Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread

Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread is something I make all the time. It’s easy to put together, and the combination of garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil makes it seriously good. Every time I bake it, I know I’m going to grab a piece before it even makes it to the table.

Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Recipe

I like how simple this recipe is. No complicated steps, just basic ingredients coming together to make something flavorful. The crispy edges, the soft inside, and that little bit of cheesy, garlicky bite on top make this Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Recipe worth making over and over again. It’s great on its own but also pairs well with pasta, soups, or even as the base for a sandwich.

Ingredients You’ll Need

I love how simple this recipe is, just a few basic ingredients creating something absolutely delicious. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Unbleached all-purpose flour – Gives the focaccia a soft, airy texture while keeping it sturdy enough to hold all that garlicky goodness.
• Active dry yeast – Helps the dough rise and gives it that perfect light and fluffy texture.
• Sugar – A touch of sugar feeds the yeast and enhances the flavor.
• Salt – Brings out all the flavors and balances everything.
• Dry minced garlic – Adds deep garlic flavor throughout the bread. Fresh garlic works, too, if you want a stronger taste.
• Warm water – Activates the yeast and brings the dough together.
• Olive oil – A must for focaccia. It adds great flavor and gives the crust a golden, crispy finish.
• Shredded Parmesan cheese – Adds a cheesy, slightly salty bite that pairs perfectly with garlic.
• Dried parsley – Gives a little extra color and herby flavor. Rosemary or thyme work well, too.

Tools You’ll Need

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread

Check out the Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full ingredient list and step-by-step instructions.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, salt, and minced garlic. Stir to make sure everything is evenly mixed.

Add the Wet Ingredients

Pour in the warm water and olive oil, then mix until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. No need to knead, just mix until everything comes together. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rest in a warm place for 30 to 45 minutes or until it doubles in size.

Prepare the Baking Dish

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Once the dough has risen, transfer it to the greased dish and gently stretch it to fill the pan. Using your fingertips, dimple the surface of the dough to create those classic focaccia pockets.

Add Toppings

Drizzle olive oil over the top of the dough, then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, dried parsley, and a little extra salt. This step gives the bread its signature savory flavor and a perfectly crisp crust.

Bake Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread

Preheat your oven to 375°F while the bread rests for a few more minutes. Once preheated, bake the focaccia uncovered for 30 minutes or until golden brown.

How to Make Focaccia Fluffy

Getting that light, airy texture in Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread comes down to a few simple tricks. Let the dough rise long enough, at least 30 to 45 minutes, or until it doubles in size. If the yeast doesn’t have enough time to work, the bread will be dense instead of fluffy. Avoid overworking the dough. Just mix until everything is combined and let it do its thing. Using high-quality olive oil keeps the dough moist, and dimpling it well before baking helps trap air pockets, which contribute to the fluffiness. Baking at the right temperature, 375°F ensures the inside stays soft while the outside gets golden and crispy.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Flour: You can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or white whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste and a darker color.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic or garlic powder works if you don’t have dry minced garlic.
• Olive oil: While olive oil gives the best flavor, you can swap it with vegetable or canola oil in a pinch.
• Cheese: Parmesan is my go-to, but cheddar or mozzarella also taste amazing.
• Herbs: If you’re not a fan of parsley, try rosemary, thyme, or an Italian herb blend for a different flavor twist.

How To Serve Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread

This Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread goes with just about anything. Serve it as an appetizer with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping, or pair it with soups like a Creamy Italian Sausage Spinach Soup or a Hearty Warm Lentil Soup , pastas like Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta , and salads. It also makes an amazing focaccia sandwich. Just slice it in half and layer it with your favorite fillings.

How to Store Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread

Storing Leftovers

• Keep Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.
• For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly and refrigerate for up to five days.

Reheating

• Warm slices in a 350°F oven for about five to seven minutes to crisp them up.
• For a quick fix, microwave for fifteen to twenty seconds, though the texture will be softer.

More Homemade Bread Recipes to Try

If you love homemade bread, here are a few more recipes to try:

• Gluten-Free Irish Soda Bread
• Buttery Garlic Bread in Air Fryer
• 4-Ingredient Banana Bread
• Cottage Cheese Flatbread

Give this Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread a try, and let me know how you liked it. What’s your favorite way to enjoy focaccia? Share in the comments below.

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