Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread – A Savory Homemade Favorite | Easy & Delicious Bakery-Style Bread

🎉 Introduction

There’s nothing quite as satisfying as the golden, crispy edges of freshly baked focaccia bread, infused with fragrant garlic, herbs, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. This Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread recipe is an irresistible homemade favorite that transforms simple pantry ingredients into a savory, bakery-quality masterpiece.

Soft and fluffy inside, with a crisp, flavorful crust, this focaccia is perfect as a side dish, an appetizer, or even as the base for gourmet sandwiches. With a no-fuss method and foolproof results, you’ll never need to buy store-bought focaccia again.

🧰 Equipment Needed

Gather these kitchen essentials before you begin:

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Wooden spoon or dough whisk
• Plastic wrap or clean kitchen towel
• 9×13-inch baking pan or sheet pan
• Small bowl (for toppings)
• Pastry brush (optional)
• Sharp knife (for mincing garlic)

🛒 Ingredients

Fruits & Vegetables:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian herbs or dried rosemary

Culinary Aids & Spices:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• Flaky sea salt (for topping)

Oils & Vinegars:

• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for greasing

Dairy Products:

• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

Liquids:

• 1½ cups warm water (about 110°F / 45°C)

👩‍🍳 Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

• In a large bowl, whisk together flour, instant yeast, salt, and sugar.
• Add warm water and 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
• Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
• Knead the dough gently in the bowl or on a lightly floured surface for about 3-5 minutes, just until smooth.

Step 2: First Rise

• Drizzle a bit of olive oil into a clean bowl.
• Place the dough in the bowl and turn it to coat with oil.
• Cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel.
• Let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Prepare the Baking Pan

• Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with olive oil.
• Transfer the risen dough to the pan.
• Gently stretch and press it into an even layer.
• Cover loosely and let rise again for 20-30 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare the Garlic Herb Topping

• In a small bowl, mix together minced garlic, Italian herbs or rosemary, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
• Stir in half of the Parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Dimple and Top the Dough

• Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
• After the second rise, use your fingertips to create deep dimples all over the dough.
• Spoon the garlic-herb mixture evenly over the surface.
• Sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese and finish with a light dusting of flaky sea salt.

Step 6: Bake the Focaccia

• Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and the edges are crispy.
• For an extra golden top, broil for the last 1-2 minutes—watch carefully to avoid burning.

Step 7: Cool & Serve

• Allow the focaccia to cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
• Transfer to a cutting board, slice into squares or strips, and serve warm.

🍽️ Servings & Timing

• Servings: 8-10 pieces
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Bake Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (mostly inactive)

🧊 Storage & Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store covered in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigeration: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Slice, wrap in foil, and freeze in freezer bags for up to 2 months.
• Reheating Instructions:
  • Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes.
  • Toaster Oven: Toast slices until crisp on the edges.
  • Air Fryer: Heat at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes for a perfectly crisp texture.

🥄 Variations

Elevate your focaccia with these creative variations:

• Cheesy Focaccia: Add shredded mozzarella or provolone on top along with the Parmesan.
• Olive & Herb Focaccia: Scatter sliced Kalamata or green olives before baking.
• Sun-Dried Tomato Twist: Top with chopped sun-dried tomatoes and a drizzle of olive oil.
• Spicy Garlic Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic herb topping.
• Whole Wheat Focaccia: Replace 1 cup of all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.
• Fresh Basil Finish: Garnish with fresh basil leaves after baking for a fresh burst of flavor.
• Sweet Onion Focaccia: Add thin slices of caramelized onions on top before baking.
• Pesto Swirl: Drizzle pesto sauce into the dimples before baking for a herbaceous punch.

❓ 10 FAQs

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

Yes. Dissolve active dry yeast in warm water with sugar and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy before adding to the flour mixture.

2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the dough, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature before pressing into the baking pan.

3. Can I skip the Parmesan cheese?

Yes, but it adds a rich, savory flavor. You can substitute with other hard cheeses like Asiago or Grana Padano.

4. What gives focaccia its airy texture?

The slow fermentation during the first rise helps develop air pockets, along with proper dimpling before baking.

5. Can I make mini focaccia rounds?

Yes! Divide the dough into smaller portions and bake them in mini cast-iron skillets or ramekins.

6. How do I keep focaccia from sticking to the pan?

Generously grease the pan with olive oil or use parchment paper for easy removal.

7. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend specifically formulated for yeast breads.

8. Can I freeze focaccia dough?

Yes. After the first rise, shape the dough, wrap it tightly, and freeze. Thaw and let it rise again before baking.

9. What’s the best way to serve focaccia?

It’s perfect as a side with pasta, soups, salads, or served as a sandwich base.

10. How do I get a crispier bottom crust?

Add extra olive oil to the bottom of the pan before placing the dough for a crispier edge.

🏁 Conclusion

This Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread is a homemade favorite that combines a fluffy, tender crumb with a crisp, golden crust, topped with savory garlic, herbs, and Parmesan. It’s the kind of bread that’s simple to make yet delivers a bakery-quality result right from your own oven.

Whether served as a side dish, enjoyed as an appetizer, or used for gourmet sandwiches, this focaccia recipe is guaranteed to impress. Once you bake this at home, you’ll never look at store-bought focaccia the same way again.

Adam

Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread – A Savory Homemade Favorite | Easy & Delicious Bakery-Style Bread

There’s nothing quite as satisfying as the golden, crispy edges of freshly baked focaccia bread, infused with fragrant garlic, herbs, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. This Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread recipe is an irresistible homemade favorite that transforms simple pantry ingredients into a savory, bakery-quality masterpiece. Soft and fluffy inside, with a crisp, flavorful crust, this focaccia is perfect as a side dish, an appetizer, or even as the base for gourmet sandwiches. With a no-fuss method and foolproof results, you’ll never need to buy store-bought focaccia again.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Rise & Bake Time 1 hour hr 55 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 10 pieces

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Fruits & Vegetables:

• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian herbs or dried rosemary

Culinary Aids & Spices:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast 1 packet
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• Flaky sea salt for topping

Oils & Vinegars:

• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil plus extra for greasing

Dairy Products:

• ½ cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated

Liquids:

• 1½ cups warm water about 110°F / 45°C

Equipment

• Gather these kitchen essentials before you begin:
• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Wooden spoon or dough whisk
• Plastic wrap or clean kitchen towel
• 9×13-inch baking pan or sheet pan
• Small bowl (for toppings)
• Pastry brush (optional)
• Sharp knife (for mincing garlic)

Method

 

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, instant yeast, salt, and sugar.
2. Add warm water and 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
3. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead the dough gently in the bowl or on a lightly floured surface for about 3-5 minutes, just until smooth.

Step 2: First Rise

1. Drizzle a bit of olive oil into a clean bowl.
2. Place the dough in the bowl and turn it to coat with oil.
3. Cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel.
4. Let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Prepare the Baking Pan

1. Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with olive oil.
2. Transfer the risen dough to the pan.
3. Gently stretch and press it into an even layer.
4. Cover loosely and let rise again for 20-30 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare the Garlic Herb Topping

1. In a small bowl, mix together minced garlic, Italian herbs or rosemary, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
2. Stir in half of the Parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Dimple and Top the Dough

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. After the second rise, use your fingertips to create deep dimples all over the dough.
3. Spoon the garlic-herb mixture evenly over the surface.
4. Sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese and finish with a light dusting of flaky sea salt.

Step 6: Bake the Focaccia

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and the edges are crispy.
2. For an extra golden top, broil for the last 1-2 minutes—watch carefully to avoid burning.

Step 7: Cool & Serve

1. Allow the focaccia to cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
2. Transfer to a cutting board, slice into squares or strips, and serve warm.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Room Temperature: Store covered in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Refrigeration: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freezing: Slice, wrap in foil, and freeze in freezer bags for up to 2 months.

Reheating Instructions:

Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes.

Toaster Oven: Toast slices until crisp on the edges.

Air Fryer: Heat at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes for a perfectly crisp texture.

🥄 Variations
Elevate your focaccia with these creative variations:

Cheesy Focaccia: Add shredded mozzarella or provolone on top along with the Parmesan.

Olive & Herb Focaccia: Scatter sliced Kalamata or green olives before baking.

Sun-Dried Tomato Twist: Top with chopped sun-dried tomatoes and a drizzle of olive oil.

Spicy Garlic Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic herb topping.

Whole Wheat Focaccia: Replace 1 cup of all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.

Fresh Basil Finish: Garnish with fresh basil leaves after baking for a fresh burst of flavor.

Sweet Onion Focaccia: Add thin slices of caramelized onions on top before baking.

Pesto Swirl: Drizzle pesto sauce into the dimples before baking for a herbaceous punch.

❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes. Dissolve active dry yeast in warm water with sugar and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy before adding to the flour mixture.

2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare the dough, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature before pressing into the baking pan.

3. Can I skip the Parmesan cheese?
Yes, but it adds a rich, savory flavor. You can substitute with other hard cheeses like Asiago or Grana Padano.

4. What gives focaccia its airy texture?
The slow fermentation during the first rise helps develop air pockets, along with proper dimpling before baking.

5. Can I make mini focaccia rounds?
Yes! Divide the dough into smaller portions and bake them in mini cast-iron skillets or ramekins.

6. How do I keep focaccia from sticking to the pan?
Generously grease the pan with olive oil or use parchment paper for easy removal.

7. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend specifically formulated for yeast breads.

8. Can I freeze focaccia dough?
Yes. After the first rise, shape the dough, wrap it tightly, and freeze. Thaw and let it rise again before baking.

9. What’s the best way to serve focaccia?
It’s perfect as a side with pasta, soups, salads, or served as a sandwich base.

10. How do I get a crispier bottom crust?
Add extra olive oil to the bottom of the pan before placing the dough for a crispier edge.

🏁 Conclusion
This Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread is a homemade favorite that combines a fluffy, tender crumb with a crisp, golden crust, topped with savory garlic, herbs, and Parmesan. It’s the kind of bread that’s simple to make yet delivers a bakery-quality result right from your own oven.

Whether served as a side dish, enjoyed as an appetizer, or used for gourmet sandwiches, this focaccia recipe is guaranteed to impress. Once you bake this at home, you’ll never look at store-bought focaccia the same way again.