Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread You’ll Crave Every Bite Recipe
This Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread recipe delivers a soft, flavorful, and irresistibly crispy Italian classic that’s perfect as a side dish or snack. Made with simple ingredients like all-purpose flour, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, fresh garlic, and herbs, it offers a deliciously aromatic bread you’ll crave every bite of. The bread is easy to prepare, involving yeast-risen dough and topped with garlic-infused oil and cheese before baking to golden perfection.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings (slices) 1x
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough
- 4 cups All-Purpose Flour (can mix with whole wheat flour for added nutrition)
- 1 tbsp Kosher Salt
- 2 tsps Instant Yeast (or active dry yeast proofed before use)
- 1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 1/2 cups Warm Water (around 110°F / 43°C)
For the Flavors
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced (fresh for best taste)
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (Pecorino Romano as alternative)
- 1 tbsp Fresh Herbs (Rosemary or Thyme, optional)
- 1 tbsp Flaky Sea Salt (Maldon or similar)
For Garnish
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley or Herbs (optional, for color and freshness)
Instructions
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and instant yeast. Pour in the warm water and olive oil. Stir until a sticky dough forms. Cover the bowl and let it rise at room temperature for 1-2 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size.
- Prepare the Pan: Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil. Once the dough has risen, gently transfer it to the pan, stretching it to cover the edges evenly. Allow the dough to rest for another 30 minutes to rise a second time.
- Make Garlic Oil: In a small saucepan, heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil over low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook gently until fragrant, being careful not to brown it. Remove from heat once fragrant.
- Dimple & Top the Dough: Using your fingers, create dimples all over the surface of the risen dough. Drizzle the warm garlic oil generously over the top. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese evenly, scatter the fresh herbs, and finish by sprinkling flaky sea salt on top.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oven and let the focaccia cool for about 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve: Cut the focaccia into squares or strips. Serve warm as a delightful side dish or snack. Optionally garnish with fresh parsley or herbs for extra color and freshness.
Notes
- Optional: Pair with marinara sauce or herb-infused olive oil for dipping to enhance flavors.
- You can substitute Pecorino Romano cheese if Parmesan is unavailable.
- Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme add great aromatic flavor but can be swapped with your favorites.
- Use flaky sea salt like Maldon for texture and flavor on top.
- Ensure the garlic is gently cooked to prevent bitterness—do not brown.
- Try experimenting with whole wheat flour mixed with all-purpose for more nutrition.
Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Focaccia, Focaccia Bread, Garlic Bread, Italian Bread, Parmesan Cheese Bread, Homemade Focaccia, Easy Bread Recipe, Herb Bread
