Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Recipe

Introduction

Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread is a flavorful Italian classic that’s crispy on the outside and soft inside. This easy recipe combines fragrant garlic, savory Parmesan, and fresh herbs for a perfect homemade bread experience.

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 (for garlic topping)
• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
• ½ teaspoon salt (for garlic topping)
• 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)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and instant yeast. Stir in the olive oil and warm water until a sticky dough forms. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
2. Step 2: 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.
3. Step 3: In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and a pinch of salt. Cook just until fragrant—do not brown the garlic. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Step 4: 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 if using, and a pinch of flaky sea salt on top.
5. Step 5: Bake in a preheated 425°F (220°C) oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until the top is golden brown and crispy. Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
6. Step 6: Cut into squares or strips and serve warm. Enjoy the delicious, savory bread fresh from the oven.

Tips & Variations

• For a softer focaccia, brush additional olive oil on the bread right after baking.
• Try swapping Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
• Add sun-dried tomatoes or olives to the dough for a Mediterranean twist.
• If fresh herbs aren’t available, dried rosemary or thyme sprinkled on top works well.
• Make sure your water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly without killing it.

Storage

Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the bread wrapped in foil for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to restore crispness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I knead the dough instead of letting it rise sticky?

Yes, kneading is optional for this recipe. Letting the dough rise sticky creates a lighter texture, but kneading a few minutes won’t hurt and can make the dough easier to handle.

What if I don’t have instant yeast?

You can use active dry yeast instead, but dissolve it in the warm water first and let it activate for about 5-10 minutes until foamy before mixing into the flour.

Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 55 reviews

This Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread recipe delivers a soft, airy bread infused with fragrant garlic olive oil and topped with savory Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs. Perfect as a side or appetizer, this easy-to-make focaccia combines rustic Italian flavors with a golden, crispy crust baked to perfection.

• Author: Elias
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

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For the Dough:

• 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)

For the Garlic Parmesan Topping:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)

To Finish:

• Additional olive oil for greasing
• Flaky sea salt for sprinkling
• Fresh parsley or herbs for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Cut into squares or strips and serve warm. You’ll be amazed at how quickly it disappears.

Notes

• Do not brown the garlic when making the garlic oil to avoid bitterness.
• Let the dough fully rise twice for a light and airy texture.
• Use warm water around 110°F to activate the yeast properly.
• Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme add extra flavor but are optional.
• For crispier edges, you can drizzle a little more olive oil before baking.
• Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for best texture.

Keywords: Focaccia, Garlic Parmesan Bread, Italian Bread, Herb Bread, Easy Bread Recipe, Olive Oil Bread