Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Recipe

If you adore flavors that sing together perfectly, this Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Recipe is going to become one of your all-time favorites. This bread is crisp on the outside, wonderfully soft and chewy on the inside, with the delightful punch of garlic and the savory richness of Parmesan cheese woven throughout. Whether you’re craving a comforting side, a base for your favorite sandwich, or something lovely to dip into soup, this easy homemade focaccia hits all the right notes without requiring complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients. Let me share with you how simple ingredients turn into something absolutely irresistible with this Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating the perfect Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Recipe is all about using simple, quality ingredients that each bring something special to the table. From the flour that forms the chewy structure to the minced garlic and Parmesan that infuse it with fantastic flavor, every item here plays a vital role.

• 3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour: The foundation for that classic focaccia texture, providing structure and chewiness.
• 2¼ teaspoons dry active yeast (1 package): This magical ingredient helps the dough rise, making it light and airy inside.
• 1 tablespoon sugar: Just enough to feed the yeast and aid in browning the crust beautifully.
• 2 teaspoons salt, plus more for topping: Enhances all the flavors, with extra salt lending a delightful finish on top.
• 1 tablespoon dry minced garlic: Delivers that unmistakable garlic punch throughout the bread.
• 1½ cups warm water: Activates the yeast and hydrates the flour, key to achieving the perfect dough consistency.
• ¼ cup olive oil, plus more for topping: Adds moisture and richness, while also helping create a golden crust.
• ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese: The star cheese that tops the bread and adds a savory, slightly nutty note.
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley: Brings a subtle herbaceous freshness to balance the richness of garlic and cheese.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Recipe

Step 1: Combine and Mix Dry Ingredients

Start by blending together the flour, dry active yeast, sugar, salt, and dry minced garlic in a large mixing bowl. This step is crucial as it fluffs up the flour while evenly distributing the yeast and aromatic garlic, laying a well-balanced flavor and texture foundation for your focaccia.

Step 2: Add Warm Water and Olive Oil

Next, pour in the warm water along with the olive oil and stir until everything comes together into a sticky dough. The warmth of the water wakes up the yeast and the olive oil infuses the dough with moisture and richness, setting up that luscious, tender crumb that focaccia is known for.

Step 3: Proof the Dough

Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rest in a warm spot for 30 to 45 minutes. During this time, the dough should double in size. Watching it rise is always such a rewarding moment—it means the yeast is alive and working its magic to give the bread an airy interior.

Step 4: Shape the Dough in the Pan

Once risen, transfer the dough to a 9×13-inch baking dish generously coated with olive oil. Press and stretch the dough gently to fill the entire pan. Then, using your fingertips, create those signature dimples all over the surface; this not only adds visual interest but also helps trap pools of olive oil and toppings during baking.

Step 5: Add Olive Oil and Toppings

Drizzle about a tablespoon of extra olive oil over the dough, then sprinkle on the Parmesan cheese, dried parsley, and a little extra salt. Cover again and place back into a warm area to rest while you preheat the oven to 375°F. This rest before baking ups the flavor and ensures a tender crumb once baked.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Remove the cover and slide your focaccia into the oven to bake for around 30 minutes. The bread should turn a beautiful golden brown color, with crisp edges and a soft chew inside that practically melts in your mouth. Once baked, allow it to rest and cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the crumb set and makes serving easier.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little freshly chopped rosemary or extra dried parsley on top just before serving to add an herbal brightness that complements the garlic and Parmesan. A light drizzle of good-quality olive oil after baking also enhances the bread’s rich flavors and adds a bit of extra gloss that looks beautiful on the table.

Side Dishes

This focaccia is a dream alongside soups like tomato basil, minestrone, or creamy potato leek—perfect for dipping and soaking up every last bit of delicious broth. It also pairs wonderfully with Italian classics like spaghetti Bolognese or chicken piccata, lending a rustic, homemade touch to your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, slice the focaccia horizontally to make sandwiches filled with mozzarella, fresh tomatoes, basil leaves, and a smear of pesto. You can also cut it into cubes to serve as flavorful croutons or bread bites for a cheese board or antipasto platter that will wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To retain softness, wrap it loosely in foil or a clean dish towel, which helps prevent it from drying out.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Recipe later, wrap the fully cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. It will stay fresh for up to one month. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Reheat focaccia in a preheated 350°F oven for about 8 to 10 minutes until warm and just crisp again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that lovely crust texture; instead, warming in the oven refreshes the bread perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use fresh garlic instead of dry minced garlic?

Absolutely! Fresh garlic will add a brighter, more pungent flavor. Just be sure to finely mince it and add it carefully so it doesn’t overpower the bread. About 2 cloves finely minced can replace the tablespoon of dry garlic.

What if I don’t have unbleached all-purpose flour?

Regular all-purpose flour works just fine as a substitute. Unbleached flour has a slightly different protein content, but the difference will be subtle and your focaccia will still be delicious.

Can I make this dough using a bread machine?

Yes, a bread machine can handle mixing and initial rising phases for this recipe. Just transfer the dough to your baking pan to shape, dimple, and add toppings before the final rise and baking.

How important is the olive oil in this recipe?

Olive oil is key not only for flavor but also for moisture and texture—both in the dough and brushed over the top before baking. It helps create the focaccia’s signature crisp, golden crust and adds richness inside.

Can I add other toppings to the Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Recipe?

Definitely! Feel free to customize with rosemary, cherry tomatoes, olives, caramelized onions, or even a sprinkle of chili flakes. These toppings bring extra flavor dimensions while keeping that classic focaccia spirit alive.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to try this Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Recipe soon. It’s one of those comforting yet impressive dishes that come together with simple pantry ingredients but taste like you spent hours perfecting. Whether you serve it as a side, a snack, or part of a larger meal, this focaccia invites warm smiles and happy bellies. Treat yourself and those you love to this golden, garlicky delight—you won’t regret it!

Print