Name: Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups warm water (about 110°F); 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast; 1 tablespoon sugar; 5 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon salt; 1/4 cup olive oil, plus more for drizzling and greasing; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary); 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of a bread that boasts a perfect balance of crisp edges, pillowy softness, and a flavor explosion, then Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread is exactly what you need. This Italian classic is infused with aromatic garlic, fresh rosemary, and the nutty richness of Parmesan cheese, all wrapped up in a golden, olive oil-kissed crust that’s absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, a side, or a snack, this bread brings warmth and deliciousness to any table.

Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread lies in its simplicity. With ingredients that are easy to find and each playing a key role, you’ll notice how every element contributes to that distinct flavor and texture we all love in focaccia.

2 cups warm water (about 110°F): Activates the yeast perfectly for a fluffy rise.
1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast: The magic that makes the bread rise and get airy.
1 tablespoon sugar: Feeds the yeast and helps create a beautiful golden crust.
5 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives structure to your bread.
1 tablespoon salt: Balances flavor and enhances the dough’s taste.
1/4 cup olive oil plus more for drizzling: Adds moisture, richness, and that signature focaccia crunch.
4 cloves garlic minced: Infuses the bread with bold, savory aroma and flavor.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Introduces a nutty, salty sharpness that elevates the bread.
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary): Brings a fragrant earthiness that’s classic in focaccia.
1 teaspoon coarse sea salt: Sprinkled on top, delivering that satisfying crunch and burst of flavor.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by mixing warm water, yeast, and sugar in a large bowl. This little step is crucial because you want the yeast to froth, signaling it’s alive and ready to work its magic. Wait about 5 minutes—it’s like waking up your dough’s best friend.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients and Olive Oil

Next, add the flour, salt, and olive oil to your yeast mixture. Stir until you get a sticky, shaggy dough. Don’t worry if it looks rough here—that’s exactly what you want before it transforms with some kneading.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Whether by hand or with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, knead your dough for about 5 to 7 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. This step builds strength in the dough, ensuring that airy texture in the finished bread.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

Place your dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and set it in a warm spot to rise for 1 to 2 hours. Watching it double in size is so satisfying and a sign your Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread will be perfectly light and fluffy.

Step 5: Prepare the Baking Sheet and Shape the Dough

Preheat your oven to 425°F and grease a 13×18-inch baking sheet with olive oil. Punch down the dough gently and spread it out evenly on the sheet. This is where your bread begins to take its inviting shape.

Step 6: Create Dimples and Add Toppings

Using your fingertips, poke deep dimples all over the dough’s surface. These little pockets are essential because they trap olive oil and toppings, delivering bursts of flavor with every bite. Drizzle more olive oil atop, then sprinkle the garlic, grated Parmesan, rosemary, and coarse sea salt liberally.

Step 7: Final Rest and Bake

Give the dough 20 to 30 minutes to rest and puff up while your oven reaches temperature. Once ready, bake it for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown and irresistible. Let it cool slightly before slicing to keep all those wonderful juices intact.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread

Garnishes

For serving, a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh rosemary or flaky sea salt makes the focaccia even more inviting. You can also add a touch of freshly ground black pepper or some finely chopped fresh thyme for an herby twist.

Side Dishes

Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread is incredibly versatile. Serve it alongside a steaming bowl of tomato soup, a crisp salad drizzled with balsamic, or as a side to roasted chicken or grilled vegetables to round out your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing your focaccia into squares and serving it as part of a charcuterie board, paired with olives, cured meats, and cheese. Or, slice it horizontally and turn it into a gourmet sandwich with roasted veggies and fresh mozzarella. This bread shines both on its own and as a canvas for tasty toppings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Keep it at room temperature where it will stay fresh and soft for up to two days. You can always toast slices to revive some of the original crispness before eating.

Freezing

For longer storage, slice the focaccia and freeze it in an airtight bag or container. It can keep well for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you want a tasty treat, just pull out your slices and thaw or reheat directly from frozen.

Reheating

Reheat your focaccia in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for about 5–8 minutes until warmed through and the crust crisps up beautifully. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it tends to make the bread chewy rather than delightfully tender.

FAQs

Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh?

Yes, dried rosemary works perfectly if fresh isn’t available. Use about one teaspoon dried, as it’s more concentrated in flavor. It still adds that lovely aromatic note essential to Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread.

What if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?

While Parmesan is ideal for its nutty, salty flavor, you can substitute with Pecorino Romano or even a sharp aged Asiago. Each brings its own character but still complements the garlic and rosemary wonderfully.

Is it okay to make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it after the first rise for up to 24 hours. Bring it back to room temperature before shaping and baking to get the best texture and flavor.

Can I add other toppings to the focaccia?

Definitely! Feel free to add sliced olives, sun-dried tomatoes, caramelized onions, or even chili flakes for a little heat. The Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread is a fantastic foundation for creative toppings.

How long will this bread stay fresh after baking?

Freshly baked Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread tastes best within 1 to 2 days. After that, its texture can change, but reheating or toasting helps bring back that delightful crispness and softness.

Final Thoughts

Making Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread is one of those wonderfully rewarding kitchen experiences that fills your home with incredible aromas and your table with something simply sensational. It’s easy, comforting, and endlessly versatile, making it a must-try for any bread lover. I can’t wait for you to give this recipe a whirl and discover just how special homemade focaccia can be!

Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 30 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
Yield: 12 slices 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread is a flavorful Italian flatbread, infused with fresh garlic, rosemary, and topped with savory Parmesan cheese. Perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, this homemade focaccia is an easy yet impressive appetizer or side dish that pairs wonderfully with soups, salads, or as a base for sandwiches.

Instructions

Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and sugar. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active and ready.
Make the Dough: Add the all-purpose flour, salt, and 1/4 cup olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a sticky dough starts to form, combining the ingredients thoroughly.
Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook and knead for 5 minutes.
Let the Dough Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and allow it to rise in a warm spot for 1 to 2 hours or until it has doubled in size.
Prepare for Baking: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a 13×18-inch baking sheet with olive oil. Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to the baking sheet, stretching and pressing it out to evenly fit the pan.
Add Toppings and Dimples: Use your fingers to create dimples all across the surface of the dough. Drizzle olive oil over the top, then evenly sprinkle the minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped rosemary, and coarse sea salt.
Second Rest: Let the dough rest for an additional 20-30 minutes to rise slightly while the oven is preheating.
Bake: Bake the focaccia for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. Remove from oven and allow it to cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Notes

Use warm water around 110°F to effectively activate the yeast without killing it.
You can substitute dried rosemary if fresh is not available, but reduce the amount to 1 teaspoon.
For a richer flavor, drizzle a little extra olive oil after baking before serving.
This focaccia is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat before serving.
Customize toppings by adding olives, cherry tomatoes, or caramelized onions for variations.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Bread, Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian