Hot Honey Focaccia Recipe with Garlic Parmesan Magic

If you’ve never tried Hot Honey Focaccia before, let me just say—you’re in for a treat! This recipe combines sweet and spicy hot honey with the savory goodness of roasted garlic and Parmesan cheese to create a bread that’s as indulgent as it is irresistible. Perfect for sharing (or not, because honestly, you won’t want to).

The first time I made this focaccia, the aroma of garlic and honey caramelizing in the oven completely filled my kitchen, and I knew it was going to be a hit. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want to impress your taste buds, this recipe is pure magic.

The Story Behind Hot Honey Focaccia

Focaccia has been a staple of Italian cuisine for centuries, originating in ancient Rome as a flatbread cooked over hot coals. It’s traditionally known for its fluffy texture and signature dimpled surface, which makes it perfect for soaking up flavors. Over time, focaccia has evolved with endless variations, but this Hot Honey Focaccia takes it to an entirely new level.

The idea for this recipe came to me during a lazy weekend when I was experimenting with sweet and savory pairings. I’d recently discovered hot honey—a blend of sweet honey and spicy chili—and couldn’t resist trying it on focaccia. Adding garlic and Parmesan felt like a natural choice, giving the bread an umami-rich kick.

This recipe shines year-round, but it’s especially comforting in colder months when you’re craving warm, carb-laden goodness. Plus, it’s versatile! You can enjoy it as a snack, an appetizer, or even as a side dish to hearty soups and stews.

Ingredients for Hot Honey Focaccia

Let’s talk ingredients, because each one plays a role in making this focaccia unforgettable:

• All-Purpose Flour: The base of our focaccia, providing structure and fluff. You can substitute bread flour for a chewier texture if desired.
• Instant Yeast: Helps the dough rise quickly and evenly. If you’re using active dry yeast, simply activate it in warm water first.
• Honey: Choose a good-quality honey for the hot honey drizzle—it’s the star of this recipe! Clover honey works great, but experiment with your favorites.
• Chili Flakes: The heat in hot honey comes from chili flakes. Adjust the quantity to suit your spice tolerance.
• Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan for maximum flavor. Pecorino Romano is a good alternative.
• Garlic: Roasted garlic adds depth and richness. Choose fresh, firm bulbs for roasting.
• Olive Oil: Essential for that golden crust and dimpled texture. Extra virgin olive oil is ideal.
• Salt: A key flavor enhancer. Use fine sea salt for the dough and flaky salt for finishing.

You can find hot honey at specialty stores, but making your own is easy—just combine honey and chili flakes in a saucepan, heat gently, and let it infuse!

Equipment Needed

You don’t need fancy tools for this recipe, but a few essentials will make the process smoother:

• Baking Pan: A sturdy 9×13-inch pan is perfect for shaping and baking focaccia. A cast-iron skillet works too!
• Mixing Bowls: One large bowl for mixing dough and a smaller bowl for preparing the hot honey.
• Bench Scraper: Handy for handling sticky dough.
• Pastry Brush: To spread olive oil evenly across the dough.
• Roasting Dish: For roasting garlic in the oven.

If you don’t have a pastry brush, a spoon will work in a pinch, and you can roast garlic in foil instead of a dish.

How to Make Hot Honey Focaccia

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups (480 grams) of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of instant yeast, and 2 teaspoons of salt. Gradually mix in 1 ¾ cups (420 ml) of warm water and 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of olive oil. Knead until smooth, about 5 minutes.
2. Let It Rise: Cover the bowl with a damp kitchen towel and let the dough rise for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
3. Roast the Garlic: While the dough is rising, roast a whole bulb of garlic. Slice off the top, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 30 minutes.
4. Shape the Dough: Grease your baking pan with olive oil, then transfer the dough to the pan. Spread it out evenly and press your fingers into the dough to create dimples.
5. Infuse the Honey: In a small saucepan, combine ½ cup (120 ml) of honey and 1 tablespoon of chili flakes. Heat gently and let it infuse while the dough rests.
6. Top and Bake: Drizzle olive oil over the dough, sprinkle with roasted garlic cloves, Parmesan cheese, and flaky salt. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. Add Hot Honey: Once out of the oven, drizzle the hot honey generously over the focaccia. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Keep an eye on the baking time—it can vary depending on your oven. The focaccia should be golden and slightly crisp on the edges.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Here are a few tricks I’ve learned along the way:

• Don’t skip the dimples: Pressing your fingers into the dough creates pockets for the olive oil and toppings to settle into, enhancing the flavor.
• Control the spice: If your hot honey turns out too spicy, stir in a little more honey to balance it.
• Proofing tip: If your kitchen is cold, let the dough rise in a warm spot, like near the oven or covered with a warm towel.
• Roast garlic perfectly: Check the garlic halfway through roasting to make sure it doesn’t burn—golden brown is what you’re aiming for.

And remember, focaccia is forgiving, so don’t stress if your dough is a little sticky or uneven!

Variations & Adaptations

This recipe is endlessly adaptable. Here are some ideas:

• Cheese Swap: Replace Parmesan with mozzarella or feta for a different flavor profile.
• Herbaceous Twist: Add fresh rosemary or thyme alongside the garlic for an aromatic touch.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend and adjust water as needed for consistency.
• Seasonal Additions: Try topping with cherry tomatoes or caramelized onions for a summery vibe.

One variation I love is adding a sprinkle of crumbled bacon on top—it’s indulgent but worth every bite!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Hot Honey Focaccia is best served warm, straight from the oven. Pair it with:

• A bowl of tomato soup or chili.
• A glass of crisp white wine or iced tea.
• As a side for grilled meats or roasted vegetables.

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or enjoy it cold—it’s delicious either way!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Here’s an estimate of the nutrition per serving (based on 12 servings):

• Calories: 210
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 8g
• Sodium: 320mg

The roasted garlic adds antioxidants, while honey provides natural sweetness without refined sugar. Plus, Parmesan cheese offers calcium and protein. Be mindful of chili flakes if you’re sensitive to spice!

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a recipe that’s fun to make and guaranteed to impress, this Hot Honey Focaccia is it. The combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors hits all the right notes, making it a favorite in my house.

Give this recipe a try and make it your own—swap out toppings, play with the spice level, or add a personal twist. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Share your creations in the comments below or tag me on social media.

Happy baking, and remember—every dimple in your focaccia is a little pocket of joy!

FAQs

Can I use store-bought hot honey?

Absolutely! Store-bought hot honey works perfectly, but homemade lets you adjust the spice level to your liking.

Can I freeze focaccia?

Yes, you can freeze it! Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Is this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, it’s vegetarian-friendly! Just make sure your Parmesan cheese is rennet-free if you’re strict about vegetarian ingredients.

What can I substitute for roasted garlic?

If you’re short on time, use garlic powder or minced fresh garlic. The flavor won’t be as rich, but it’ll still be delicious.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Definitely! Prepare the dough and let it rise overnight in the fridge. Bake fresh the next day for best results.

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