Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 Cups Flour, Bread or All-Purpose
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1 Cup Water, warm
- 1 1/8 teaspoon Instant Yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon Granulated Sugar
Toppings
- Olive Oil (for drizzling and coating)
- 3 Cloves Garlic, minced
- 2/3 Cup Parmesan Cheese, fresh, grated
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, dry
- Maldon Flaked Sea Salt (to taste)
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a glass bowl, add the flour and kosher salt. Stir them together until evenly mixed to form the base for your dough.
- Activate Yeast and Mix Dough: In a glass measuring cup, combine the warm water, instant yeast, and granulated sugar. Let the mixture sit for about a minute to activate the yeast, then stir it into the flour mixture with a wooden spoon just until a dough forms.
- Cold Fermentation: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for 8 hours or overnight. This long cold rise helps develop the bread’s flavor and chewy texture.
- Prepare for Second Rise: Remove the dough from the fridge. Drizzle olive oil into an 8-inch round cake pan and transfer the dough into the pan, tucking the ends underneath to create a smooth surface.
- Allow Dough to Rise: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rise at room temperature for about 2 hours, until it has filled the pan and appears puffy.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dough Surface: Heat the oven to 450ºF (232ºC). Drizzle additional olive oil over the dough in the pan. Using your fingers, gently press holes into the dough down towards the bottom of the pan, but do not pierce through the dough.
- Make Topping Mixture: In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, and dry Italian seasoning.
- Add Toppings and Bake: Sprinkle the garlic, cheese, and herb mixture evenly over the top of the dough. Finish by sprinkling Maldon flaked sea salt to taste. Place the pan in the oven and immediately reduce the temperature to 425ºF (218ºC). Bake for 22 to 24 minutes or until the focaccia turns golden brown and the cheese is slightly melted.
Notes
- Use warm water that is around 100-110ºF (38-43ºC) to properly activate the yeast.
- The long refrigerator fermentation enhances the flavor but can be extended up to 12 hours if needed.
- Pressing holes into the dough before baking helps create the classic focaccia texture and allows the olive oil to permeate the bread.
- Maldon flaked sea salt adds a nice crunch and flavor but can be substituted with any coarse sea salt.
- Freshly grated Parmesan is preferred for better flavor and melting properties.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian