Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this delicious focaccia to life:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
You can substitute honey with sugar if needed, and feel free to experiment with herbs like thyme or oregano for a different twist. The recipe is very forgiving and open to personalization!
Instructions
- Start by dissolving the yeast and honey in warm water in a large mixing bowl. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This is a little tip from my abuela; she always said that patience is the secret ingredient in bread making.
- Add the flour, 1/4 cup olive oil, and 2 teaspoons of salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until the dough begins to come together.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. If you have little helpers in the kitchen, let them join in; it’s a great way to share the joy of cooking.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Punch down the dough to release the air, then transfer it to the prepared baking sheet. Stretch and press the dough out to form a rectangle about 1 inch thick.
- Using your fingers, dimple the surface of the dough. Drizzle generously with olive oil, and sprinkle the minced garlic, grated Parmesan, rosemary, and coarse sea salt over the top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted beautifully, filling your home with an irresistible aroma.
- Allow the focaccia to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International