Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread combines everything you love about homemade bread—soft texture, a crispy golden top, and a burst of flavor from garlic, Parmesan, and herbs. The bread itself is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with soups, pastas, or salads, but it’s also fantastic on its own with a little extra olive oil. The addition of garlic and Parmesan gives it an irresistible savory edge, making it a family favorite every time!

Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2¼ teaspoons (1 packet) 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

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

  1. Activate the Yeast:
    In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir until the sugar is dissolved, then let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
  2. Make the Dough:
    Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture, and stir until combined. Then, drizzle in the ¼ cup of olive oil and mix until the dough begins to come together. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
  3. Knead the Dough:
    Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step.
  4. First Rise:
    Grease a large bowl with a little olive oil and place the dough in the bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
  5. Prepare the Focaccia Pan:
    While the dough is rising, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or focaccia pan with olive oil. Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any air bubbles.
  6. Shape the Dough:
    Transfer the dough to the prepared pan and stretch it out with your fingers to fit the pan, ensuring it is evenly distributed. Cover the pan and let the dough rise for an additional 20-30 minutes.
  7. Top the Focaccia:
    Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the dough rises, mince the garlic and prepare the Parmesan cheese. After the second rise, drizzle the dough with a little more olive oil, then sprinkle with minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs or rosemary if desired. Use your fingers to create dimples in the dough, which will help hold the olive oil and flavorings.
  8. Bake the Focaccia:
    Bake the focaccia in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown on top and cooked through.
  9. Add Finishing Touches:
    Once the bread is done, remove it from the oven and immediately sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.
  10. Serve and Enjoy:
    Slice and serve the Garlic Parmesan Focaccia warm. It’s perfect for dipping into olive oil, serving alongside pasta, or enjoying as an appetizer.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 8-10
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes (excluding rising time)
  • Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours (including rising time)

Variations

  • Herb Focaccia: Add fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or oregano to the dough for extra flavor.
  • Cheese Variation: Use other cheeses such as Asiago, mozzarella, or Gouda to replace or complement the Parmesan.
  • Olives or Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add sliced olives or chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the dough for an extra savory touch.
  • Spicy: Add red pepper flakes to the garlic oil drizzle for a little heat.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store any leftover focaccia at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge.
  • Reheating: To reheat, place the focaccia in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes to warm and crisp it back up.

FAQs

1. Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, you can use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast. Just be sure to activate the active dry yeast in warm water with sugar for 5-10 minutes before using it in the dough.

2. Can I make this focaccia without a stand mixer?

Yes! You can mix and knead the dough by hand. Just be sure to knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

3. Can I make this dough in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. After the first rise, refrigerate the dough overnight, then let it come to room temperature before proceeding with the second rise and baking.

4. Can I freeze focaccia bread?

Yes, you can freeze focaccia bread after it has cooled. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to eat, thaw it and warm it in the oven.

5. Why do I need to create dimples in the dough?

The dimples allow the olive oil, garlic, and seasonings to sit in the dough, creating pockets of flavor throughout the bread and adding to its characteristic texture.

6. Can I use a different kind of flour?

You can experiment with whole wheat flour or bread flour, though it may change the texture of the focaccia. If using whole wheat flour, you may need to add a little more water.

7. How can I make the focaccia extra crispy?

For an extra crispy crust, you can bake the focaccia on a preheated pizza stone or a baking sheet. Adding a little more olive oil on top before baking also helps.

8. Can I add more garlic?

Yes! If you love garlic, feel free to add more minced garlic to the dough or the top of the bread before baking.

9. Can I use fresh rosemary instead of dried Italian herbs?

Yes, fresh rosemary works beautifully in focaccia. Just chop it finely and sprinkle it on top along with the garlic and Parmesan.

10. Can I use a different kind of oil instead of olive oil?

Olive oil gives this focaccia its signature flavor, but you can substitute it with vegetable oil or another mild oil if desired. However, olive oil is recommended for the best taste.

Conclusion

Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread is the perfect combination of soft, flavorful dough and a crispy, aromatic crust. It’s the ideal addition to any meal or a delicious standalone treat. The garlic and Parmesan make this bread irresistible, while the soft, airy texture keeps you coming back for more. Try it out today, and you’ll have a homemade favorite that everyone will love!

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Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread – A Savory Homemade Favorite

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Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread is a soft, pillowy bread with a golden, crispy crust, infused with garlic and Parmesan. Perfect for dipping or serving with your favorite dishes.

  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes (excluding rising time)
  • Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours (including rising time)
  • Yield: 8-10 servings
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour

2¼ teaspoons (1 packet) 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

34 cloves garlic, minced

½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or chopped rosemary (optional)

Flaky sea salt, for topping

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
  2. Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture, and stir to combine. Drizzle in ¼ cup olive oil and mix until the dough begins to come together. If too sticky, add a bit more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time.
  3. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook.
  4. Grease a large bowl with olive oil, place the dough in it, and cover with a towel. Let it rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  5. Grease a 9×13-inch pan with olive oil. Punch down the dough to release air bubbles, then transfer to the pan and stretch to fit. Cover and let it rise for another 20-30 minutes.
  6. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Mince the garlic and prepare the Parmesan cheese. After the second rise, drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with garlic, Parmesan, and herbs (if using). Use your fingers to create dimples in the dough.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
  8. Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Notes

For added flavor, add fresh basil, thyme, or oregano to the dough.

Use Asiago or mozzarella instead of Parmesan for a different cheese variation.

For extra savory flavor, add sliced olives or sun-dried tomatoes to the dough.

To reheat, place the focaccia in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes to warm and crisp it.

For a crispy crust, bake on a preheated pizza stone or baking sheet.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 250mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 5mg

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