Name: Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
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; 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)

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of transforming your kitchen into a cozy Italian bakery, Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread is your golden ticket. With pillowy, olive oil-kissed layers, a bronzed cheesy crust, and swirls of fragrant garlic, this bread takes comfort food to dazzling new heights. The best part? It’s stunningly simple, yet absolutely show-stopping — perfect for novices and seasoned bakers alike. Whether you’re pairing it with pasta, dipping it in soup, or nibbling straight from the pan (no judgment here), Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread is bound to be the highlight of your table.

Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be thrilled at how this brilliant bread comes together with just a handful of everyday staples. Each ingredient pulls its weight here, from velvety olive oil to sharp Parmesan. Trust me, don’t skip or substitute — every piece plays an essential role in the flavor, texture, and golden color of your Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread.

All-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough, providing that blissful pillowy bite focaccia is famous for.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and sets off the earthiness of the olive oil and cheese.
Instant yeast: Gives the bread its signature rise and airy, open crumb — make sure it’s fresh for best results.
Olive oil: Adds rich moisture and flavor, creating that irresistible crust and tender crumb.
Warm water: Helps the yeast spring to life and binds all the ingredients smoothly together.
Garlic: Minced for maximum flavor — it infuses the oil, and the entire loaf, with mouthwatering aroma.
Parmesan cheese: Grated and sprinkled generously for a salty, nutty crust that browns beautifully.
Fresh rosemary or thyme (optional): For bright, herby notes that make the bread extra special.
Additional olive oil for greasing: Keeps the bread from sticking to the pan and adds another layer of savory flavor.
Flaky sea salt: A sprinkling right before baking gives every bite little pops of briny crunch.
Fresh parsley or herbs for garnish (optional): Makes your Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread look as inviting as it tastes.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread

Step 1: Make the Dough

Combine your flour, salt, and instant yeast in a large mixing bowl. Stir in the olive oil and warm water, using a spatula or wooden spoon, until you have a shaggy, sticky dough. There’s no need for kneading — this is a no-fuss dough! Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and leave it to rise at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours, until it looks puffed up and doubled in size. Watch the magic happen as the yeast works its airy wonders.

Step 2: Prepare the Pan

Generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish or sheet pan with olive oil. Don’t skimp here; the olive oil is what gives Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread its signature crisp, golden bottom. Gently tip your risen dough onto the pan, easing and stretching it with your fingers until it touches the edges. Let the dough rest another 30 minutes so it can relax and rise up again while you prep the glorious topping.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Oil

Time to build those compelling flavors! In a small saucepan, gently warm the olive oil over low heat. Stir in the minced garlic and a pinch of salt, letting everything sizzle just until fragrant — about one minute. Be vigilant: you’re just coaxing out the aroma, not browning the garlic. Remove from the heat and set aside, letting the oil soak up all that garlicky goodness.

Step 4: Dimple the Dough

This step is pure focaccia joy: using clean, oiled fingers, press deep dimples all over the surface of the dough. These little pockets will catch every drop of the luscious garlic oil. Drizzle that infused oil evenly across the top, then rain down your grated Parmesan, fresh herbs if using, and a generous pinch of flaky sea salt. This is where your Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread gets its signature savory crunch and restaurant-worthy look.

Step 5: Bake the Focaccia

Slide your pan into a preheated 425°F (220°C) oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The top should turn golden brown and the edges will crisp up beautifully. Your kitchen will fill with the scent of garlic and Parmesan — pure bliss! Once out of the oven, let the focaccia cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. It’s hard to wait, but the flavor truly shines when it’s still warm but not scorching.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Cut the focaccia into squares or strips. Serve immediately, while the crust is crackly and the interior is fluffy. Don’t be surprised if the loaf vanishes faster than you can say “Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread!”

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread

Garnishes

For a beautiful finish, sprinkle the focaccia with more fresh herbs or a touch of chopped parsley right before serving. A dash of extra Parmesan doesn’t hurt either — it brings out the bread’s nutty depth and looks gorgeous on a platter.

Side Dishes

This focaccia shines alongside nearly everything, from hearty soups and salads to pasta and antipasti spreads. Try serving Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread with a bowl of tomato soup, a crisp Caesar salad, or alongside a cheesy baked pasta for a meal that never fails to comfort.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your focaccia into long strips for dipping, or use it as a base for imaginative sandwiches — roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or even prosciutto and mozzarella are all dreamy fillings. For parties, slice into bite-sized cubes and serve with olive oil and balsamic for dipping. Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread is as flexible as it is irresistible!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you’ve added fresh herbs as garnish, they may wilt slightly, but the bread will retain its flavor and soft, chewy texture.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread! Once completely cooled, wrap pieces tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Pop them in a freezer bag or container — they’ll keep beautifully for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

To restore that fresh-from-the-oven magic, reheat leftover focaccia in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 8 to 10 minutes. A quick mist of water or cover in foil will help the bread stay moist while the crust crisps up — just like the day it was baked.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Absolutely! Just dissolve your active dry yeast in the warm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it gets foamy, then proceed as written. This small change works perfectly for Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread.

Can I add other toppings to my focaccia?

Of course! This bread is incredibly versatile. Feel free to add sliced cherry tomatoes, olives, red onion, or even thinly sliced bell peppers. Just keep in mind Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread is at its best when the flavors aren’t too crowded — let the Parmesan and garlic shine!

How do I know when the focaccia is baked through?

Look for a deep golden color on top and slightly crisp edges. If you gently lift a corner, the underside should be golden and dry. Overbaking can dry it out, so check at the 20-minute mark and add more time until it looks perfect.

Is it possible to make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! Mix and cover the dough, then refrigerate it overnight. The next day, bring it to room temperature, spread in the pan, and follow the rest of the steps. The slower rise develops a wonderful complex flavor in your Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread.

Can I make this bread gluten-free?

While traditional focaccia relies on regular flour for its signature structure, you can experiment with a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. The texture may be a bit different, but you’ll still capture much of that classic Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread experience.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something warm, comforting, and totally achievable, look no further than Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread. It’s the kind of homemade bread that turns ordinary meals into something truly memorable. Give it a try — you’ll be amazed how easily bakery-worthy results come right out of your own oven!

Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 26 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 1 9×13-inch focaccia 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread recipe is a savory delight that’s perfect for bread lovers. The combination of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs creates a flavorful topping that pairs beautifully with the soft, pillowy bread underneath. Whether enjoyed on its own or as a side to a hearty meal, this focaccia is sure to impress.

Instructions

Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and instant yeast. Stir in the olive oil and warm water. Mix until a sticky dough forms. No need to knead—just cover with plastic wrap and let it rise at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Prepare the Pan: Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or sheet pan with olive oil. Transfer the dough to the pan and gently stretch it to the edges. Let it rest for another 30 minutes while you prepare the topping.
Make the Garlic Oil: In a small saucepan, heat olive oil over low heat. Add the minced garlic and a pinch of salt. Cook just until fragrant—do not brown the garlic. Remove from heat and set aside.
Dimple the Dough: Use your fingers to press deep dimples into the dough all over. Drizzle the garlic oil evenly over the surface. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, and a pinch of flaky sea salt on top.
Bake the Focaccia: Bake in a preheated 425°F (220°C) oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
Serve and Enjoy: Cut into squares or strips and serve warm. You’ll be amazed at how quickly it disappears.

Notes

Enjoy this focaccia warm for the best flavor and texture.
Experiment with different herbs and cheeses for variations on this classic recipe.
This bread is best eaten fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for a day or two.

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