Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Recipe
Introduction
Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread is a savory, soft, and aromatic Italian classic that’s perfect for any meal or snack. This homemade favorite combines fluffy bread with fragrant garlic, rich Parmesan, and a touch of herbs, making it irresistibly delicious and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 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
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or chopped rosemary (optional)
- Flaky sea salt, for topping
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy. Add flour and salt, then mix until a sticky dough forms. Knead the dough using a mixer for 5 to 6 minutes or by hand for 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth.
- Step 2: Coat the dough in olive oil, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours until it has doubled in size.
- Step 3: Grease a 9×13-inch pan. In a small pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil with the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Step 4: Transfer the dough to the greased pan and gently press it toward the corners. If necessary, let it rest for 10 minutes before finishing stretching it to fill the pan. Cover and let rise for another 30 to 45 minutes.
- Step 5: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Use your fingers to dimple the dough all over. Brush the surface with the garlic-infused olive oil, then sprinkle evenly with Parmesan cheese, herbs if using, and flaky sea salt.
- Step 6: Bake the focaccia for 20 to 25 minutes until it is golden brown. Allow to cool in the pan for 5 to 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice and serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add chopped fresh rosemary or thyme to the dough before the first rise.
- If you prefer a lighter garlic taste, reduce the amount of minced garlic in the topping.
- Try sprinkling some crushed red pepper flakes on top if you like a bit of heat.
- Use bread flour instead of all-purpose for a chewier texture.
Storage
Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep it longer, wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat in a warm oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 10 minutes to restore crispiness and freshness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, you can. Dissolve active dry yeast in warm water with sugar and let it proof for 5 to 10 minutes until frothy before mixing with flour.
How do I make the focaccia more fluffy?
Ensure the dough rises in a warm environment until doubled, and avoid overworking it after the second rise. Also, using bread flour can help create a lighter, airier texture.
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Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread is a savory homemade favorite that’s soft, fluffy, and bursting with garlic and Parmesan flavors. Perfectly golden and topped with fragrant herbs, this easy bread recipe is ideal for serving alongside soups, salads, or as a delicious snack on its own.
Ingredients
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
Topping
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 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 bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy to activate the yeast. Add the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing until a sticky dough forms. Knead using 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, cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare Garlic Oil: Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. In a small pan, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil with the minced garlic over low heat for about 1 minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside to infuse.
- Stretch and Second Rise: Transfer the risen dough to the greased pan and gently press it into the corners. Allow the dough to rest for 10 minutes if it resists stretching, then gently finish spreading it to fit the pan. Cover it again and let it rise for another 30–45 minutes.
- Top and Bake: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Using your fingers, dimple the surface of the dough to create characteristic focaccia pockets. Brush the top generously with the prepared garlic oil. Sprinkle evenly with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, dried Italian herbs or rosemary (if using), and flaky sea salt. Bake in the oven for 20–25 minutes, until the focaccia is golden brown on top.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the baked focaccia from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool slightly, slice, and serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh rosemary for the dried Italian herbs to add a more aromatic flavor.
- The garlic oil enhances the focaccia’s flavor, but you can adjust the amount of garlic to your taste.
- Focaccia is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat focaccia in a warm oven for a few minutes to restore crispness before serving.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Focaccia, focaccia bread recipe, homemade bread, Italian focaccia, garlic bread, Parmesan bread
