Hey there! I’m so excited to share my Focaccia Cheesy Garlic Bread recipe with you. This is my new favorite way to enjoy cheesy garlic bread! It starts with a simple homemade focaccia bread, then gets layered with mozzarella and cheddar cheese and a generous spread of garlic butter on top. Baked in a cast-iron skillet, it comes out perfectly melted and bubbly1. Trust me, it’s irresistible!
Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe is perfect for beginners. The no-knead dough requires minimal effort3.
- Quick: From start to finish, you can have this bread ready in under two hours1.
- Customizable: Feel free to get creative with your cheese and toppings1.
- Delicious: The combination of garlic butter, herbs, and melted cheese on a soft focaccia base is simply divine3.
Quick Facts
- Prep Time: 20 minutes1
- Cook Time: 20 minutes1
- Resting Time: 1 hour1
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes1
- Serving Size: 8 servings3
Ingredients
For the Bread
- 1 cup warm water1
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar1
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast1
- ⅓ cup olive oil1
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning1
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic1
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt1
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (312.5 g)1
For the Garlic Butter
- ¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter, melted1
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese1
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic1
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley1
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt1
For the Toppings
Let’s Get Baking!
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, mix the yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it gets foamy. In a separate small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, and salt1.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour half of the olive oil mixture into the yeast mixture, reserving the other half. Stir in the flour until just combined. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a tea towel, and let it rise for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size1.
- Make Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, parsley, and salt. Set aside1.
- Assemble the Bread: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush the remaining oil mixture into a 12-inch cast-iron skillet1.
- Layer the Dough: Place half of the dough into the skillet, pressing it to the edges. Dimple the dough with your fingers. Top with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, saving the rest for later1.
- Add the Top Layer: On a piece of parchment paper, flatten the remaining dough into a 12-inch circle. Invert the parchment paper over the cheese layer in the skillet. Remove the parchment paper and dimple the top layer of dough1.
- Add Garlic Butter and Cheese: Spread the garlic butter over the top of the dough. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the garlic butter1.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly1.
- Slice and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing. If you want easy-to-pull-apart strips, take the bread out after 16 minutes, cut the strips, and bake for another 2 minutes1.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping1.
- Pairs perfectly with spaghetti and meat sauce or any pasta dish1.
- Enjoy it as a side with soups or salads.
Tips for Customization
- Cheese: Try using different cheeses like Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or a blend of Italian cheeses12.
- Herbs: Experiment with fresh rosemary, thyme, or oregano in the dough or garlic butter63.
- Spices: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a little heat.
- Toppings: Consider adding sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or caramelized onions for extra flavor.
FAQs
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
- Yes, but you’ll need to proof the yeast first. Mix it with warm water and sugar, and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy before adding it to the other ingredients5.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
- Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. Just bring it to room temperature before continuing with the recipe5.
How do I store leftover focaccia?
- Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Nutritional Information:
- I am sorry, I cannot provide you with the nutritional information for this recipe, as it was not included in the search results.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Focaccia Cheesy Garlic Bread! Let me know in the comments how it turns out and what variations you try. Happy baking!
