Focaccia Cheesy Garlic Bread is one of those recipes that brings everyone together. Imagine the aroma wafting through your kitchen: buttery, garlicky, and oh-so-cheesy goodness. You can feel the anticipation as your loved ones gather around, ready to enjoy this delicious dish with you. It’s perfect for family dinners, game nights, or just a cozy evening at home. You’ll love the fluffy texture of the focaccia, combined with layers of gooey cheese that melt in your mouth. Plus, the garlic butter brushed on top adds an irresistible finish. This simple yet indulgent recipe is a great way to impress your friends and family while keeping it casual. So, let’s chat about why this Focaccia Cheesy Garlic Bread works so well, what ingredients you’ll need, and how to get that perfect bake.
Why This Recipe Works
When you think of focaccia, you might picture a fluffy, airy loaf. The secret lies in the yeast. Yeast is a living organism that ferments the sugars in your dough, producing carbon dioxide gas. This gas forms bubbles that create that beloved rise in your focaccia. So, when you see the dough puffing up, know it’s working its magic!
Layering cheese is another key element. By adding cheese between layers of dough, you create that gooey, melty texture that makes every bite worth savoring. It also provides pockets of flavor, so each piece is an explosion of cheesy goodness.
And let’s not forget the garlic-infused butter! When you brush this onto the focaccia before baking, it seeps into the dough and enhances every bite with a delicious, aromatic flavor. This combination of elements makes this focaccia a standout star.
Why You’ll Love This Focaccia Cheesy Garlic Bread
The first thing you’ll notice is the heavenly aroma filling your kitchen. As it bakes, the garlicky scent mingles with the smell of melting cheese, beckoning everyone to come take a taste. Once you pull it out of the oven, the sight of that golden, bubbly bread will make your mouth water.
This Focaccia Cheesy Garlic Bread isn’t just a treat for your taste buds; it’s visually stunning, too. The golden crust contrasts beautifully with the melted layers of cheese, and those little dimples on top give it character. Serving it at your gatherings will impress guests and create a cozy atmosphere that everyone will love.
Whether you enjoy it as a side dish, an appetizer, or a midnight snack, it’s sure to bring joy. Plus, the fact that it’s warm and cheesy makes it a comfort food classic that never goes out of style.
Ingredients for Focaccia Cheesy Garlic Bread
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- â…“ cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Gather these ingredients before you start, so you’re prepared to bring this delicious dish to life.
The Process of Making Focaccia Cheesy Garlic Bread
Combining the Ingredients for Bread Dough
Start by mixing warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it starts to bubble. That’s the yeast activating, and it’s an exciting moment!
While you wait, combine the olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic, and salt in a small bowl. This mixture will boost the flavor of your dough, preparing it for the deliciousness ahead.
Mixing Dough for Focaccia
Once the yeast mixture is bubbly, it’s time to combine. Add half of the oil mixture to the yeast blend. Stir in all-purpose flour a little at a time until well combined. After mixing, place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover it up and let it rise for about 1 hour. It should double in size, becoming fluffy and ready for the next steps.
Preparing for Baking
While the dough rises, preheat your oven to 450°F. This high temperature creates a lovely crust while keeping the inside tender. Brush a cast-iron skillet with the remaining olive oil mixture, ensuring it’s well coated to prevent sticking and add flavor.
Assembling Focaccia Layers
When the dough has risen, spread half of it into the skillet. Then create dimples all over the surface using your fingers. This step not only looks cute but also helps the cheese melt beautifully. Next, layer with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, ensuring even coverage for that gooey goodness.
Shaping and Finishing Touches
Now, it’s time to shape the remaining dough. On a piece of parchment paper, form it into a 12-inch circle. Carefully invert the dough onto the cheesy layer in the skillet and remove the parchment paper.
Prepare the garlic butter by mixing melted butter, parmesan, garlic, parsley, and salt. Brush this mixture over the top of the dough, allowing it to soak in. Finally, dimple the surface again and sprinkle the remaining cheeses on top. The more cheese, the better!
Baking to Perfection
Slide your skillet into the oven and bake for 23-25 minutes. Keep an eye on it! You’re looking for a golden brown crust with melted, bubbly cheese. The aroma will fill your space as it cooks, making it hard to resist.
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your experience, serve this Focaccia Cheesy Garlic Bread alongside a rich marinara sauce for dipping. It’s perfect to share, making it great for gatherings or family meals. You can also pair it with a fresh salad to balance out the decadence, ensuring a wholesome meal full of flavor.
Tips for Success
To ensure your Focaccia Cheesy Garlic Bread turns out well, here are a few helpful tips:
- Check your yeast: Make sure it’s fresh; old yeast won’t rise as well.
- Play with the cheese: Experiment with your favorite cheeses for a unique twist.
- Watch the time: Different ovens can vary. Keep an eye on the bread to avoid over-browning.
Variations
Feel free to get creative!
- Add chopped herbs into the dough or top it with fresh basil for extra flavor.
- Swap the cheddar for a cheese you love, like gouda or swiss.
- For a spicy kick, toss in some crushed red pepper flakes!
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, pop it back in the oven to restore that crispy crust.
Pairing Ideas
Focaccia Cheesy Garlic Bread pairs wonderfully with:
- A glass of crisp white wine or a smooth craft beer.
- A creamy soup on a chilly day for a comforting meal.
- Roasted vegetables for a balanced and satisfying feast.
FAQs
What can I use instead of mozzarella cheese?
Consider provolone or fontina for a different flavor profile that still melts beautifully.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare it and refrigerate it, but remember to give it extra time to rise when you’re ready to bake.
Can I freeze the focaccia?
Yes, once it’s cooled completely, wrap it tightly and freeze it for up to 3 months.
How can I make it vegan?
Swap almond milk for butter and use your favorite non-dairy cheese to keep it delicious and plant-based.
Can I add toppings?
Of course! Add olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or fresh herbs to customize your garlic bread.
Focaccia Cheesy Garlic Bread is more than just food; it’s a way to connect over flavors that warm the heart. Whether you’re feasting with family or enjoying a quiet night in, every bite invites joy and satisfaction. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let this recipe become a shining star in your kitchen!
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Focaccia Cheesy Garlic Bread
This Focaccia Cheesy Garlic Bread is a delightful combination of fluffy bread, gooey cheeses, and aromatic garlic butter, making it a perfect comfort food for any occasion.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- â…“ cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Mix warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl and let sit for 5 minutes until bubbly.
- Combine olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic, and salt in a small bowl.
- Add half of the oil mixture to the yeast blend, then stir in flour until combined.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for about 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 450°F and brush a skillet with remaining olive oil mixture.
- Spread half of the dough into the skillet and create dimples on the surface.
- Layer with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
- Shape remaining dough into a circle and invert onto the cheesy layer.
- Mix garlic butter ingredients and brush over the top dough.
- Bake for 23-25 minutes until golden brown.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Ensure your yeast is fresh for optimal rising.
Experiment with different cheeses for a unique flavor.
Monitor baking time to avoid over-browning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Unsaturated Fat: 4
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 8
- Cholesterol: 20
