Irresistibly Delicious Garlic Cheese Focaccia Bread: A Melt-in-Your-Mouth Recipe
There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked bread filling your home, and this Garlic Cheese Focaccia Bread is no exception. Light, impossibly tender, and generously soaked with a delicious medley of butter, fragrant garlic, aromatic herbs, and savory cheese, this focaccia is a true culinary delight. It’s absolutely perfect for sopping up every last drop of your favorite rich marinara sauce or the comforting tail end of a hearty soup. Prepare yourself: once you experience the sheer joy of this homemade focaccia, you’ll be utterly hooked.
Making bread from scratch can sometimes feel daunting, but this garlic cheese focaccia recipe is remarkably straightforward and incredibly rewarding. It’s a fantastic introduction to yeast breads for beginners, and a comforting go-to for seasoned bakers. The process itself is wonderfully therapeutic, allowing you to knead out the day’s stresses and embrace the simple pleasure of creating something delicious with your own hands. The result? A golden, flavorful loaf that brings warmth and happiness to any meal.
Baking as a Source of Comfort and Joy
Life can often throw unexpected curveballs, completely derailing our well-laid plans. There are weeks when everything feels a little chaotic, from managing sick children to unexpected trips to the orthodontist, and even the occasional spontaneous shopping spree (because sometimes, retail therapy is just what you need, even if it’s just a quick run to Aldi’s!). In these moments of delightful disarray, finding a peaceful, grounding activity can make all the difference. For me, that solace often comes in the form of baking, especially when it involves a wonderfully forgiving and flavorful recipe like this Garlic Cheese Focaccia Bread.
Even when my routine is completely turned upside down – perhaps by a compelling new season of my favorite show calling for a binge-watching session, or the exciting anticipation of a first-ever blogging workshop (fingers crossed I don’t make a complete fool of myself, which, admittedly, has happened before!) – the act of baking bread brings a sense of calm. There’s something profoundly satisfying about working with dough, transforming simple ingredients into a beautiful, edible creation. It’s a reminder that even amidst minor mishaps and delightful diversions, there’s always a comforting constant: the joy of creating delicious food.
The Therapeutic Art of Making Focaccia
This Garlic Cheese Focaccia bread has quickly become one of my absolute favorite yeast breads to prepare. It’s incredibly simple, yet so much fun. Honestly, the process of making this focaccia serves as the best kind of old-fashioned therapy, perfect for working out all the frustrations and tensions that life can throw at you. You get to mix, knead, beat, and then satisfyingly poke holes in the dough – it’s wonderfully cathartic! For a yeast bread, it comes together quite quickly, though perhaps not as rapidly as my beloved Asiago Cheese Soft Pretzels. While it does require a little bit of time and patience, it’s not one of those recipes where you’re left waiting for hours and hours to enjoy the fruits of your labor. The entire process, from start to hot-from-the-oven finish, is genuinely enjoyable.
A Simple Process, Incredible Results
The beauty of this garlic cheese focaccia lies in its straightforward method. You start by bringing together the simple dough ingredients: water, butter, salt, flour, and instant yeast. After a brief knead, a quick rest allows the dough to relax and develop. Then, you gently pat it down onto your baking sheet, letting it rise for about half an hour until it’s beautifully puffed up. This is where the fun really begins! Once risen, you get to poke a multitude of inviting holes into the dough – these aren’t just for aesthetics, they’re crucial for flavor. Into these delightful dimples, you’ll pour a generous mix of melted butter, fragrant garlic, fresh parsley, and a scattering of your chosen cheese.
Bake this incredible creation for about half an hour, and watch as it transforms into a golden-brown masterpiece. The moment it emerges from the oven, your kitchen will be enveloped in an intoxicating aroma that truly smells like heaven. Serving it fresh and warm ensures the most delightful experience, with the butter and cheese still gloriously melty.
Why Focaccia Outshines Traditional Garlic Bread
While I certainly appreciate a good slice of traditional garlic bread, I fell head over heels for this garlic cheese focaccia precisely because of its unique construction. The magic lies in those little holes you lovingly poke into the dough. Unlike regular garlic bread where the topping often sits mostly on the surface, with focaccia, all that glorious butter and garlic seeps down into every single crevice. This ensures that every bite is infused with a burst of garlicky, buttery goodness, creating perfect little “sauce pockets” ready to scoop up extra marinara. It’s an elevated experience, offering a more profound and satisfying flavor distribution throughout the entire loaf.
This recipe is particularly wonderful during the cooler months, as it pairs exquisitely with hearty pastas and warming soups. Indeed, one of my favorite aspects of autumn and winter weather is the excuse to indulge in comforting bread and delicious soup combinations. Keep an eye out, because another one of my favorite bread and soup pairings, a delightful Beer Bread, will be making an appearance on the blog very soon!
Tips for Achieving the Perfect Focaccia
- Water Temperature is Key: When working with yeast, ensuring your water is the right temperature is crucial. Aim for around 105-115 degrees F (40-46 degrees C). A simple trick is to test it on the inside of your wrist, just like you would a baby’s bottle – it should feel comfortably warm, not hot. This gentle warmth activates the yeast without killing it.
- Kneading for Elasticity: Don’t rush the kneading process. Whether by hand or with a stand mixer, kneading for 5-10 minutes is essential to develop the gluten in the flour. This is what gives focaccia its signature chewy yet tender texture. Your dough should become smooth and elastic.
- The Rise: Patience is a virtue, especially with yeast doughs. Give your dough a warm spot to rise until it doubles in size. This usually takes 30-45 minutes, but ambient temperature can affect this, so always go by visual cues.
- Dimpling for Flavor: The dimples aren’t just for show! They create pockets for the melted butter, garlic, and cheese to pool, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor. Don’t be shy – poke those holes deep enough (1/2 to 3/4 inch).
- Generous Topping: Don’t skimp on the topping! Ensure the melted butter covers the entire surface and seeps into all the dimples. The garlic salt, parsley, and cheese will melt into a fragrant, savory crust that’s truly irresistible.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
While this garlic cheese focaccia is utterly delicious on its own, it’s incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. Beyond soaking up marinara and soup, consider these serving ideas:
- Appetizer: Cut into small squares and serve with a balsamic vinegar and olive oil dip for an elegant starter.
- Sandwiches: Slice horizontally and use it as a flavorful base for Italian-style sandwiches with deli meats, fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil.
- Breakfast/Brunch: Top with a fried egg and a sprinkle of chili flakes for a savory morning treat.
- Side Dish: A perfect accompaniment to any Italian meal, grilled chicken, or a fresh green salad.
Feeling adventurous? Here are a few variations to try:
- Rosemary & Sea Salt: A classic focaccia topping. Omit the garlic and cheese, and instead sprinkle fresh rosemary and flaky sea salt over the butter.
- Sun-Dried Tomato & Olive: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and Kalamata olives to the topping mixture for a Mediterranean twist.
- Caramelized Onion: Sauté onions until deeply caramelized, then spread them over the focaccia before baking.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes into the garlic butter for a subtle heat.
No matter how you choose to enjoy it, this garlic cheese focaccia bread is bound to become a staple in your kitchen. It’s a recipe that delivers on flavor, comfort, and the undeniable satisfaction of homemade goodness.
Garlic Cheese Focaccia Bread
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Ingredients
Focaccia
- 1 cup water
- 2 Tablespoons butter (softened)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/4- 2 2/3 cup unbleached all purpose flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
Topping
- 2 Tablespoons melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse ground garlic salt
- 1 Tablespoon dried parsley
- 1/3 cup asiago (, parmesan, or romano cheese)
Instructions
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Heat water until warm (about 105-115 degrees F / 40-46 degrees C). A good way to check the temperature for yeast breads is to test the water on the inside of your wrist, much like you would a baby’s bottle. The water should feel just warm and comfortable, not hot.
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Pour the warm water into a large bowl and sprinkle in the instant yeast, stirring gently with a fork until it dissolves. Add 2 1/4 cups of unbleached all-purpose flour, the 2 tablespoons of very soft butter, and the salt to the bowl. Mix until a soft, shaggy dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough using a push-and-turn method, dusting with additional flour as needed to prevent sticking. Continue kneading for about 5-10 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky. Place the kneaded dough into a lightly oiled bowl, turning it once to coat. Cover the bowl with greased plastic wrap and let the dough rest in a warm spot for 10 minutes.
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After resting, transfer the dough onto a greased baking sheet. Using your hands, gently pat and stretch the dough into an approximately 12-inch circle or rectangle, depending on your preference. Cover the dough again with greased plastic wrap. Place the baking sheet in a warm spot and allow the dough to rise until it has doubled in size (this typically takes about 30-45 minutes).
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While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
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Once the dough has fully risen, use your fingertips to poke numerous deep holes (about 1/2 to 3/4 inch deep) evenly throughout the dough, spacing them about an inch or two apart. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, coarse ground garlic salt, and dried parsley. Brush this butter mixture generously over the entire surface of the focaccia dough, making sure some of the mixture pools down into the poked holes. Sprinkle the shredded cheese (Asiago, Parmesan, or Romano) evenly over the top. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the focaccia is beautifully golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve hot and enjoy the incredible aroma and flavor!
Nutrition
Perfect Pairings: Soups to Enjoy with Your Focaccia
There’s no better accompaniment to a warm slice of garlic cheese focaccia than a hearty, flavorful soup. The tender, buttery bread is ideal for dipping and soaking up every last bit of broth. Here are some of my favorite soup recipes that truly shine when paired with this irresistible focaccia: