Name: Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 ¼ cups warm water; 1 tablespoon sugar; 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast; 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ teaspoons salt; ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil (plus more for greasing); 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (for garlic oil); 3 cloves garlic, minced; ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; Dried Italian herbs or fresh chopped rosemary (optional); Flaky sea salt (for sprinkling)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Focaccia bread is beloved for its tender, airy texture and its ability to absorb flavors from rich toppings like garlic and Parmesan. This Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread recipe is the perfect balance of savory, buttery, and cheesy with crispy edges that create an irresistible crunch. The dough is simple to prepare and requires minimal ingredients, yet the results are truly impressive. This focaccia is versatile enough to serve as a side to pasta, soups, or even as a base for sandwiches. Once you make it, you’ll find yourself baking it over and over again.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

1 ¼ cups warm water
1 tablespoon sugar
2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons salt
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil (plus more for greasing)

For the Garlic Oil:

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced

Toppings:

½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Dried Italian herbs or fresh chopped rosemary (optional)
Flaky sea salt (for sprinkling)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Step 1: Mix the Dough

Combine the warm water, sugar, and instant yeast in a mixing bowl. Stir to combine and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active. Add in the flour and salt, and stir until the dough comes together. Knead the dough by hand or using a mixer until it’s smooth and elastic, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 2: First Rise

Drizzle the dough with olive oil, turning it to coat evenly. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and place it in a warm area. Allow the dough to rise for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size. The olive oil helps to keep the dough moist and ensures a tender texture.

Step 3: Prepare Garlic Oil

While the dough rises, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Once done, remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4: Stretch and Second Rise

After the first rise, transfer the dough to a well-greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Use your fingers to gently stretch the dough to fill the pan, pressing it toward the corners. If it springs back, let it rest for 10 minutes before stretching again. Once the dough is spread out, cover it with a towel and let it rise for another 30 to 45 minutes.

Step 5: Top and Bake

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Once the dough has finished its second rise, use your oiled fingertips to dimple the dough all over. This classic focaccia technique creates craggy indentations that trap the garlic oil. Brush the dough generously with the prepared garlic oil. Then sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese, dried herbs (or fresh rosemary), and a pinch of flaky sea salt over the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the focaccia is golden brown and crispy on the edges.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let the focaccia cool in the pan for about 5-10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This allows the bread to set and helps keep the bottom crispy. Once cooled slightly, slice the focaccia into generous pieces and serve warm.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8-10
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including rises)

Variations

Herbed Focaccia: Add fresh rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the dough for extra flavor.
Olive Topping: Scatter Kalamata olives or green olives on top of the focaccia for a Mediterranean twist.
Sun-Dried Tomato: Chop sun-dried tomatoes and mix them into the dough for a richer flavor.
Cheesy Focaccia: Add a handful of shredded mozzarella or Gruyère cheese to the dough before baking for a cheesy, gooey texture.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If it starts to lose its crispness, you can warm it in the oven for a few minutes.
Freezing: Focaccia can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. To reheat, bake it at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can use bread flour for a chewier, slightly denser texture, though all-purpose flour works just fine for a lighter crumb.

How do I prevent the focaccia from being too greasy?

Make sure to use a moderate amount of olive oil for greasing the pan and brushing the dough. You can adjust the oil if needed, but too much can make the focaccia greasy.

Can I make this focaccia without garlic?

Yes, you can omit the garlic or use roasted garlic for a milder flavor. You can also experiment with other seasonings like onion powder or smoked paprika.

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, you can use active dry yeast. If using active dry yeast, proof it in warm water with sugar for about 5-10 minutes before adding it to the flour.

How can I make my focaccia extra crispy on the bottom?

Using extra olive oil in the pan or on the bottom of the dough can help achieve a crispier bottom.

Conclusion

Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread is an irresistible homemade treat that brings a burst of flavor to any meal. Its fluffy, airy crumb and golden, crispy crust are perfect for mopping up sauces, pairing with soup, or simply enjoying on its own. The garlic oil and Parmesan cheese provide an aromatic, savory experience that will have everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or as the main event, this focaccia will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients