Bake the Best Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Recipe

Introduction

Garlic Parmesan Focaccia is a fragrant, flavorful bread perfect for any meal or as a savory snack. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, this easy recipe brings Italian bakery taste straight to your kitchen.

Ingredients

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ¼ cups warm water
• ¼ cup olive oil, plus extra for topping
• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
• 1 ½ tsp salt
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tsp Italian herbs (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Pour in the yeast mixture and stir until a sticky dough forms.
3. Step 3: Cover the bowl with a towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
4. Step 4: Grease a baking pan with olive oil and place the dough in it. Use your fingers to create dimples all across the surface.
5. Step 5: Drizzle olive oil over the dough, then evenly sprinkle the minced garlic, grated parmesan, and Italian herbs if using.
6. Step 6: Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Bake the focaccia for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and crispy on top.
7. Step 7: Let the bread cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy the fresh, savory flavors.

Tips & Variations

• For deeper flavor, refrigerate the dough overnight for a slow cold ferment before baking.
• Add rosemary, sun-dried tomatoes, or olives on top for tasty variations.
• Use a pizza stone or preheated baking sheet to get an extra crispy bottom crust.

Storage

Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast using the same amount. Mix it directly with the dry ingredients without proofing in water first.

How do I know when the focaccia dough has risen enough?

The dough should roughly double in size and look puffy. You can gently press your finger into the dough – if the indentation remains, it’s ready to shape and bake.

Bake the Best Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 72 reviews

• Author: Zoe
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes (including rising time)
• Yield: 1 focaccia bread (about 8 servings) 1x

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Description

This Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread recipe delivers a perfectly soft, airy, and flavorful Italian flatbread infused with minced garlic and topped with savory parmesan cheese and Italian herbs. Easy to make and baked to golden perfection, it’s ideal as a snack, appetizer, or accompaniment to your meals.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
• 1 ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp Italian herbs (optional)

Wet Ingredients

• 1 ¼ cups warm water
• ¼ cup olive oil + extra for topping and greasing

Toppings

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated

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Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water (about 100-110°F) and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
2. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, salt, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Pour in the yeast mixture and stir until a sticky dough forms that holds together.
3. First Rise: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and place it in a warm spot. Allow the dough to rise for 1 to 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size, creating airiness and lightness in the bread.
4. Shape the Dough: Grease a baking pan generously with olive oil. Transfer the risen dough into the pan and use your fingers to gently press and stretch it out. Create characteristic dimples across the surface by pressing your fingertips firmly into the dough, which helps hold toppings and prevent bubbling.
5. Add Toppings: Drizzle additional olive oil evenly over the dimpled dough. Sprinkle the minced garlic, grated parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs evenly to blanket the bread with rich flavor layers.
6. Bake: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Bake the focaccia in the prepared pan for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the edges become crispy.
7. Cool & Serve: Remove the focaccia from the oven and let it cool slightly in the pan. Slice into pieces and serve warm for the best taste experience.

Notes

• For extra depth of flavor, let the dough cold ferment overnight in the fridge before shaping.
• Customize your focaccia by adding rosemary, sun-dried tomatoes, or olives to the toppings.
• Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Focaccia, Italian bread, savory bread, homemade focaccia, easy focaccia recipe, garlic bread