Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Recipe
If you’ve ever dreamed of a bread that’s gorgeously golden, tender, and utterly irresistible, Garlic Parmesan Focaccia is about to become your next baking obsession. This classic Italian bread gets a savory upgrade with plenty of fresh garlic, nutty Parmesan cheese, and a shower of herbs, resulting in a loaf that’s outrageously fragrant and beautifully textured. Perfect for sharing at the table or enjoying all to yourself (no judgment here!), this rustic focaccia is easy to make and delivers big flavor in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Garlic Parmesan Focaccia lies in its simplicity—the ingredients are basic, but each plays a starring role in building the bread’s deep flavor and satisfying texture. Gather these pantry staples and get ready to see just how magical a few well-chosen items can be.
- Instant yeast: Kick-starts the rise, giving the focaccia its signature airy crumb and gentle chew.
- Warm water: Helps activate the yeast and brings the dough together—aim for 110°F for best results.
- Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory flavors.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough, ensuring a sturdy, fluffy base.
- Salt: Enhances every flavor and deepens the bread’s overall taste.
- Olive oil: Infuses each layer with richness and ensures the crust bakes up golden and crisp.
- Garlic: Fresh and pungent, minced garlic turns aromatic during baking and adds a vibrant punch.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Provides a nutty, salty hit and melts into every delectable bite.
- Dried Italian herbs: Bring that classic Mediterranean flavor and a pop of earthy color.
- Flaky sea salt: Finishes the focaccia with a satisfying crunch and subtle burst of salinity.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Focaccia
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start your Garlic Parmesan Focaccia journey by combining the warm water, sugar, and instant yeast in a large mixing bowl. Let this mixture sit for 5–10 minutes, until a frothy layer develops on top—this means your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic for a pillowy bread base.
Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough
Now, add the flour, salt, and two tablespoons of olive oil to the bowl. Stir everything together until a rough dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, kneading for about 6–8 minutes until it’s smooth, elastic, and just a bit tacky. Alternatively, let your stand mixer do the heavy lifting for 4–5 minutes if you want to save yourself some arm work.
Step 3: First Rise
Place your kneaded dough into a lightly oiled bowl, turning it once so it’s coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel and leave it somewhere warm for about an hour. Watch as the dough transforms—doubling in size and becoming soft and puffy. This rise is what gives Garlic Parmesan Focaccia its light, airy interior.
Step 4: Shape and Dimple
When the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release excess air and transfer it to a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Use your fingers to press and stretch the dough until it evenly fills the pan. Then, dimple the surface with your fingertips—these little pockets are where the oil, garlic, and cheese will settle and shine.
Step 5: Toppings and Second Rest
Drizzle the top generously with the remaining olive oil, then scatter over the minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, and dried Italian herbs. Finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for that irresistible bakery-style crust. Let the dough rest and relax for 15 minutes while your oven preheats—the flavors meld and the dough fluffs up a final time.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide the pan into a 400°F oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the focaccia turns golden and the cheese is bubbling and bronzed. Once out of the oven, brush the surface with more olive oil if you want an extra soft and glossy finish. Allow to cool slightly before cutting—this helps retain those lovely air pockets inside.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Focaccia
Garnishes
Take your Garlic Parmesan Focaccia over the top with extra garnishes. A scattering of chopped fresh herbs—like parsley, basil, or rosemary—brings fresh color and an herby punch. More freshly grated Parmesan or even a dusting of crushed red pepper flakes will add extra flair for serving at the table.
Side Dishes
This focaccia loves company! It’s perfect served alongside a bright Caprese salad, your favorite hearty soup (think tomato basil or minestrone), or even as the star alongside a platter of olives, pickles, and Italian cured meats. The bread’s garlicky, cheesy flavor stands up to almost any meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice your Garlic Parmesan Focaccia into strips and use it for dipping into olive oil and balsamic vinegar, or cut it into cubes for a rustic bread basket. Feeling inventive? Halve it horizontally and turn it into a sandwich base, or use wedges as a canvas for building inventive bruschetta toppings. However you serve it, you’re guaranteed a crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Garlic Parmesan Focaccia keeps well at room temperature for up to two days. Just wrap it tightly in foil or store in an airtight container to preserve its moisture and keep the crust from drying out.
Freezing
For longer storage, slice your focaccia and freeze the pieces individually wrapped. This lets you pull out single servings as needed—just freeze them flat, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag to save space. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To enjoy that bakery-fresh warmth again, reheat slices in a 350°F oven for about 5–7 minutes until heated through and slightly crisp on the edges. A quick splash of water on the crust before reheating helps keep things soft inside, or pop it in a toaster oven for maximum convenience.
FAQs
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, you can substitute active dry yeast for instant yeast—just dissolve it in the warm water with sugar and let it bloom until foamy before continuing with the recipe as written.
What’s the best way to get crispy edges on my Garlic Parmesan Focaccia?
For crispier edges, be generous with olive oil on the bottom and sides of your baking pan. The oil helps fry the dough slightly as it bakes, creating that irresistible golden crust.
Can I make this focaccia vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the Parmesan with a plant-based Parmesan alternative, and check that your sugar is vegan-friendly. The rest of the ingredients are naturally plant-based.
How do I know when the focaccia is fully baked?
The top should be deeply golden brown and the edges should pull slightly away from the sides of the pan. If you tap the center, it should sound a little hollow, and the cheese will be melted and just starting to crisp.
What size pan works best for this recipe?
A standard 9×13-inch baking pan is perfect for this amount of dough—it gives you the ideal thickness for chewy, airy slices. A slightly smaller pan will yield thicker pieces, so adjust the baking time accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Baking Garlic Parmesan Focaccia at home is one of life’s simple joys—the smells, the sizzling cheese, and the satisfaction of breaking off a warm chunk to share (or not!). Give this recipe a try and watch it become a treasured staple for all your family dinners, gatherings, and cozy nights in.
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Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Garlic Parmesan Focaccia recipe is a flavorful and aromatic bread that makes a perfect side dish or appetizer. The combination of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs creates a delicious savory bread that is sure to impress.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
Topping:
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
- Flaky sea salt for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Knead until a dough forms.
- Rise the Dough: Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Assemble and Bake: Press dough into a baking pan, dimple the surface, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with garlic, Parmesan, herbs, and salt. Bake until golden.
- Serve: Cool slightly, slice, and enjoy!
Notes
- For a softer texture, brush the focaccia with additional olive oil when it comes out of the oven.
- This bread is best served warm and can be reheated in the oven.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 260 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
