Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread

This Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread is soft, fluffy, and loaded with flavor. With golden crust, garlicky aroma, and a sprinkling of Parmesan and herbs, it’s perfect as an appetizer, snack, or accompaniment to soups and salads.

Focaccia is an Italian classic that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. No need for complicated techniques—this recipe yields a tender, airy loaf with a slightly crisp top, ready to impress family and guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft & airy texture: Perfect fluffy interior.
• Savory garlic flavor: Enhanced by Parmesan and fresh herbs.
• Easy to make: Beginner-friendly recipe.
• Versatile: Serve with soups, salads, or as a sandwich base.

Ingredients

Bread Dough:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 ¼ cups warm water
• ¼ cup olive oil – plus extra for drizzling
• 1 tsp salt

Topping:

• 3 cloves garlic – minced
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tsp fresh rosemary – chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1–2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Activate yeast: In a small bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until frothy.
2. Prepare dough: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add yeast mixture and ¼ cup olive oil. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
3. Knead dough: Knead on floured surface 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. First rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour until doubled in size.
5. Shape focaccia: Transfer dough to greased baking pan. Press with fingers to flatten and create dimples.
6. Add toppings: Mix minced garlic with olive oil. Brush over dough. Sprinkle Parmesan, rosemary, and sea salt evenly.
7. Second rise: Let dough rest 20–30 minutes while oven preheats to 400°F (200°C).
8. Bake: Bake 20–25 minutes until golden brown. Remove from oven and drizzle with extra olive oil if desired. Cool slightly, slice, and serve.

Tips & Variations

• Extra cheesy: Add shredded mozzarella for a gooey twist.
• Herbs: Experiment with thyme, oregano, or basil for different flavors.
• Storage: Store in airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days. Reheat slices in oven for crispness.
• Olive topping: Add sliced olives for a Mediterranean version.

Serving Ideas

• Serve with soups, stews, or salads.
• Slice for sandwiches or bruschetta.
• Pair with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping.

Story Behind the Recipe

Focaccia is a staple of Italian cuisine, loved for its simplicity and versatility. This Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread combines the classic garlic and herb flavors with the rich nuttiness of Parmesan for a quick, homemade bread that’s perfect for any occasion.

Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread

Soft, fluffy focaccia bread topped with garlic, Parmesan, and herbs. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or side.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 1 minute min

Servings: 1 loaf

Course: Appetizer, Side, Snack

Cuisine: Bakery, Italian

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Bread Dough

• 3.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet active dry yeast 2 ¼ tsp
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1.25 cups warm water
• 0.25 cup olive oil plus extra for drizzling
• 1 tsp salt

Toppings

• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tsp fresh rosemary chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1-2 tbsp olive oil for topping

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Baking pan
• Wire rack
• Whisk

Method

 

1. Mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until frothy.
2. Combine flour and salt in a large bowl. Add yeast mixture and ¼ cup olive oil. Mix into sticky dough.
3. Knead dough 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place dough in greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour until doubled.
5. Transfer dough to greased baking pan, press to flatten, creating dimples.
6. Mix minced garlic with olive oil, brush over dough. Sprinkle Parmesan, rosemary, and sea salt evenly.
7. Let dough rest 20–30 minutes while oven preheats to 400°F (200°C).
8. Bake 20–25 minutes until golden. Drizzle extra olive oil if desired. Cool slightly, slice, and serve.

Notes

Optional: Serve with balsamic vinegar for dipping. Store in airtight container 2–3 days.