Name: Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread – A Savory Homemade Favorite Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: Italian inspired
Ingredients: 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

Get ready to fall head over heels for Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread – A Savory Homemade Favorite. This Italian-inspired treat emerges from the oven with a golden crust, billowy crumb, and unbeatable aroma of garlic and herbs. Brushed with fragrant garlic oil, finished off with heaps of freshly grated Parmesan, and seasoned generously, this focaccia offers an irresistible mix of flavors and ease that makes it a frequent star in my kitchen. Whether you’re serving it with dinner, slicing it for sandwiches, or sneaking bites straight from the pan, it’s the kind of homemade comfort you’ll make again and again.

Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread – A Savory Homemade Favorite Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The secret to Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread – A Savory Homemade Favorite lies in the handful of wholesome, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play an essential role. Every component brings something special: texture, flavor, or that signature crust. Let’s break it down.

Instant yeast: Gives the bread its beautiful rise, resulting in a fluffy, airy crumb.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and tempers the sweetness of the dough.
Warm water: Activates the yeast and helps ensure the dough is soft and pliable (not too hot or you’ll harm the yeast).
Sugar: Feeds the yeast, giving a subtle touch of sweetness and a better rise.
Extra virgin olive oil: Lends richness and that signature Italian flavor while keeping the crumb tender (and crispy edges if you use a little extra in the pan).
Garlic: The unmistakable star, adding bold savory notes throughout every bite – don’t skip it!
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Melts beautifully into the top, creating a cheesy, golden crust with every bake.
Dried Italian herbs or chopped rosemary (optional): Sprinkle on top for an aromatic lift and extra earthy flavor.
Flaky sea salt: Gives addictive little pops of salty crunch with each bite.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread – A Savory Homemade Favorite

Step 1: Mix the Dough

Begin by combining the warm water, sugar, and instant yeast in your mixing bowl. Give it a quick swirl and wait about 5 minutes, until the mixture looks foamy and lively – that means your yeast is working! Add in your flour and salt, stirring just until it comes together. Knead the dough (by mixer or hand, whichever you prefer) until it transforms from sticky and shaggy to smooth and elastic. This step is your foundation for fluffy Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread – A Savory Homemade Favorite.

Step 2: First Rise

Drizzle the dough with olive oil, turning it so everything gets coated and glossy. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, then set it in a cozy warm spot. Let the dough rise for 1 to 1.5 hours, until it’s doubled in size and puffy—this is when the magic starts! The olive oil not only adds flavor, but helps the dough stay moist and easy to handle.

Step 3: Prepare Garlic Oil

While your dough rises, get the garlic perfuming your kitchen. Gently heat a couple tablespoons of olive oil with the minced garlic in a small pan. Sauté just until fragrant—about a minute is perfect. Set this aside; it’s your ticket to that deeply savory, aromatic signature Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread – A Savory Homemade Favorite finish.

Step 4: Stretch and Second Rise

Next, transfer your dough to a well-greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Gently use your fingers to press the dough toward the corners—don’t worry if it springs back, just let it rest for 10 minutes and try again. Once stretched, cover it up and let it rise for another 30–45 minutes. That second rise creates signature focaccia airiness.

Step 5: Top and Bake

This is where all those flavors come together! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). With oiled fingertips, dimple the dough all over—this classic focaccia move gives it that rustic, craggy appearance and makes little pockets for your garlic oil. Brush generously with garlic oil, sprinkle with Parmesan, dried herbs, and a touch of flaky sea salt. Slide the pan into the oven and bake 20–25 minutes, until the edges are crispy and the top is deep golden brown.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Once baked, let your focaccia cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes (it helps it set), then gently lift it onto a wire rack so the bottom stays crisp. Slice into generous pieces and serve warm for the ultimate Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread – A Savory Homemade Favorite experience.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread – A Savory Homemade Favorite

Garnishes

Focaccia is gorgeous right out of the oven, but don’t be afraid to finish it with a flourish. A shower of fresh herbs, a last dusting of Parmesan, or even a drizzle of good quality olive oil brings extra aroma and flavor. For a restaurant-style touch, scatter a few chili flakes or microgreens across the top just before serving.

Side Dishes

Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread – A Savory Homemade Favorite is ultra-versatile at the table. Serve slices alongside hearty pasta dishes, creamy soups, or vibrant salads for a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal. It also makes an incredible partner to an antipasto platter or cheese board.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting your focaccia into long sticks for dipping into marinara or olive tapenade, or slice horizontally and use as an unforgettable sandwich bread. Mini focaccia squares make for wonderful passed appetizers at parties or picnics. Stack slices in a basket lined with a pretty cloth and let everyone dive in!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread – A Savory Homemade Favorite in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to preserve its crusty exterior, wrap it loosely in parchment before sealing.

Freezing

Focaccia freezes beautifully! Once completely cooled, wrap individual squares or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. It’ll keep well for up to two months, letting you enjoy homemade goodness whenever a craving strikes.

Reheating

For that just-baked texture, reheat slices on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for about 8–10 minutes. You can also toast them lightly in a toaster oven, or warm in a skillet with a splash of olive oil for extra crispy edges.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

You certainly can! Just be sure to dissolve it in the warm water and sugar, and let it proof until bubbly before adding the other ingredients. This may add a few extra minutes to the rise time.

Is it okay to skip the Parmesan if I want it dairy-free?

Absolutely—this focaccia will still turn out deliciously savory without cheese. Try topping it with coarse sea salt, more herbs, or even a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a similar umami hit.

Why didn’t my focaccia rise properly?

Be sure your yeast is fresh and the water is the right temperature (about 110°F is just right). A cool kitchen can slow down the rise, so place the dough somewhere warm. Under-kneading can also keep the dough from becoming properly airy.

Can I add other toppings to this focaccia?

Definitely! Feel free to get creative with sliced tomatoes, caramelized onions, olives, or roasted peppers. Just don’t overload the dough so it stays fluffy and bakes evenly.

What’s the best way to serve Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread – A Savory Homemade Favorite at a party?

Cut it into bite-sized squares or strips, and offer with a trio of dips: herb olive oil, creamy ricotta, or tangy tomato sauce. It disappears fast, so make a double batch if you’re feeding a crowd.

Final Thoughts

Few things feel as rewarding as pulling a tray of Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread – A Savory Homemade Favorite from your own oven. Each slice is a celebration of simple ingredients and bold flavors, perfect for sharing or savoring all to yourself. Give it a try—chances are, it’ll become a staple at your table too.

Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread – A Savory Homemade Favorite Recipe

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5.2 from 28 reviews

This Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread is a fluffy, golden, and flavorful homemade bread made with olive oil, garlic, Parmesan, and herbs. Perfect for snacking, sandwiches, or as a savory side dish.

Author: Paula
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Yield: 8-10 servings
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian inspired
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Dough:

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

Garlic 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, stir together warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add flour and salt. Mix until a sticky dough forms. Knead by mixer for 5–6 minutes or by hand for 8–10 minutes until smooth.
First Rise: Coat dough in olive oil, cover, and let rise for 1 to 1.5 hours in a warm spot until doubled.
Prepare Garlic Oil: Grease a 9×13-inch pan. In a small pan, heat 2 tbsp olive oil with minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute). Set aside.
Stretch and Second Rise: Transfer dough to pan. Gently press to corners. Let it rest for 10 minutes if needed, then finish stretching. Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes.
Top and Bake: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Dimple the dough with your fingers. Brush with garlic oil, sprinkle Parmesan, herbs, and sea salt. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
Cool and Serve: Cool for 5–10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice and serve warm.