This Garlic Cheese Focaccia bread is one of the most fun yeast breads you can probably make – I fully admit I’m a bread addict. And usually when it comes to yeast breads, you have to wait for long, long periods of time for the dough to rise.
This is one of the easiest yeast breads you can make because it’s rather quick, and so incredibly easy. Every time we run into Costco to get things, I always see the Focaccia bread there – so incredibly expensive, I cannot justify spending $13 for 3-4 round pieces when I can make it myself at home.
Right?
This focaccia is very forgiving too – if you aren’t up for too much garlic, you can use rosemary, or basil… change up the cheese, or add some sun dried tomatoes.
- 1 C. Water
- 2 1/2 tsp Instant Yeast
- 2 Tbsp Butter, softened
- 1 tsp Salt
- 2 1/4 - 2 3/4 C. All Purpose, Organic Unbleached Flour
- 2 Tbsp Melted Butter
- 1/2 tsp Ground Garlic Salt
- 1 Tbsp Dried Parsley
- 1/2 tsp coarse Garlic Salt
- 1 Tbsp Parsley, dried
- 1/3 C. Mozzarella Cheese
- Heat the water to 105 - 115 - add to your KitchenAid, along with the yeast.
- Let that sit for 10 minutes to proof (it should froth - if it doesn't, then toss the yeast and buy new).
- Add the butter, salt and flour and mix just until dough forms - then turn out onto a floured surface. Knead the dough for about 5-10 minutes using the push, turn method (dusting a little flour as you need to).
- The dough should be smooth and elastic at this point.
- Place the dough in a greased/oiled bowl and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- After resting, place the dough on a greased baking sheet and work into a 12 inch circle.
- Cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel and place in a warm spot in the house and let it rise until it is doubled in size (about 30-60 minutes).
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Once the dough has risen, use your fingers to poke 1/2 - 3/4 inch deep holes through the dough - space them 2 inches or so apart.
- Then brush the dough with melted butter - ensure it falls down the holes and covers the circle completely.
- Sprinkle the dough with garlic salt, and then cheese, and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
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