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Cheesy Garlic Focaccia Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 62 reviews

This Focaccia Cheesy Garlic Bread combines the wonderful texture of focaccia bread with a rich, flavorful cheese and garlic butter topping. Soft, fluffy bread layers filled with mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, flavored with Italian seasoning and garlic, make this recipe a perfect warm appetizer or side. Baked in a cast-iron skillet, it boasts a golden crust and bubbly cheese finish, ideal for dipping in marinara sauce.

Ingredients

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Bread Dough

  • 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 and Cheese Topping

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

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it rest for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Prepare Oil Mixture: In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, and kosher salt. This mixture will infuse the dough with flavor.
  3. Combine Dough Ingredients: Pour half of the prepared oil mixture into the yeast mixture, stirring to integrate. Then, add the all-purpose flour to this mixture and stir until a dough forms.
  4. Let Dough Rise: Transfer the dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
  5. Preheat Oven: When the dough is ready, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) to prepare for baking.
  6. Prepare Skillet: Pour the remaining half of the olive oil mixture into a 12-inch cast-iron skillet. Use a pastry brush to evenly coat the bottom and sides of the skillet with the oil.
  7. Shape and Press Dough: Press half of the risen dough into the prepared skillet, spreading it to the edges. Use your fingers to create characteristic dimples in the dough, which helps the focaccia texture.
  8. Add Cheese Layer: Evenly sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the pressed dough layer.
  9. Add Second Dough Layer: On a piece of parchment paper, shape the remaining dough into a 12-inch circle with your hands. Invert the parchment paper over the cheese layer in the skillet and carefully peel back the paper, leaving the second dough layer on top.
  10. Make Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, grated parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, and kosher salt, mixing well.
  11. Brush Garlic Butter: Gently press your fingers into the top dough layer to create dimples, then brush the garlic butter mixture generously over the top surface.
  12. Add Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup shredded mozzarella and all of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the buttered dough.
  13. Bake the Bread: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 23-25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese on top is melted and bubbling.
  14. Serve: Remove from oven and cut into strips. Serve hot with marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

  • Make sure the water for activating the yeast is warm, not hot, to preserve yeast activity.
  • Allowing the dough to double in size is critical for a light, airy focaccia texture.
  • If you don’t have a cast-iron skillet, use a 12-inch oven-safe skillet or baking pan coated with olive oil.
  • Pressing dimples into the dough helps the focaccia hold toppings and develop its signature texture.
  • Use freshly grated cheeses for best melting and flavor results.
  • Serve freshly baked and warm to enjoy the melty, gooey cheese texture.

Keywords: focaccia, cheesy garlic bread, Italian bread, garlic bread, mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan, skillet bread, savory appetizer, focaccia recipe

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