Garlic Bread Focaccia

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, (plus more for drizzling)
• 1 cup warm water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons flaked sea salt
• 1/4 cup butter
• 4 cloves garlic, (minced)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, (finely chopped)
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. 1

   In a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, measure the ingredients into the bowl in this order: yeast, sugar, water, olive oil, and flour. Turn on the mixer to medium speed and allow the dough to come together and knead for 5 minutes.

2. 2

   Add the salt and knead for 5 more minutes.

3. 3

   Form the dough into a ball and transfer to a large glass bowl. Drizzle the top of the dough ball with a teaspoon or two of olive oil. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside in a warm spot to proof for 90 minutes.

4. 4

   Remove the plastic wrap and punch the dough down with your fist. This will release the air and deflate the dough.

5. 5

   Transfer the dough to a well-greased 9x13 baking dish. Once again, cover with plastic wrap and proof the dough for 30 more minutes.

6. 6

   While the dough is proofing, preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.

7. 7

   Once the dough has proofed, remove the plastic wrap and drizzle the top of the dough with two tablespoons of olive oil. Sprinkle over the sea salt.

8. 8

   Using your fingertips, gently poke deep dimples randomly over the surface of the dough.

9. 9

   Bake for 15 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and crispy.

10. 10

    While the bread bakes, melt the butter in a skillet with the garlic over medium heat until the garlic is fragrant and lightly browned. Remove the butter and garlic from the heat and set aside.

11. 11

    Remove the bread from the oven and immediately brush the top of the bread with the butter and garlic mixture.

12. 12

    Sprinkle over the cheddar cheese, followed by the parmesan, and the chopped parsley.

13. 13

    Return the bread to the oven for 3 minutes.

14. 14

    Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to rest in the baking dish for 5 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack to cool.

15. 15

    Once cooled to the touch, slice and serve.