Name: Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons salt; 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 ¾ cups warm water (about 110°F); 3 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, finely minced; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary or thyme (optional); Additional olive oil for greasing; Flaky sea salt for sprinkling; Fresh parsley or herbs for garnish (optional)

Jump to Recipe

Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread is truly a celebration of flavor and comfort, with crackly golden edges, a pillowy interior, and bursts of fragrant garlic and nutty Parmesan in every bite. This Italian-inspired bread is surprisingly easy to whip up at home, and its irresistible aroma as it bakes is only a hint of the satisfaction to come. Whether you’re a seasoned bread baker or trying your hand at homemade dough for the first time, this is the kind of recipe destined to become a go-to for gatherings, weeknight dinners, or any time you’re after something both simple and spectacular.

Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The charm of Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread lies in its straightforward list of ingredients, each playing a starring role. Nothing fancy, just essential pantry items—when given the chance to shine, these simple ingredients transform into something wonderful. Here’s what you’ll need to make focaccia with big flavors and fantastic texture:

All-purpose flour: Gives the bread its beloved chewy crumb and sturdy, yet tender bite.
Salt: Essential for flavor—don’t skimp, this makes the focaccia deeply savory.
Instant yeast: For a fuss-free, reliable rise; just add straight to your dry ingredients.
Olive oil: Lends rich flavor, keeps the bread tender, and creates those signature crisp edges.
Warm water: The secret to easy mixing and proper yeast activation—warm but not hot is ideal.
Fresh garlic: The aromatic highlight! Make sure it’s finely minced for even flavor throughout.
Grated Parmesan cheese: For an irresistibly nutty, salty finish that browns beautifully in the oven.
Fresh rosemary or thyme (optional): If you want a herby kick, toss some on for color and brightness.
Flaky sea salt: Sprinkled on top, it adds crunch and that final, perfect pop of saltiness.
Fresh parsley or herbs for garnish (optional): For color and a fresh finish, scatter a few leaves just before serving.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread

Step 1: Make the Dough

Let’s start with the foundation! In a large bowl, mix together your flour, salt, and yeast. Pour in the olive oil and warm water, then stir it all together. Don’t worry about kneading—this recipe is delightfully low-effort, just a sticky dough is all you need. Cover with plastic wrap, set aside, and let it puff up in a cozy, draft-free corner of your kitchen. Expect the dough to double in size over one to two hours, which gives you time to get excited for the baking aroma coming your way.

Step 2: Prepare the Pan

Generously slick your 9×13-inch baking dish or sheet pan with olive oil to get those famously crispy, golden edges. When your dough is ready, gently transfer it into the greased pan. It’s soft and stretchy, so use your fingertips to nudge and press it out to the corners. You don’t need to be perfect! Let the dough relax and rest again for another 30 minutes—it’ll make dimpling and topping a breeze.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Oil

It’s time to build big flavor. In a small saucepan over low heat, warm your olive oil, then add the minced garlic and a little salt. Keep the heat low so the garlic softens and perfumes the oil, but doesn’t brown (or burn!). The moment you smell that rich, toasty aroma, remove from heat. Set the infused oil aside and get ready to crown your dough.

Step 4: Dimple the Dough

Here comes the fun, signature step: with clean hands, press your fingertips all over the surface of the dough to create those beautiful, deep dimples that focaccia is known for. Drizzle the fragrant garlic oil over the entire surface, letting it pool into every nook. Now, scatter Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs if you’re using them, and a pinch of flaky sea salt generously on top. This is where Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread gets all its memorable flavor.

Step 5: Bake the Focaccia

Slide your pan into a preheated 425°F oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The top should turn gloriously golden and the edges become deliciously crisp—you’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells irresistible. Let the bread cool for about 10 minutes so the flavors settle and the crumb stays tender.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

The time has come! Cut your Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread into generous squares or rustic strips. Serve warm and watch as friends and family gather round—this bread has a habit of disappearing fast, leaving only a trail of crumbs and happy sighs.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread

Garnishes

For that extra fresh finish, sprinkle a handful of chopped fresh parsley or a medley of your favorite herbs right before serving. Not only does it add a lovely pop of color, but the fresh flavor is the perfect counterpoint to the rich, savory bread and cheese. A final drizzle of high-quality olive oil never hurts, either!

Side Dishes

Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread plays beautifully alongside soups (think minestrone, tomato, or creamy potato), salads bursting with greens, or classic Italian fare like pasta and roasted meats. It also makes a star appearance on cheese and charcuterie boards—torn into pieces, it’s begging for a swipe of soft cheese or a dip in spiced olive oil.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving focaccia as sandwich bread, sliced horizontally and stuffed with roasted veggies or deli meats. Cut it into minis for party appetizers, or toast leftovers to create the world’s most irresistible garlic croutons. Get creative—Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread brings warmth and style to any table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If (and that’s a big if) you have leftovers, wrap the cooled bread tightly in foil or an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to two days, or kept chilled in the fridge for up to five days. The flavor and texture are best enjoyed sooner rather than later, but focaccia holds up better than most homemade breads.

Freezing

To freeze, let the Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread cool completely, then cut into portions. Wrap each section in plastic wrap and tuck them into a freezer bag—this makes it easy to grab just what you need. Frozen focaccia will keep well for up to three months, ready to revive your dinner table or lunch box anytime!

Reheating

To bring that just-baked magic back, reheat leftover focaccia in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, either straight from the fridge or after thawing from frozen. A few minutes is all it takes to re-crisp the crust and melt the Parmesan anew. If you’re in a hurry, a quick zap in the microwave works, though the oven delivers that perfect texture.

FAQs

Can I make the focaccia dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the dough up to 24 hours in advance; after mixing, cover and pop it into the fridge to rise slowly. The next day, bring it to room temperature, then proceed with the recipe. Slow rising improves both flavor and texture.

Do I have to use fresh herbs?

Not at all. Fresh herbs add color and a fresh kick, but you can use a sprinkle of dried rosemary or thyme if you prefer, or leave them out entirely. The bread is still delicious and savory on its own thanks to the garlic and Parmesan.

What’s the best way to get a crispy crust?

A generous layer of olive oil in the baking pan is key for that signature crispy, golden crust. Don’t skimp, and make sure your oven is hot when the bread goes in. Finishing with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt amps up both texture and flavor.

Can I make Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread gluten-free?

Yes! Swap in a good quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. You may need to adjust the water slightly, as gluten-free flours vary in absorbency. The results are delicious and still loaded with all the usual flavor.

How do I know when the focaccia is done baking?

Look for a deep golden-brown top and crispy edges. When gently tapped, the bread should sound hollow. If you’re unsure, a peek underneath should reveal a golden, almost caramelized bottom—perfectly baked!

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about the way Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread brings people together—whether warm from the oven or packed for a picnic. So gather your simple ingredients and dive in. It’s one recipe you’ll find every excuse to make again and again!

Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 21 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 servings) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread recipe is a flavorful and aromatic twist on classic focaccia. The combination of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs creates a mouthwatering bread perfect for sharing with loved ones.

Instructions

Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and instant yeast. Stir in the olive oil and warm water. Mix until a sticky dough forms. No need to knead—just cover with plastic wrap and let it rise at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Prepare the Pan: Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or sheet pan with olive oil. Transfer the dough to the pan and gently stretch it to the edges. Let it rest for another 30 minutes while you prepare the topping.
Make the Garlic Oil: In a small saucepan, heat olive oil over low heat. Add the minced garlic and a pinch of salt. Cook just until fragrant—do not brown the garlic. Remove from heat and set aside.
Dimple the Dough: Use your fingers to press deep dimples into the dough all over. Drizzle the garlic oil evenly over the surface. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, and a pinch of flaky sea salt on top.
Bake the Focaccia: Bake in a preheated 425°F (220°C) oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
Serve and Enjoy: Cut into squares or strips and serve warm. You’ll be amazed at how quickly it disappears.

Notes

This focaccia is best enjoyed fresh on the day it’s made, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
You can customize the toppings by adding olives, cherry tomatoes, or even caramelized onions for extra flavor.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian