This Garlic Parmesan Focaccia with Spicy Hot Honey is soft, cheesy, and a little sweet with a kick. It makes a great snack or side. If you like garlic and cheese, try a similar dish like garlic parmesan chicken pasta for a full meal.
Why make this recipe
Make this recipe when you want warm bread with bold flavors. It is easy to share. The Parmesan adds nutty taste and the hot honey adds a bright, spicy finish. This bread works for dinners, parties, or an easy snack.
How to make Garlic Parmesan Focaccia with Spicy Hot Honey
Follow these clear steps to make the dough, shape it, and bake it. Be gentle when you handle the dough to keep it light and airy. For a meaty side, you can pair the focaccia with garlic steak bites.
Ingredients :
- 2 cups warm water
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Spicy hot honey (to drizzle)
- Fresh herbs (optional, for garnish)
Directions :
- In a large bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until bubbly.
- Add the flour, olive oil, salt, minced garlic, and half of the Parmesan cheese to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Punch down the dough and spread it into a greased baking sheet.
- Create dimples in the dough using your fingers.
- Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with remaining Parmesan, and any herbs if using.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Once out of the oven, drizzle hot honey over the focaccia before serving.
How to serve Garlic Parmesan Focaccia with Spicy Hot Honey
Cut into squares or strips. Serve warm. Drizzle more hot honey if you like it sweeter and spicier. It goes well with soups, salads, or as a side to main dishes.
How to store Garlic Parmesan Focaccia with Spicy Hot Honey
Cool completely before storing. Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap well and freeze up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven until warm.
Tips to make Garlic Parmesan Focaccia with Spicy Hot Honey
- Use warm water, not hot, to activate the yeast.
- Do not over-knead; stop when the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Make dimples with your fingers to hold oil and toppings.
- Add herbs after baking if you want a fresh herb taste.
- Drizzle hot honey right before serving so it stays glossy.
Variation
- Add sliced olives or cherry tomatoes on top before baking.
- Swap some Parmesan for asiago for a sharper cheese taste.
- Make it garlic-free by omitting minced garlic and using herbed oil.
FAQs
Q: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
A: Yes. Use the same amount but mix it directly with the dry ingredients and reduce the initial wait time.
Q: How spicy should the hot honey be?
A: That is up to you. Use a mild hot honey for a hint of heat or a hotter version for a stronger kick.
Q: Can I make smaller loaves instead of one large sheet?
A: Yes. Divide dough into smaller pans and adjust bake time a little until golden.
Q: Do I need to use all-purpose flour?
A: All-purpose works best for this recipe. Bread flour will make it chewier; cake flour will make it too soft.
Q: Can I skip the Parmesan?
A: You can, but Parmesan adds salt and nutty flavor that pairs well with the hot honey.
Conclusion
Try a version with asiago and hot honey for a sharper cheese note by following the inspiration from Hot Honey Parmesan & Asiago Sourdough Bread, or see a garlic-forward focaccia idea at Garlic Bread Focaccia – Spices in My DNA.
Garlic Parmesan Focaccia with Spicy Hot Honey
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups warm water Use warm water, not hot, to activate the yeast.
- 1 packet active dry yeast Can substitute with instant yeast.
- 5 cups all-purpose flour Best for this recipe; can substitute with bread flour for a chewier texture.
- 1/4 cup olive oil Additional for drizzling.
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic Omit for a garlic-free version.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Can replace some with asiago for a sharper flavor.
Toppings
- Spicy hot honey Drizzle over the focaccia before serving.
- Fresh herbs (optional) Add after baking for a fresh taste.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until bubbly.
- Add the flour, olive oil, salt, minced garlic, and half of the Parmesan cheese to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
Baking
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Punch down the dough and spread it into a greased baking sheet.
- Create dimples in the dough using your fingers.
- Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with remaining Parmesan, and any herbs if using.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Once out of the oven, drizzle hot honey over the focaccia before serving.