a lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the garlic bread, offering a light, zesty complement.
Focaccia also pairs wonderfully with soups; imagine dipping a warm slice into a hearty minestrone or creamy tomato basil soup—it’s comfort food at its finest. If you’re hosting a gathering, adding garlic focaccia to a charcuterie board is an excellent choice.
The bread pairs beautifully with cheeses, cured meats, and pickled veggies, creating a sophisticated and tasty spread.
For a fun, flavorful touch, serve your focaccia with dipping sauces like pesto or a spicy marinara. Each bite becomes a new adventure for your taste buds. These pairings enhance the experience of garlic focaccia, turning it into a star of your meal or gathering.
I remember the moment I first tasted garlic focaccia bread. It was soft yet crispy, with flavors exploding in my mouth. That experience ignited a passion for bread-making that continues today.
There’s something magical about baking your own bread, especially when garlic is involved. It brings a warm, comforting vibe to your kitchen and your table.
Garlic focaccia bread is not just a recipe; it’s an adventure in flavors and textures. This dish speaks the language of Italy, where bread is revered. The smell of freshly baked focaccia wafting through your home can turn an ordinary day into a delightful occasion.
Let’s explore what garlic focaccia bread really is, why it deserves a spot on your dining table, and how you can recreate that aromatic experience right at home.
What is Garlic Focaccia Bread?
Garlic focaccia is a type of Italian flatbread that’s infused with garlic goodness. Its origins trace back to the Mediterranean regions, where it has been enjoyed for centuries. The addition of garlic elevates the focaccia, transforming it from a simple bread into a flavor-packed dish.
What makes focaccia stand out is its airy, light texture combined with a crisp exterior. It’s not just about the bread but also about the sentiments it carries—a loaf baked with care can spark laughter and stories around the dinner table.
What is the Flavor Profile of This Dish?
The flavor profile of garlic focaccia is a harmonious blend of savory and aromatic elements. Picture this: the rich taste of extra virgin olive oil, enhancements from garlic, and subtle hints of rosemary. Each bite reveals layers of flavor that dance on your palate.
Garlic: Earthy and fragrant, it creates a rich backbone.
Olive Oil: Adds a flavorful depth, bringing moisture and richness.
Rosemary: Offers a piney and slightly minty note, a classic pair with garlic.
Salt: Elevates all flavors, making each bite enjoyable.
The overall experience is a delightful invitation, one that keeps you reaching for another piece.
What Makes This Recipe Different from Other Garlic Focaccia Bread?
What sets my recipe apart is not just a pinch of creativity but also the use of homemade garlic butter. Many recipes call for standard garlic oil, but by blending butter with freshly roasted garlic, I create a richer taste that enhances the focaccia.
Moreover, using unique ingredients like freshly grated parmesan and chives adds depth and complexity. This focaccia is infused with love, care, and a little extra flair. Trust me; this is what elevates it to a different level.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need for this scrumptious garlic focaccia, keeping in mind we want quality ingredients:
Garlic Butter
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 50 g freshly grated parmesan
- 2 whole garlic bulbs
- 30 g fresh chives, finely chopped
- 100 g unsalted butter, softened
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp lemon zest
Focaccia
- 680 g warm water (34°C / 100°F) – 95% hydration
- 700 g strong white bread flour
- 12 g fine sea salt
- 1 tbsp honey
- 7 g active dry yeast
- 60 g extra virgin olive oil
- 4 tbsp homemade garlic butter
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter
First, let’s roast the garlic. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the top off the garlic bulbs to expose the cloves. Drizzle some olive oil on them and wrap them in aluminum foil. Roast them for about 30-35 minutes until soft and caramelized.
Once they cool, squeeze those beautiful cloves into a bowl. Mix in softened butter, chives, lemon zest, parmesan, salt, and pepper. Set this heavenly mixture aside.
Step 2: Activate the Yeast
In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, honey, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This process is crucial as it activates the yeast, contributing to the texture of your focaccia.
Step 3: Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, blend the strong white bread flour and fine sea salt. Once the yeast mixture is ready, pour it into the flour alongside the olive oil. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
This dough isn’t going to be smooth at first, but that’s okay. We want that stickiness; it means it’s hydrating properly.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Dust a clean surface with flour and turn the dough out. Knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. If it’s sticking too much, sprinkle just a bit of flour, but keep it hydrated.
Step 5: First Rise
Transfer the dough into a greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 6: Shape the Focaccia
After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Grease a baking tray or line it with parchment paper. Place the dough into the tray and stretch it to fill it, creating dimples with your fingers.
Step 7: Second Rise
Cover the shaped focaccia with a towel again and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes. This part enhances its fluffiness!
Step 8: Preheat the Oven & Add Toppings
While the dough is resting, preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Once rested, drizzle your homemade garlic butter generously over the dough, making sure it seeps into every dimple. Sprinkle fresh rosemary and some extra sea salt for flavor.
Step 9: Bake the Focaccia
Place the tray in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on the outside. Your kitchen will smell heavenly.
Step 10: Cool and Serve
Remove the focaccia from the oven and let it cool slightly. Slice it into squares or strips and enjoy while it’s warm!
Tips on Making Garlic Focaccia Bread
Here are key tips to help you perfect your focaccia:
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: Don’t skimp on the olive oil and flour. Quality products make a big difference.
- Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to add olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or different herbs to personalize your focaccia.
- Maintain Hydration: A well-hydrated dough leads to a light texture. Don’t hesitate to use the right water ratio.
- Ensure Yeast is Fresh: Old yeast can kill your dough. Check the expiration date!
- Let it Rest: Patience pays off. Allow the dough ample time to rise for the best texture.
How Can I Store This Garlic Focaccia Bread?
Storing garlic focaccia is easy. You have options:
- Room Temperature: Keep it at room temperature for about 2 days in an airtight container to maintain its fluffiness.
- Refrigeration: If you want to extend its life, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge for up to a week.
- Freezing: For longer storage, slice the focaccia and wrap it in foil or freezer-safe bags. It can last for a month in the freezer. Just warm it in the oven when you want to enjoy it!
What If the Items Are Not Available in My Kitchen? Substitute Options
If you’re missing some ingredients, here are great substitutes:
- Parmesan Cheese: Grana Padano or nutritional yeast can provide a similar cheesy flavor.
- Fresh Rosemary: Dried rosemary or even Italian seasoning can stand in when fresh herbs aren’t available.
- Active Dry Yeast: Instant yeast can also work without needing activation.
- Honey: Maple syrup or agave nectar can replace honey; they add sweetness without altering the texture.
Garlic Focaccia Bread Recipe
Equipment
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 50 g freshly grated parmesan
- 2 whole garlic bulbs
- 30 g fresh chives finely chopped
- 100 g unsalted butter softened
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- Focaccia
- 680 g warm water 34°C / 100°F – 95% hydration
- 700 g strong white bread flour
- 12 g fine sea salt
- 1 tbsp honey
- 7 g active dry yeast
- 60 g extra virgin olive oil
- 4 tbsp homemade garlic butter
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary
Instructions
- First, let’s roast the garlic. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the top off the garlic bulbs to expose the cloves. Drizzle some olive oil on them and wrap them in aluminum foil. Roast them for about 30-35 minutes until soft and caramelized.
- Once they cool, squeeze those beautiful cloves into a bowl. Mix in softened butter, chives, lemon zest, parmesan, salt, and pepper. Set this heavenly mixture aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, honey, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This process is crucial as it activates the yeast, contributing to the texture of your focaccia.
- In a large mixing bowl, blend the strong white bread flour and fine sea salt. Once the yeast mixture is ready, pour it into the flour alongside the olive oil. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
- This dough isn’t going to be smooth at first, but that’s okay. We want that stickiness; it means it’s hydrating properly.
- Dust a clean surface with flour and turn the dough out. Knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. If it’s sticking too much, sprinkle just a bit of flour, but keep it hydrated.
- Transfer the dough into a greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Grease a baking tray or line it with parchment paper. Place the dough into the tray and stretch it to fill it, creating dimples with your fingers.
- Cover the shaped focaccia with a towel again and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes. This part enhances its fluffiness!
- While the dough is resting, preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Once rested, drizzle your homemade garlic butter generously over the dough, making sure it seeps into every dimple. Sprinkle fresh rosemary and some extra sea salt for flavor.
- Place the tray in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on the outside. Your kitchen will smell heavenly.
- Remove the focaccia from the o
Notes
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: Don’t skimp on the olive oil and flour. Quality products make a big difference.
- Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to add olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or different herbs to personalize your focaccia.
- Maintain Hydration: A well-hydrated dough leads to a light texture. Don’t hesitate to use the right water ratio.
- Ensure Yeast is Fresh: Old yeast can kill your dough. Check the expiration date!
- Let it Rest: Patience pays off. Allow the dough ample time to rise for the best texture.
Nutrition
FAQs
Conclusion
Garlic focaccia bread is so much more than just a recipe; it’s an experience filled with warmth, laughter, and great company. Every slice tells a story, igniting memories of family dinners and comforting evenings.
Baking this focaccia can transform your kitchen into a haven of mouthwatering aromas. This dish is perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying alone with a good book.
So, whether you take the plunge and bake your own or simply savor a slice from a local bakery, remember the joy that comes with each bite. You’ll soon realize, garlic focaccia isn’t merely a dish—it’s a connection to tradition, flavor, and the love that food brings to our lives.
Enjoy the journey!
