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Cheesy Garlic Focaccia Bread Recipe

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4.2 from 67 reviews

This Focaccia Cheesy Garlic Bread is a deliciously soft and fluffy bread loaded with garlic, herbs, and a generous blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Perfectly baked in a cast-iron skillet, the focaccia boasts a golden crust, bubbly cheese topping, and a rich garlic butter finish, making it an ideal appetizer or side for any meal.

Ingredients

Bread

  • 1 cup warm water
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
  • ⅓ cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 ½ cups (312.5 g) all-purpose flour

Garlic Butter

  • ¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Toppings

  • 1 ½ cups (169.5 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded, divided
  • 1 cup (113 g) cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir briefly, then let it rest for 5 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy to ensure it’s active.
  2. Prepare oil mixture: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, and kosher salt. Pour half of this flavorful oil mixture into the yeast mixture and set the other half aside for later use.
  3. Make the dough: Add the all-purpose flour to the combined yeast and oil mixture. Stir thoroughly until a dough forms and all ingredients are incorporated.
  4. First rise: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it to prevent drying out, and let it rest for 1 hour or until it doubles in size, indicating proper fermentation.
  5. Preheat oven: When the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) to prepare for baking.
  6. Prepare skillet: Pour the remaining oil mixture into a 12-inch cast-iron skillet and use a pastry brush to evenly coat the skillet’s surface, helping the dough to not stick and adding flavor.
  7. Shape first dough layer: Place half of the dough into the skillet. Use your fingers to stretch and work it toward the edges and create characteristic dimples all over the dough’s surface for authentic focaccia texture.
  8. Add cheese layer: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough placed in the skillet.
  9. Shape second dough layer: On a sheet of parchment paper, shape the remaining dough into a 12-inch circle. Invert the parchment paper over the cheese layer in the skillet and carefully peel back the parchment, leaving the dough on top of the cheese.
  10. Prepare garlic butter: In a small bowl, combine melted unsalted butter, grated parmesan, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, and kosher salt, mixing well to create the garlic butter spread.
  11. Add garlic butter and dimples: Gently press your fingers into the top dough to create dimples as before. Brush the garlic butter mixture generously over the top dough layer to infuse garlicky flavor and moisture.
  12. Add remaining cheese: Top the dough with the remaining shredded mozzarella and the cheddar cheese evenly to create a rich cheesy crust.
  13. Bake: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 23 to 25 minutes, or until the focaccia is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
  14. Serve: Remove from oven and serve the focaccia cheesy garlic bread hot, ideally accompanied by marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

  • Use warm water around 110°F (43°C) to activate the yeast effectively without killing it.
  • Letting the dough rise fully ensures a light and fluffy focaccia texture.
  • You can substitute the cast-iron skillet with a heavy oven-safe baking pan if necessary.
  • Fresh herbs can be added to the garlic butter for extra flavor variations.
  • Leftover focaccia is best stored in an airtight container and can be reheated in the oven to regain crispness.
  • For a vegan version, substitute butter with vegan butter and use vegan cheese alternatives.

Find it online: https://deliciousyum.com/cheesy-garlic-focaccia-bread-recipe/