Name: Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread – A Savory Homemade Favorite 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

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Get ready to fall in love with Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread – A Savory Homemade Favorite. This golden, beautifully dimpled loaf delivers everything you want in a homemade bread: a tender, airy crumb, a crisp olive-oil kissed crust, and plenty of garlicky, cheesy goodness shimmering on top. It’s one of those kitchen showstoppers that looks complex but is absolutely approachable for bakers of all skill levels. Whether you want to impress guests or simply treat yourself to something extra special, this focaccia will soon become your go-to recipe for every occasion.

Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread – A Savory Homemade Favorite Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread – A Savory Homemade Favorite lies in just a handful of pantry staples and a few flavor-boosting accents. Each ingredient plays its part in creating a bread that’s both rustic and irresistible, so don’t skip any for maximum flavor and texture.

All-purpose flour: The foundation for a soft, chewy interior while still supporting those signature focaccia bubbles.
Instant yeast: Ensures a reliable rise, plus gives that irresistible fresh-baked aroma as the dough proofs.
Salt: Don’t underestimate this; it heightens every flavor and balances the richness of oil and cheese.
Warm water: At the right temperature (about 110°F), it activates the yeast and creates moist, elastic dough.
Sugar: Just a little to feed the yeast so your bread puffs up perfectly and browns nicely in the oven.
Extra virgin olive oil: For a rich, fruity undertone in the dough and a luxurious, golden crust.
Minced garlic: Infuses the olive oil—and the bread beneath it—with savory, aromatic depth.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Melts, bubbles, and crisps up for a salty-cheesy topping that steals the show.
Dried Italian herbs or chopped rosemary (optional): Adds bursts of herbal fragrance and color—feel free to play with your favorite!
Flaky sea salt: That perfect finishing touch, giving every bite a delicate crunch and flavor pop.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread – A Savory Homemade Favorite

Step 1: Mix the Dough

Start by stirring together your warm water, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl. Give it about five minutes to get nice and foamy, which guarantees your yeast is awake and ready to work its magic. Once it looks lively, add the flour and salt. Mix everything until you have a shaggy, sticky dough—that’s what you want! Knead it using a mixer for 5–6 minutes or by hand for 8–10 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. The dough will still be a bit tacky but should easily pull away from the sides of the bowl.

Step 2: First Rise

Drizzle olive oil over the dough and turn it so it’s lightly coated. Cover the bowl and set it in a warm, cozy spot. Let it rise for 1 to 1.5 hours, until it has about doubled in size. Watching it puff up is always a little kitchen miracle and sets the stage for that signature focaccia texture!

Step 3: Prepare Garlic Oil

While the dough rises, grease a 9×13-inch baking pan generously. In a small saucepan, warm up a couple tablespoons of olive oil and add the minced garlic. Let it sizzle gently for about a minute—just till fragrant, not browned. This step loads your oil with garlicky savor and ensures the bread soaks up all that beautiful flavor.

Step 4: Stretch and Second Rise

Transfer the dough to your prepped pan, and gently coax it to the corners with oiled hands. If it resists or springs back, give it a 10-minute rest, then finish stretching. Patience here pays off! Cover again and let it rise a second time for 30 to 45 minutes until it looks puffy.

Step 5: Top and Bake

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Now comes the fun part: create those iconic focaccia dimples by gently pressing your fingers into the dough. Brush the surface generously with that warm, garlic-infused oil, making sure those bits of garlic dot the top. Scatter freshly grated Parmesan, sprinkle on herbs if you wish, and finish with flaky sea salt. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and crisp.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Once the focaccia is a deep golden brown and your kitchen smells like heaven, remove it from the oven. Let it cool in the pan for just 5–10 minutes, then move it to a wire rack for the base to stay crisp. Slice it into generous squares and serve warm—try to resist eating it all in one sitting!

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread – A Savory Homemade Favorite

Garnishes

A last sprinkle of Parmesan or even a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil right before serving adds a touch of restaurant flair. Fresh herbs like chopped rosemary, parsley, or basil can really pop against the golden crust of your Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread – A Savory Homemade Favorite. And don’t forget a final dash of flaky sea salt for that crave-worthy finish.

Side Dishes

This focaccia shines alongside just about anything—serve it with a steaming bowl of tomato soup, a crisp green salad, or as a base for building epic sandwiches. Its robust flavor and fluffy crumb make it perfect for soaking up sauces, so consider pairing it with a hearty pasta dish or a platter of Italian antipasti.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing your Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread – A Savory Homemade Favorite into small squares for appetizer bites at parties, or split it horizontally for an artisan sandwich base. For a fun twist, cube it and toast into savory croutons to top Caesar or kale salads. It also holds up beautifully for picnic baskets or as part of a charcuterie board.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow have leftovers, simply let the bread cool completely and store pieces in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The crust will stay pleasantly crisp, and the interior remains fluffy and flavorful.

Freezing

Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread – A Savory Homemade Favorite freezes like a dream. Once cooled, wrap slices or whole portions tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil. Store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months—just be sure to label it for easy weeknight treat access!

Reheating

To bring your focaccia back to life, pop slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes, or until crisped and heated through. For an even quick fix, a toaster oven will do the trick. Avoid microwaving if you can—it softens the crust and takes away some of that signature texture.

FAQs

Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Absolutely! Bread flour will give your focaccia an even chewier texture due to its higher protein content. Either flour yields a delicious loaf, so use what you have on hand or experiment to discover your personal favorite.

How do I get those classic dimple marks in the bread?

The dimples are made by pressing your oiled fingertips deep into the dough, just before baking. This not only looks beautiful but also creates pockets that hold extra olive oil and toppings, adding flavor right where you want it.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make it more convenient by mixing the dough the night before and letting it rise in the fridge for up to 12 hours. Just bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking for best results.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

You can! Swap the Parmesan with your favorite vegan cheese or simply omit it for a straightforward, garlicky focaccia. Everything else in Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread – A Savory Homemade Favorite is naturally plant-based.

Why is my focaccia dense or not rising well?

Usually, this is due to expired yeast or water that’s too hot or cold. Always test your yeast in warm water first, and double-check your dough is rising in a warm enough spot. A little patience makes all the difference for that amazing airy texture.

Final Thoughts

Baking Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread – A Savory Homemade Favorite is one of those rewarding kitchen moments you’ll want to repeat again and again. There’s nothing quite like pulling a warm pan from the oven and seeing the cheese bubble and brown, with the scent of garlic filling the air. I can’t wait for you to try it and add it to your list of beloved homemade staples!

Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread – A Savory Homemade Favorite Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 10 reviews

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

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Description

Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread is a savory homemade favorite that’s perfect for any meal. This easy-to-make bread is infused with the flavors of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and fragrant herbs, creating a delicious and aromatic treat.

Instructions

Mix the Dough: In a bowl, stir together warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add flour and salt. Mix until a 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 a wire rack. Slice and serve warm.

Notes

You can customize the toppings with your favorite herbs or additional cheese.
For a softer crust, brush the baked bread with olive oil once it comes out of the oven.

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