Golden Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread

Garlic Focaccia Recipe

Description

Garlic Focaccia, a delightful quick bread, hails from Northern Italy, offering a delectable alternative to pizza. This basic yet versatile recipe from the Garlic Lovers Cookbook invites you to personalize it with your favorite toppings like olives, mushrooms, cheese, anchovies, or artichoke hearts. Freshly baked and aromatic, this focaccia is perfect when served hot from the oven, but it also retains its wonderful flavor when stored for later enjoyment. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying lunch, a tasty snack, or a unique side dish, Garlic Focaccia is a crowd-pleaser.

Key Details

• Cook Time: 24 minutes
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 39 minutes
• Recipe Category: Quick Breads
• Keywords: Breads, Lunch/Snacks, Grains, European, < 60 Mins, Oven

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup fresh garlic
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 3 cups biscuit mix
• 1 cup milk
• 1/3 cup buttermilk
• Parmesan cheese (for sprinkling)

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 318
• Fat Content: 18.3 g
• Saturated Fat Content: 4.5 g
• Cholesterol Content: 8.8 mg
• Sodium Content: 653.9 mg
• Carbohydrate Content: 31.9 g
• Fiber Content: 1.1 g
• Sugar Content: 5.3 g
• Protein Content: 6.6 g

Instructions

1. Prepare the Garlic and Oil:

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   • Gently sauté the fresh garlic in olive oil until it turns yellow, approximately 10 minutes. This process infuses the oil with garlic’s rich flavor, creating a fragrant base for the focaccia.
   • Strain the garlic, reserving both the sautéed garlic and the infused oil separately.

2. Mix the Dough:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the biscuit mix, sautéed garlic, and milk. Stir until the mixture forms a cohesive dough.

3. Prepare the Baking Dish:

   • Pour a generous third of the reserved garlic-infused oil into a 7 x 11-inch baking dish or pan. Use a brush or your fingers to spread the oil evenly across the bottom and sides of the pan, ensuring the dough won’t stick and will absorb the garlic flavor.

4. Shape the Dough:

   • Transfer the dough to the prepared baking dish. With floured fingers, pat the dough out evenly to cover the bottom of the pan.
   • Use a knife blade or skewer to poke holes into the dough every 2 inches. These holes will allow the remaining oil to penetrate the dough, enhancing its flavor and creating a beautifully textured crust.

5. Add Remaining Oil:

   • Pour the remaining garlic-infused oil over the top of the dough. Spread it evenly with your fingers, ensuring the entire surface is coated.

6. Sprinkle Parmesan:

   • Generously sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the dough. The cheese will melt and create a golden, savory crust as the focaccia bakes.

7. Bake the Focaccia:

   • Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
   • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 24 minutes, or until the focaccia is golden brown and cooked through. The edges should be crisp, and the center should spring back slightly when pressed.

8. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Remove the focaccia from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing. Enjoy it warm, savoring the rich garlic flavor and the crispy, cheesy crust. This focaccia pairs wonderfully with soups, salads, or as a standalone snack.

Customization Tips

Garlic Focaccia is a versatile base that welcomes a variety of toppings to suit your taste preferences:

• Olives: Add pitted and halved black or green olives for a briny, salty contrast to the garlic and cheese.
• Mushrooms: Sauté mushrooms with a bit of garlic and thyme, then scatter them over the dough before baking.
• Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, goat cheese, or fontina for varying flavors and textures.
• Anchovies: For an umami kick, place a few anchovy fillets over the dough before baking.
• Artichoke Hearts: Add marinated artichoke hearts for a tangy and slightly sweet addition.

Storage Tips

Garlic Focaccia keeps well, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers:

• Room Temperature: Store the focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes to refresh its texture.
• Freezing: For longer storage, wrap the focaccia tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven before serving.

Perfect Pairings

To elevate your dining experience, pair your Garlic Focaccia with complementary dishes:

• Soups: Serve with hearty soups like minestrone, tomato basil, or creamy mushroom for a comforting meal.
• Salads: Pair with fresh salads such as Caesar, Caprese, or mixed greens with a tangy vinaigrette.
• Dips: Enjoy with dips like hummus, spinach artichoke dip, or roasted red pepper spread.

Nutritional Considerations

While Garlic Focaccia is undeniably delicious, here are some tips for making it a bit healthier:

• Whole Wheat: Substitute part or all of the biscuit mix with whole wheat flour to increase fiber content.
• Low-Fat Milk: Use low-fat or skim milk instead of whole milk to reduce fat content.
• Less Oil: Reduce the amount of oil used, though this may slightly affect the texture and flavor.

Conclusion

Garlic Focaccia is a timeless classic that brings the comforting flavors of Italy to your kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, preparing a family meal, or simply indulging in a flavorful snack, this recipe is sure to impress. The balance of aromatic garlic, rich olive oil, and savory Parmesan cheese creates a delightful bread that pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Enjoy the process of making and sharing this delicious focaccia, and feel free to experiment with different toppings and variations to make it your own. Buon appetito!