Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread
Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread is not just another bread recipe; it’s a heavenly blend of crispiness and a flavorful punch that elevates any meal. Picture a warm, golden brown bread, deeply infused with the aromatic essence of garlic and the richness of Parmesan. Whether it’s for a cozy family dinner, a gathering with friends, or a celebratory feast, this focaccia is guaranteed to impress. And the best part? It’s straightforward enough for novice bakers to tackle successfully.
What Makes This Recipe Special
This recipe stands out for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy and requires minimal hands-on time. Just mix your ingredients, let the dough rise, and voilà! You’ve got fresh focaccia with tantalizing flavors bursting through every bite. It’s also budget-friendly and uses simple pantry staples that you probably already have on hand.
“This focaccia was an absolute hit at our dinner party! It was so easy to make and tasted like it came from a high-end bakery.” – A Happy Baker
Preparing Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread
Creating this Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread is simple. The method involves mixing, rising, and baking, which sounds quite accessible even to those who might feel intimidated by bread-making. Here’s a brief overview of the steps involved:
- Mix your flour, salt, yeast, olive oil, and warm water.
- Allow the dough to rise until doubled in size.
- Transfer, stretch, and let it rest again.
- Prepare the flavorful garlic oil and press dimples into the dough.
- Bake until golden brown and enjoy!
Keep reading for everything you’ll need to get started.
Key Ingredients
To whip up this delightful focaccia, gather the following 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 (for topping)
- 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)
Feel free to substitute dried herbs for fresh ones or even replace the Parmesan with a vegan alternative if you’re looking to switch things up!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, and instant yeast together.
- Stir in the olive oil and warm water until a sticky dough forms.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours, until the dough is doubled in size.
- Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or sheet pan with olive oil.
- Transfer the risen dough to the pan and gently stretch it to fit.
- Let it rest for another 30 minutes while you prepare the topping.
- In a small saucepan, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over low heat. Add the minced garlic and a pinch of salt; cook until fragrant—be careful not to brown the garlic. Remove from heat.
- Press deep dimples into the dough using your fingers all over the surface.
- Drizzle the garlic oil evenly over the dough, followed by sprinkling the Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, and a pinch of flaky salt on top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing into squares or strips.
Serve warm and watch it disappear in moments!
Best Ways to Enjoy It
This Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread is incredibly versatile. Serve it as an appetizer drizzled with balsamic glaze or alongside a hearty soup or salad. For a lovely brunch, pair it with scrambled eggs and fresh fruit for balance. You can also enjoy it as a snack, dipped into olive oil or hummus.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
To ensure your focaccia stays delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to a month. When ready to eat, simply reheat in a warm oven until it regains its lovely texture.
Pro Chef Tips
- Use high-quality olive oil for the best flavor—it makes a significant difference in this recipe.
- Experiment with additional toppings like sliced olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or even cheese blends based on your preference.
- If your kitchen is particularly cool, place your dough in a warm spot or even a turned-off oven with the light on to speed up the rising process.
Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous? Try these delicious variations:
- Herb-Infused Focaccia: Add more fresh herbs like oregano or basil for an added flavor boost.
- Cheesy Garlic Knots: Cut the focaccia into strips, tie them into knots, and bake.
- Stuffed Focaccia: Before baking, add mozzarella cheese and cooked spinach or roasted peppers for a gooey surprise.
Common Questions
Q: What if I don’t have instant yeast?
A: You can use active dry yeast instead, but it requires proofing first. Mix it with warm water and a pinch of sugar for about 5-10 minutes until bubbly before incorporating it into your dough.
Q: Can I make this dough the night before?
A: Absolutely! Prepare the dough, cover it tightly, and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Just allow it to warm up at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.
Q: Is it safe to eat focaccia with garlic after a few days?
A: Yes, as long as it’s stored properly. However, consume leftovers within two days to enjoy the best quality and flavor.
Embark on this delightful and aromatic journey today and fall in love with the simplicity and richness of Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread!

Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet) Can substitute with active dry yeast, requiring proofing first.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For the dough.
- 1 ¾ cups warm water (about 110°F)
Topping Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil For topping.
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese Can be replaced with a vegan alternative.
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary or thyme (optional) Can substitute with dried herbs.
- Additional olive oil for greasing
- Flaky sea salt for sprinkling
- Fresh parsley or herbs for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, and instant yeast together.
- Stir in the olive oil and warm water until a sticky dough forms.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours, until the dough is doubled in size.
- Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or sheet pan with olive oil.
- Transfer the risen dough to the pan and gently stretch it to fit.
- Let it rest for another 30 minutes while you prepare the topping.
Topping and Baking
- In a small saucepan, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over low heat. Add the minced garlic and a pinch of salt; cook until fragrant—be careful not to brown the garlic. Remove from heat.
- Press deep dimples into the dough using your fingers all over the surface.
- Drizzle the garlic oil evenly over the dough, followed by sprinkling the Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, and a pinch of flaky salt on top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing into squares or strips.