Introduction
Transform humble ingredients into a culinary masterpiece with this Garlic Parmesan Focaccia recipe! This isn’t your average bread; it’s a flavour explosion packed with wholesome goodness, perfect for a balanced diet. We’ll guide you through creating a light, fluffy focaccia brimming with aromatic garlic and the satisfying sharpness of parmesan, all while keeping it nutritious and delicious. Get ready to elevate your weeknight meals with this addictive yet healthy treat!
Why This Works
This recipe shines because of its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The fragrant garlic and sharp parmesan create a captivating taste experience, while the airy, slightly chewy focaccia provides the perfect textural contrast. It’s also incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and simple techniques, making it accessible to even novice bakers. Plus, we’ve focused on using whole wheat flour for added fiber, ensuring this indulgence fits seamlessly into a healthy lifestyle.
Key Ingredients
- 🍞 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 💧 1 cup warm water
- 🥚 1 large egg
- 🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 🧀 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 🧂 1 teaspoon salt
- 🌿 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 🫒 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
1️⃣ In a large bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This activates the yeast, crucial for a light and airy loaf.
2️⃣ Add the whole wheat flour, egg, minced garlic, parmesan cheese, salt, and oregano to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
3️⃣ Lightly flour a clean surface and knead the dough for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. This develops the gluten, enhancing the texture of your focaccia.
4️⃣ Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough inside, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
5️⃣ Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly oil a baking sheet.
6️⃣ Gently punch down the dough and transfer it to the prepared baking sheet. Stretch and gently press the dough into a rectangular shape.
7️⃣ Drizzle the olive oil over the dough, using your fingers to spread it evenly. Dimpling the surface creates pockets for the oil to pool, adding flavor and moisture.
8️⃣ Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C).
Handy Tips
- For a richer flavor, use freshly grated parmesan cheese.
- If you don’t have dried oregano, fresh oregano works equally well (use about 2 tablespoons).
- Don’t overknead the dough. Overkneading can result in a tough focaccia.
Heat Control
Baking at 400°F (200°C) ensures even browning and a perfectly cooked interior. Using a thermometer to check the internal temperature guarantees the focaccia is fully baked through, avoiding a soggy center.
Crunch Factor
This focaccia boasts a delightful combination of textures — a soft, airy interior with a slightly crispy, golden-brown crust. The perfect balance of chewy and crisp makes every bite satisfying.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the dough.
- To make individual serving sizes, divide and shape the dough into small rounds before baking.
- Use a pizza stone for an extra crispy crust.
Storage Tips
Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze slices wrapped individually in plastic wrap.
Gift Packaging Ideas
Wrap individual slices of focaccia in parchment paper and tie with ribbon for a thoughtful and delicious gift. A small card with the recipe would be a lovely touch.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Rosemary Garlic: Add 1 tablespoon of fresh rosemary along with the garlic.
🌟 Sun-dried Tomato & Basil: Incorporate ½ cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes and 1 tablespoon of dried basil.
🌟 Asiago & Roasted Red Peppers: Use Asiago cheese instead of parmesan and add roasted red peppers for a beautiful color and slightly sweet taste.
🌟 Everything Bagel: Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning over the dough before baking.
Troubleshooting
- Dough is too sticky: Add a tablespoon of flour at a time until the dough becomes manageable.
- Focaccia is too pale: Increase the baking time by a few minutes.
- Focaccia is too brown: Reduce the oven temperature by 25°F (15°C) and watch closely.
FAQ
- Can I use active dry yeast? Yes, but follow the package instructions for activation.
- Can I make this focaccia ahead of time? You can prepare the dough ahead, let it rise overnight in the refrigerator, and bake it in the morning.
- Can I use different types of flour? While whole wheat flour is recommended for added nutrition, you can experiment with bread flour or all-purpose flour. Note the texture may change slightly.
- Can I add other vegetables? Yes! Caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers make delicious additions.
- Is this recipe suitable for freezing? Yes, freeze individual slices for easy snacking.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoy this incredibly flavorful and healthy Garlic Parmesan Focaccia. It’s the perfect balance of wholesome ingredients and irresistible taste. Share this recipe with your friends and family, and let us know how your focaccia turns out! Happy baking!
Healthy Garlic Parmesan Focaccia: Guilt-Free Indulgence
A light and flavorful focaccia bread topped with garlic and Parmesan, perfect for guilt-free snacking.
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup warm water (110u00b0F)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add whole wheat flour, salt, olive oil, minced garlic, and black pepper to the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 30 minutes or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 400u00b0F (200u00b0C).
- Once risen, punch down the dough and transfer it to a greased baking sheet. Press it out into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick.
- Make dimples in the dough with your fingers and sprinkle with chopped rosemary and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Let the dough rest for another 10-15 minutes, then bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Tips
- For extra flavor, brush the focaccia with a little more olive oil before baking.
- Serve warm with a side of balsamic vinegar for dipping.