Name: Crispy and Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet); 1¾ cups warm water (about 110°F); 2 teaspoons sugar; 2 teaspoons kosher salt; ¼ cup olive oil (plus more for greasing and drizzling); 4 garlic cloves, minced; ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary or thyme (optional, for garnish); Flaky sea salt for topping (optional)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re dreaming of an irresistibly golden bread that sings with flavor in every bite, let the Crispy and Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Focaccia steal the spotlight at your table. With its deeply savory aroma, a tender, airy center, and a glorious crust covered in melted Parmesan and roasted garlic, this focaccia is truly comfort food at its finest. This is the kind of bread that disappears faster than you can blink, and every step reveals why it’s one of my all-time favorites!

Crispy and Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s keep it simple—sometimes memorable flavors come from the humblest ingredients. Each component of this recipe adds its own charm, from the umami punch of Parmesan to the grassy brightness of olive oil. Here’s how these basics form the heart and soul of Crispy and Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Focaccia:

All-purpose flour: The backbone of our focaccia, it creates a chewy crumb with just enough structure.
Active dry yeast: This lifts the dough to airy perfection, and proofing it ensures your bread will rise gorgeously.
Warm water (about 110°F): Just the right temperature jumpstarts the yeast’s magic without killing it.
Sugar: A tiny bit helps activate the yeast and adds subtle depth of flavor.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out every savory note in your loaf.
Olive oil: Both inside and on top of the dough, it gives our Crispy and Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Focaccia a flavorful, golden crust.
Garlic cloves, minced: These roast right on top as the bread bakes, infusing every bite with that nostalgic garlicky aroma.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: The star ingredient that melts into crispy, nutty patches on the crust.
Fresh rosemary or thyme (optional): These herbs add a pop of color and a delicate, fragrant finish.
Flaky sea salt for topping (optional): A sprinkle right before baking makes the crust absolutely addictive.

How to Make Crispy and Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Focaccia

Step 1: Proof the Yeast

Begin by waking up your yeast: mix the warm water and sugar in a large mixing bowl, then sprinkle the yeast over the surface. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes, until thick foam appears—this means your yeast is alive and ready to give your focaccia its signature lift. If there’s no foam, don’t worry! Just check your water temperature (aim for just warm to the touch), and grab a fresher packet if needed.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Once your yeast is active and bubbly, add the flour, kosher salt, and olive oil. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to bring the mixture together into a sticky, cohesive dough—no need to knead! Focaccia is forgiving and rustic by nature, which means you don’t even have to get your hands messy (yet). Cover the bowl with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let it rise somewhere warm, about an hour or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Prepare Toppings and Pan

While the dough rises, get everything else ready. Mince your garlic, grate the Parmesan, and, if you fancy, chop up some fresh herbs. Pour a generous slick of olive oil into your baking pan and spread it to coat the bottom and sides—this ensures your Crispy and Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Focaccia won’t stick and develops a rich crust. Transfer your puffy dough into the pan, and gently press and stretch it with your fingertips to reach the edges. Drizzle more olive oil over the top for maximum flavor.

Step 4: Dimple and Top

Now for the most satisfying part: dimple the dough all over with your fingertips, pressing deeply so every bite has those beautiful pockets that define a true focaccia. Scatter the minced garlic evenly across the top, sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan, and finish with a touch of rosemary or thyme if you’re using it. Don’t forget a pinch of flaky sea salt for that irresistible finish.

Step 5: Final Rise and Bake

Cover the dough again and let it puff up for another 20 to 30 minutes while your oven preheats to a roaring 425°F (220°C). Once you slide it into the oven, you’ll smell those toasty, garlicky aromas in no time. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the top is gloriously golden and the edges are crisp. Let your masterpiece cool for at least 10 minutes—if you can wait!—then slice and enjoy the magic of homemade Crispy and Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Focaccia.

How to Serve Crispy and Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Focaccia

Garnishes

To really turn heads, finish your focaccia with another dusting of Parmesan while it’s still warm. Freshly chopped herbs like rosemary or parsley not only add a splash of color, they infuse each bite with garden-fresh flavor. And for those who love a little crunch, don’t forget a final sprinkle of flaky sea salt—absolutely divine.

Side Dishes

Crispy and Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Focaccia shines as a starter, but it’s also the perfect companion to hearty soups, vibrant salads, or your favorite pasta dishes. Try it with a rustic tomato soup, a leafy green salad with tangy vinaigrette, or alongside creamy risotto to soak up every last drop—there are no wrong answers here!

Creative Ways to Present

Impress your guests by slicing the focaccia into strips for dipping or use it as an epic base for sandwiches layered with grilled vegetables and cheese. For parties, cut it into bite-sized squares and serve on a platter with small dipping bowls of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. However you slice it, this Crispy and Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Focaccia always looks as great as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have any leftovers, let the bread cool completely before wrapping it in foil or storing it in an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days—though it’s so tempting, it rarely lasts that long!

Freezing

Focaccia freezes beautifully. Simply slice your Crispy and Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Focaccia, wrap pieces tightly in plastic wrap, and store in a freezer bag. It keeps well for up to 2 months, perfect for pulling out a personal-sized treat whenever the craving strikes.

Reheating

To enjoy that fresh-from-the-oven taste again, reheat leftover slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 8-10 minutes. You’ll bring back the crispy edges and melty cheese, making each bite just as magical as the day it was baked.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Absolutely! Substitute instant yeast in equal measure and skip the proofing step. Just mix everything together, and your dough will rise just as beautifully for your Crispy and Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Focaccia.

How can I make the focaccia extra cheesy?

If you’re a serious cheese lover, feel free to add another quarter cup of grated Parmesan or even try a blend with mozzarella or Asiago for extra melty, golden pockets on top.

What size pan is best for this recipe?

A standard 9×13-inch baking pan works wonders for this focaccia. It creates the perfect thickness—pillowy in the center and crispy around the edges—every single time.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough after its first rise. Just cover tightly and chill for up to 24 hours, then bring to room temperature before shaping and baking your Crispy and Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Focaccia.

Do I have to use fresh herbs?

Not at all! Fresh herbs offer a fragrant touch, but dried rosemary or thyme will work in a pinch. Use about half as much dried as fresh for the best balance.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you’ve tasted the warm, savory crunch of this homemade Crispy and Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Focaccia, you’ll find yourself baking it again and again. It’s an invitation to gather, savor, and delight in the simple joy of sharing seriously good bread. Give it a try—you’ll be hooked from the very first bite!

Crispy and Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 5 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 2 hours
Yield: 1 focaccia loaf 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Crispy and Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Focaccia recipe. This easy-to-make focaccia bread is topped with fragrant garlic, savory Parmesan cheese, and aromatic herbs, creating a perfect blend of crispy and cheesy goodness.

Instructions

Proof the yeast: Combine warm water and sugar, sprinkle yeast over the top, let sit until foamy.
Mix the dough: Stir in flour, salt, and olive oil until a sticky dough forms. Let rise for 1-1½ hours.
Prepare toppings: Mince garlic, grate Parmesan, chop herbs. Spread olive oil in baking pan, transfer dough, dimple the dough, add toppings.
Rise and bake: Let rise for 20-30 minutes, preheat oven to 425°F, bake for 20-25 minutes until golden. Cool before slicing.