Bake the Best Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Recipe

Introduction

This Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread is a deliciously soft and crispy Italian classic that’s perfect for any meal. With fragrant garlic and savory parmesan, it’s a flavorful treat that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.

Ingredients

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ¼ cups warm water
• ¼ cup olive oil, plus extra for topping
• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
• 1 ½ tsp salt
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tsp Italian herbs (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Pour in the yeast mixture and stir until a sticky dough forms.
3. Step 3: Cover the bowl with a towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
4. Step 4: Grease a baking pan with olive oil and place the dough in it. Use your fingers to create dimples across the dough surface.
5. Step 5: Drizzle olive oil over the dough. Sprinkle minced garlic, grated parmesan, and Italian herbs evenly on top.
6. Step 6: Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C). Bake the focaccia for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
7. Step 7: Let the focaccia cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, let the dough cold ferment overnight in the fridge before baking.
• Add rosemary, sun-dried tomatoes, or olives on top for delicious variations.
• Use fresh parmesan for a more pronounced cheesy taste.

Storage

Store the focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes to regain crispiness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast. Use the same amount but mix it directly with the dry ingredients without proofing in water first.

How do I make the focaccia more fluffy?

Ensure your yeast is fresh and your dough has enough time to rise—1 to 2 hours at room temperature or overnight in the fridge for better flavor and texture.

Bake the Best Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.4 from 136 reviews

• Author: Lily
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours 40 minutes (including rise time)
• Yield: One 9x13 inch baking pan (serves 8) 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

This Garlic Parmesan Focaccia bread recipe offers a perfect balance of a soft, airy interior and a golden, crispy crust topped with fragrant minced garlic and rich parmesan cheese. Rooted in Italian tradition, this versatile bread is simple to prepare using basic pantry ingredients and ideal for serving as a side or a flavorful snack.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough Ingredients

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ¼ cups warm water
• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
• 1 ½ tsp salt
• ¼ cup olive oil + extra for topping

Toppings

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tsp Italian herbs (optional)

---

Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water and active dry yeast. Allow it to sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating that the yeast is active and ready to use.
2. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Pour in the activated yeast mixture and stir until a sticky dough forms, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
3. First Rise: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This fermentation process develops the bread’s texture and flavor.
4. Shape the Dough: Grease a baking pan with olive oil and transfer the risen dough into it. Using your fingers, gently press to create dimples evenly across the whole surface of the dough to hold toppings and create the traditional focaccia texture.
5. Add Toppings: Drizzle additional olive oil evenly over the dough surface. Sprinkle the minced garlic, grated parmesan cheese, and optional Italian herbs evenly across the top to infuse flavor as it bakes.
6. Bake: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Place the baking pan with dough into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the focaccia turns golden brown and the crust is crisp.
7. Cool & Serve: Remove the baked focaccia from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm to enjoy the full flavors and texture.

Notes

• For enhanced flavor and texture, try cold fermenting the dough overnight in the refrigerator before shaping and baking.
• Customize your focaccia by adding rosemary, sun-dried tomatoes, or olives along with or instead of the garlic and parmesan.
• Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Focaccia, Italian bread, homemade focaccia, easy focaccia recipe, garlic bread, parmesan bread, savory bread, side dish, baking bread