Name: Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast; 1½ teaspoons salt; 1½ cups warm water (about 110°F); 1 tablespoon sugar; ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more for greasing; 3–4 cloves garlic, minced; ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or chopped rosemary (optional); Flaky sea salt, for topping

Jump to Recipe

If you’re dreaming of bakery-worthy bread with a crackly golden top, puddles of olive oil, and bursts of garlic and cheese in every bite, Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread is exactly what you need. This recipe bakes up tall, pillowy focaccia with a crisp, cheesy crust and an aroma that’ll make your whole kitchen smell like an Italian trattoria. The combination of garlic, freshly grated Parmesan, and fragrant herbs makes each square irresistible. Whether you’re serving it for a dinner party or sneaking a piece as an afternoon snack, Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread turns any meal into a celebration.

Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s a magic in making bread from a few pantry staples, and this focaccia is proof. Each ingredient brings something special—flavor, texture, or that gorgeous color you see when it comes out of the oven. Here’s what you’ll need, and why you’ll love them:

All-purpose flour: The backbone of our focaccia, giving it a soft yet chewy crumb.
Instant yeast: Provides the rise and airiness that makes focaccia so irresistible.
Salt: Essential for flavor; it brightens and balances the bread.
Warm water (about 110°F): Activates the yeast for perfect lift—don’t use water that’s too hot or cold.
Sugar: Feeds the yeast for a happy, bouncy dough and deepens flavor.
Extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and moisture; also helps the bread brown beautifully.
Garlic (minced): Stars in this recipe! Fresh garlic is a must for bold, aromatic flavor.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Don’t skimp! Real Parmesan gives that nutty, salty perfection.
Dried Italian herbs or fresh rosemary (optional): For a rustic, herby aroma if you like a bit of green in your bread.
Flaky sea salt: For crunch and a burst of salty goodness on the top.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread

Step 1: Mix the Dough

Start by combining warm water, sugar, and instant yeast in a large bowl. Give it a good stir and let it sit for about five minutes until you see a layer of foam forming—that’s how you know your yeast is alive and kicking! Add in your flour and salt and mix until you get a sticky, shaggy dough. Knead it either in your stand mixer (5–6 minutes) or by hand (about 8–10 minutes) until it’s smooth and elastic. Trust me, this step makes all the difference for fluffy focaccia!

Step 2: First Rise

Drizzle the dough generously with olive oil, turning it to coat every surface—this keeps it moist and infuses every bite with that signature focaccia richness. Cover your bowl with a clean towel and set it somewhere warm for about 1 to 1.5 hours, until the dough has doubled in size. This is where the magic happens and you start seeing the pillowy texture that defines an excellent Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread.

Step 3: Prepare Garlic Oil

While the dough is rising, grease a 9×13-inch pan with olive oil so nothing sticks. Then, in a small pan or skillet, gently heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil with the minced garlic for about a minute until fragrant but not browned—you want everything to stay golden and aromatic. Set aside. This step infuses the oil with garlicky goodness that will soak into the bread later.

Step 4: Stretch and Second Rise

When your dough is ready, transfer it to your prepared pan. Gently press and stretch the dough with your fingers to reach the corners. If it resists, let it rest for 10 minutes and try again—it will relax! Once it’s fully stretched, cover it again and let it rise for another 30–45 minutes. This second rise fills the focaccia with more air, making it light and fluffy.

Step 5: Top and Bake

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Now comes the fun part! Use your fingers to gently dimple the dough all over—those little pockets will hold pools of the garlicky oil. Brush the dough generously with your homemade garlic oil, then shower it with plenty of Parmesan cheese, your chosen herbs, and a big pinch of flaky sea salt. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden and deeply aromatic. The cheese will bubble and form a gorgeous crust—pure joy!

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let your Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes so it sets and becomes easy to handle. Then transfer it to a wire rack, slice it up, and serve warm. The aroma is outrageous, and the taste is totally worth every moment of anticipation.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread

Garnishes

For a simple but dazzling finish, sprinkle your warm focaccia with extra flaky sea salt and a shower of fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or even more rosemary. A drizzle of good olive oil just before serving brings out the bread’s savory notes, and a light dusting of extra Parmesan never hurt anyone!

Side Dishes

Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread is wonderfully versatile. Serve it alongside a bold tomato soup or crisp green salad for a simple lunch, or nestle slices next to a platter of antipasti, roasted veggies, or a classic Italian pasta. It’s also perfect for mopping up rich sauces and turning any meal into an occasion.

Creative Ways to Present

Take it beyond the bread basket! Cut your focaccia into sticks for dipping, slice it for gourmet sandwiches, or cube and toast it for the best-ever croutons. It’s a party favorite when served as the base for DIY bruschetta—or try serving it in a bread basket lined with a cheerful cloth for rustic charm!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow don’t devour every crumb, store leftover Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread tightly wrapped or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The bread stays soft and flavorful, making it perfect for snacking or repurposing.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze focaccia! Once completely cooled, wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then foil, and pop them in the freezer for up to three months. This keeps Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread tasting fresh whenever the craving strikes.

Reheating

Warm leftover slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 8–10 minutes, either straight from the fridge or thawed if frozen. Spritz lightly with water or brush a bit of olive oil to revive that just-baked texture. The bread will be almost as good as when it first came out of the oven!

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Absolutely! Just dissolve the active dry yeast in the warm water with sugar and give it a few extra minutes to get good and foamy before adding the flour and salt. You’ll get the same delicious Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread results.

What if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?

While Parmesan is classic, you can substitute with Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or even a blend of your favorite hard cheeses. Each one will bring its own personality to your focaccia, so don’t be afraid to experiment!

Can I make Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread whole wheat?

You can swap in up to half whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and heartier texture. Just know that the bread might be a bit denser, but still utterly delicious and perfect for dipping!

How do I get extra-crispy edges?

Make sure your pan is generously oiled before adding the dough, and don’t skip the dimpled dimples! Brushing the top with plenty of garlic oil really amps up the crunch for those addictive crispy corners.

What’s the best way to reheat focaccia for that fresh-baked taste?

Use your oven, not the microwave! A quick reheat at 350°F with a little added olive oil or a spritz of water gives you warm, soft, and flavorful focaccia just like the day you baked it.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely hope you’ll give this Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread a try—the aroma alone will wow your family, and every bite is pillowy, cheesy goodness. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just discovering the joys of homemade bread, this focaccia is sure to become a reliable favorite at your table. Happy baking!

Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 22 reviews

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

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Description

This Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread recipe is a delicious and savory bread topped with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and herbs. It’s perfect as a side dish or for dipping in olive oil.

Instructions

Mix the Dough: In a bowl, stir together warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5 minutes until foamy. Add flour and salt. Mix until sticky dough forms. Knead by mixer for 5–6 minutes or by hand for 8–10 minutes until smooth.
First Rise: Coat dough in olive oil, cover, and let rise 1 to 1.5 hours in a warm spot until doubled.
Prepare Garlic Oil: Grease a 9×13-inch pan. In a small pan, heat 2 tbsp olive oil with minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute). Set aside.
Stretch and Second Rise: Transfer dough to pan. Gently press to corners. Let rest 10 minutes if needed, then finish stretching. Cover and rise 30–45 minutes.
Top and Bake: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Dimple the dough with your fingers. Brush with garlic oil, sprinkle Parmesan, herbs, and sea salt. Bake 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
Cool and Serve: Cool for 5–10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to wire rack. Slice and serve warm.

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