Creating homemade focaccia with garlic butter is a satisfying and rewarding experience. Imagine the aroma of freshly baked focaccia wafting through your kitchen. This flavorful bread, seasoned with garlic and buttery goodness, can elevate any meal.
It’s not just a bread but a centerpiece that brings a touch of homemade charm to your table.
I’ve devoted countless weekends to perfecting my garlic butter focaccia recipe, and it has become a staple in my home. This recipe combines the perfect blend of chewy bread, crispy edges, and aromatic garlic butter that you crave in classic focaccia.
When I first served it to my family, the entire loaf disappeared within minutes, and they haven’t stopped requesting it since.
You might wonder if making focaccia at home can match the experience from a bakery. The answer is a resounding yes. The simplicity of the ingredients and the straightforward preparation ensures that anyone can achieve impressive results.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying bread recipes for the first time, this garlic butter focaccia is sure to become one of your favorites.
Why You Will Love Garlic Butter Focaccia
Garlic Butter Focaccia is a delightful treat that you won’t want to miss. The combination of soft, airy bread with a crispy, golden crust is simply irresistible. When you add a layer of rich garlic butter, it takes this classic Italian bread to a new level of deliciousness.
One of the reasons you’ll adore Garlic Butter Focaccia is its comforting aroma. As it bakes, your kitchen will be filled with the inviting scent of garlic and herbs. It’s like bringing a slice of an Italian bakery right into your home.
Creating this focaccia can be a joyful experience. Baking is therapeutic, and with this simple recipe, you’ll feel like a baker extraordinaire.
Plus, it offers a versatile base. Top it with olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or herbs for a personalized touch that suits your taste.
Not only is it enjoyable to make, but it’s also highly versatile in use. Serve it as a side with soups and salads or use it to craft a mouthwatering sandwich. Whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy evening treat, this bread fits right in.
Finally, it’s something to share with loved ones. You’ll find joy in seeing their faces light up with every fluffy, flavorful bite. Garlic Butter Focaccia brings people together, making meals memorable. Indulging in this delightful bread is a heartwarming experience you’ll want to repeat.
How To Make Garlic Butter Focaccia
Garlic butter focaccia combines the flavors of roasted garlic and rich butter with the fluffy texture of Italian bread. Follow these steps to create a delicious and aromatic bread at home.
Ingredients
To start, gather the following ingredients:
- Focaccia Dough:
- 2 cups bread flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 packet active dry yeast or instant yeast
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 cup lukewarm water
- Garlic Butter Topping:
- ½ cup salted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
- Sea salt, rosemary, and red pepper flakes to taste
Instruments
For preparation, these instruments will be needed:
- Mixing Bowl: For combining dough ingredients.
- Baking Tray: To bake the focaccia.
- Rolling Pin: For spreading out the dough, if desired.
- Knife and Cutting Board: To mince garlic and chop herbs.
- Small Pan: To melt butter and infuse it with garlic.
A wire rack can also be useful for cooling the bread.
Step By Step Instruction
- Start by preparing the dough. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the bread flour with kosher salt and yeast.
- Add lukewarm water and honey, stirring well until a dough forms. Knead the dough lightly until it becomes smooth.
- Let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size.
- Once the dough is ready, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently stretch it to fit your baking tray.
- For the garlic butter, melt salted butter in a small pan over medium heat.
- Stir in minced garlic and chopped parsley until fragrant.
- Spread this garlic butter evenly over the focaccia dough. Sprinkle sea salt, rosemary, and red pepper flakes over the top for extra flavor.
- Bake the focaccia in the preheated oven for around 20-25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown.
- Cool it briefly on a wire rack before serving.
- Enjoy the warm, fragrant garlic butter focaccia with any meal or as a snack on its own.
Tips & Tricks
Making the perfect garlic butter focaccia is easier with a few practical tips. Start with quality ingredients. Fresh garlic, good olive oil, and aromatic herbs will boost flavor.
No-knead dough is your friend. Mix ingredients well, then give the dough time to rise. This method lets gluten form naturally, saving you effort without losing that tender texture.
For a crisp crust, be generous with olive oil. Drizzle a healthy amount on the baking pan and on top of the dough. This ensures your focaccia gets that signature golden crust.
Dimple the dough before baking. Pressing your fingers gently into the dough creates pockets for flavor. These pockets capture the garlic and oil, enhancing every bite.
If you love cheese, sprinkle mozzarella or Gruyere on top before baking. This twist adds a rich, cheesy layer while complementing the garlic butter.
Lastly, bake your focaccia until it’s golden. If needed, let it bake a few extra minutes for a crispy exterior.
Ingredient Substitute
If you’re out of butter for your garlic butter focaccia, don’t worry. Olive oil is an excellent substitute. It gives a rich flavor and keeps the bread moist. Use an equal amount as you would butter.
For a twist, you can use garlic confit instead of raw garlic. The slow-cooked garlic brings a sweet, buttery texture. Mash it with a bit of oil for easy spreading.
Missing sea salt? Opt for flakey sea salt if available. It provides a delightful crunch and enhances the bread’s flavor. Just sprinkle it on top before baking.
If you prefer homemade touches, try making your own garlic butter. Mix softened butter with minced garlic and herbs. Adjust amounts to taste and enjoy a homemade touch in your focaccia.
For herbs, rosemary and thyme are great. If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried herbs work just as well, though you might need less.
A bread machine can help if you lack time. It handles the dough-making process, so you can focus on personalizing your flavors.
What To Serve With Garlic Butter Focaccia
Garlic butter focaccia has a deliciously rich and savory flavor. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes that complement its taste. Here are some ideas to consider:
Cheesy Delight: Love cheese? Serve your focaccia with a sprinkle of mozzarella or Parmesan cheese on top. This adds an extra layer of gooey delight, enhancing the savory experience. You can even enjoy it as an alternative to traditional cheesy garlic bread.
Saucy Companion: Marinara sauce works wonders as a dipping option. Its tangy and robust flavors balance the buttery garlic notes of the focaccia. Warm up a bowl of marinara for a cozy meal.
Fresh Choices: Pair your focaccia with a classic Caprese salad. The fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella cheese provide a refreshing contrast, packed with vibrant flavors.
Simple Elegance: An antipasto platter with olives, cured meats, and roasted vegetables brings diverse textures and flavors. It’s perfect for sharing and makes your meal feel extra special.
Soup Pairing: Try dipping your garlic butter focaccia in a creamy tomato basil soup. The smooth, rich texture of the soup complements the crispy, flavorful bread perfectly. It feels like a warm embrace in every bite.
Serving Tips:
- Warm It Up: Serve focaccia warm for the best taste.
- Extra Cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, consider adding some shredded mozzarella cheese before baking for a cheesy crust.
These suggestions will complement your garlic butter focaccia beautifully, making it a star at any meal.
Nutrition Fact
When you’re eyeing garlic butter focaccia, you might be wondering about its nutritional profile. This tasty bread can add a unique flavor to your meal, but it’s also essential to know what’s in it.
- Calories: For each piece, you might expect around 120 calories. This depends on the brand and size.
- Total Fat: A typical serving has about 3 grams of fat. It includes fats from both the butter and olive oil often used in recipes.
- Carbohydrates: Focaccia can have a significant amount of carbs. Sometimes, carbs make up 61% of its macronutrient breakdown.
- Protein: Each serving offers a small amount of protein, usually around 12%. This comes from flour and any toppings like cheese.
- Sodium: Depending on how it’s made, it can contain a fair amount of sodium. This gives that yummy salty taste but is something to watch if you’re monitoring salt intake.
- Vitamins and Minerals: While it doesn’t have high levels of vitamins, it can have traces from ingredients like garlic and wheat.
Garlic Butter Focaccia
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Baking tray
- Rolling Pin (optional)
- Knife and cutting board
- Small Pan (for melting butter)
- Wire Rack (for cooling)
Ingredients
- Focaccia Dough:
- 2 cups bread flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 packet active dry yeast or instant yeast
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 cup lukewarm water
- Garlic Butter Topping:
- ½ cup salted butter
- 4 cloves garlic finely minced
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons parsley chopped
- Sea salt rosemary, and red pepper flakes to taste
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together bread flour, kosher salt, and yeast. Add lukewarm water and honey, stirring to form dough. Knead until smooth, then let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, stretching it to fit a baking tray.
- In a small pan, melt butter and stir in minced garlic and parsley. Spread the garlic butter over the dough, then sprinkle with sea salt, rosemary, and red pepper flakes.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Let the focaccia cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Total Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: Varies based on salt
- Vitamins & Minerals: Traces from garlic, wheat
