Prepare to fall head over heels for Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread – A Savory Homemade Favorite! This Italian-inspired bread is irresistibly fluffy, aromatically garlicky, and sporting a golden, Parmesan-studded crust. Each bite offers the perfect blend of pillowy crumb, flavorful herbs, and just the right hint of garlic richness. Whether you enjoy it as a snack, side, or a sandwich base, this easy homemade recipe will have everyone swooning for seconds. Let’s roll up our sleeves and bake up a batch of this magic together!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed by how a handful of simple pantry ingredients combine to create the incredible Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread – A Savory Homemade Favorite. Each item plays its own starring role, contributing to texture, flavor, and that signature golden color.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of our bread, this creates a soft yet satisfyingly chewy base.
- Instant yeast: This quick-acting yeast makes the dough rise beautifully while keeping prep simple.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and brings balance to every savory bite.
- Warm water: At the perfect temperature, it coaxes the yeast to life for the perfect rise.
- Sugar: Just a touch helps feed the yeast, giving the focaccia lovely lift.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Adds moisture, flavor, and helps create those craveable golden, crispy edges.
- Garlic cloves: Minced fresh for bold, aromatic flavor that permeates every slice.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Delivers a savory, nutty punch and melt-in-your-mouth topping.
- Dried Italian herbs or chopped rosemary: Optional, but they infuse the bread with a fragrant, earthy aroma.
- Flaky sea salt: For sprinkling on top, adding satisfying crunch and a burst of salty goodness.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread – A Savory Homemade Favorite
Step 1: Mix the Dough
Start by stirring together warm water, sugar, and instant yeast in a large bowl. Let this mixture sit for about five minutes until it looks foamy—this tells you your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic. Add the flour and salt, then mix until it forms a sticky dough. Knead by stand mixer for five to six minutes, or by hand for eight to ten minutes, until your dough feels smooth and supple. This initial kneading builds the gluten we need for that delicious stretch and soft bite.
Step 2: First Rise
Once the dough feels right, coat it lightly in olive oil (this keeps it moist and adds subtle richness), cover the bowl snugly, and let it rise for one to one and a half hours. Find a nice warm spot for the dough to double in size—this stage is where all the pillowy texture of Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread – A Savory Homemade Favorite develops!
Step 3: Prepare Garlic Oil
While the dough rises, grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with olive oil. Then, in a small pan on the stove, gently heat two tablespoons of olive oil with the minced garlic until it smells incredible (this only takes about a minute). This garlic oil is the flavor booster that will infuse your bread with irresistible aroma and taste, so don’t skip this quick step!
Step 4: Stretch and Second Rise
Turn the risen dough out into your greased pan. Use your fingertips to gently press and stretch it to the corners—it’s soft, so if it resists, just let it rest for ten minutes and try again. Once the dough fills the pan, cover and let it rise a second time for about 30 to 45 minutes. This extra rise creates the signature lightness that makes Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread – A Savory Homemade Favorite so addictive.
Step 5: Top and Bake
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Dimple the top of the dough with your fingers, pressing down to create those classic focaccia wells that catch flavor. Generously brush with your garlic oil, then sprinkle on the Parmesan, your chosen herbs, and a shower of flaky sea salt. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until your kitchen smells heavenly and the top is deeply golden.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let the focaccia cool in the pan for five to ten minutes—this helps set the crumb and makes slicing easier. Then lift it out, transfer to a wire rack, slice into slabs, and serve warm. The cheesy, garlicky aroma as you cut it is simply unbeatable!
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread – A Savory Homemade Favorite
Garnishes
Give your focaccia an extra burst of color and flavor with a dash of freshly chopped parsley, a little more grated Parmesan, or even a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Some folks also love a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick—feel free to make it your own!
Side Dishes
Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread – A Savory Homemade Favorite is the ultimate partner for pasta dinners, creamy soups, or crisp, tangy salads. Try serving it with a simple marinara sauce for dipping, alongside a cheese and charcuterie board, or to mop up the last bits of stew. It’s versatile and truly shines next to almost anything!
Creative Ways to Present
Cut focaccia into fingers and serve as dippable breadsticks for parties, or create luscious sandwiches stuffed with roasted veggies and fresh mozzarella. For brunch, toast squares of Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread – A Savory Homemade Favorite and top with poached eggs or avocado. You can even use leftover pieces for a savory bread pudding or croutons!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover focaccia at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two days. The crust may soften as it sits, but the flavors actually deepen and become even more delicious after a day. If storing longer, consider transferring to the fridge for up to another two days.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap slices or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and place in a freezer bag. Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread – A Savory Homemade Favorite freezes beautifully for up to two months. When ready, thaw it at room temperature or reheat directly from frozen.
Reheating
Revive that fresh-baked flavor by warming leftover focaccia in a 350°F oven for about 8 to 10 minutes, uncovered, until heated through and slightly crisp around the edges. You can also toast individual slices in a toaster oven for smaller servings. Avoid microwaving, which can make the bread chewy instead of crisp.
FAQs
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes! If you’re using active dry yeast, just dissolve it in the warm water with the sugar as directed, but let it sit a few extra minutes to ensure it foams up nicely before adding flour and salt.
What if I don’t have Parmesan—are there other cheeses I can use?
Absolutely! Try Asiago, Pecorino Romano, or even finely grated aged cheddar for a different twist. Each cheese will bring its own unique flavor to Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread – A Savory Homemade Favorite.
Can I add other toppings to the focaccia?
You bet! Thinly sliced red onions, halved cherry tomatoes, olives, or a sprinkle of za’atar are all delicious. Just add with the Parmesan and herbs before baking for endless customization.
How do I know the focaccia is baked through?
Look for a deep golden crust and listen for a slightly hollow sound when you tap the bottom. If in doubt, a quick peek with a knife in the center should reveal fluffy, fully-cooked bread—not doughy!
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute a quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to transform Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread – A Savory Homemade Favorite into a gluten-free treat. The texture will be slightly different, but still delicious and savory.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about pulling a tray of warm, aromatic focaccia from your own oven. If you’re looking for a foolproof, crowd-pleasing bread to wow your friends and family, Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread – A Savory Homemade Favorite delivers every time. Give it a try and let this savory homemade favorite become a new staple in your kitchen!
PrintGarlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread – A Savory Homemade Favorite Recipe
This Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread is soft, golden, and bursting with savory flavor from fresh garlic, Parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs. This easy recipe delivers homemade focaccia that’s ideal for snacking, making gourmet sandwiches, or enjoying as a delicious, crowd-pleasing side.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours (including rise time)
- Yield: 8-10 servings
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2¼ teaspoons (1 packet) 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
For the Topping
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for garlic oil)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or chopped rosemary (optional)
- Flaky sea salt, for topping
Instructions
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, stir together the warm water, sugar, and instant yeast. Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy. Add the flour and salt and mix until a sticky dough forms. Knead the dough with a mixer for 5–6 minutes or by hand for 8–10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Coat the dough with olive oil, place it in a clean bowl, cover it with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
- Prepare Garlic Oil: While the dough is rising, grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. In a small pan, gently heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil with the minced garlic for about 1 minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to brown the garlic. Set the garlic oil aside.
- Stretch and Second Rise: Transfer the risen dough to the prepared pan. Gently press and stretch the dough towards the corners. If it resists, let it rest for 10 minutes, then finish stretching. Cover and let rise for another 30–45 minutes until slightly puffy.
- Top and Bake: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Once the dough is ready, dimple it all over with your fingers. Brush the top generously with the prepared garlic oil, then sprinkle evenly with grated Parmesan, the Italian herbs or rosemary (if using), and a little flaky sea salt. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown and crisp at the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, let the focaccia cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes. Carefully transfer it to a wire rack, slice, and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use warm water (around 110°F) to activate the yeast; hot water can kill it.
- Don’t skip making the garlic oil—it infuses the bread with essential flavor.
- Coating the pan generously with olive oil helps create deliciously crisp edges.
- Allow the dough to rise fully for the lightest, airiest texture.
- Focaccia is best fresh but can be stored at room temperature for 2 days, or frozen for up to 2 months.
