Name: Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread – A Savory Homemade Favorite Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 2¼ teaspoons 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

Jump to Recipe

Indulge your senses with Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread – A Savory Homemade Favorite, a recipe that transforms a few pantry staples into a golden, irresistibly fragrant bread. Imagine a soft, billowy crumb dotted with pockets of olive oil, speckled with fragrant herbs, then crowned with golden Parmesan and a hint of garlic that fills your kitchen with the best kind of scent. Whether you’re a seasoned bread-baker or a first-timer, this recipe is the kind of low-effort, high-reward comfort food you’ll find yourself reaching for over and over. It’s truly the perfect sidekick for just about any meal, but honestly? It’s also fantastic enough to shine when served on its own.

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

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread – A Savory Homemade Favorite is how just a handful of essential ingredients work together to create big, bold flavor and a dreamy texture. Every item on this list pulls its weight, from the flour that gives the bread structure to the Parmesan that adds that final burst of savory magic.

All-purpose flour: The backbone of the bread, providing the structure for a tender yet chewy crumb.
Instant yeast: Fast-acting yeast ensures a light, airy rise and that gorgeous pillowy texture you want in focaccia.
Salt: Just the right amount brings balance, boosting every savory note in the dough and the toppings.
Warm water: Helps activate the yeast and hydrates the flour for a supple, workable dough.
Sugar: A touch of sugar wakes up the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness to balance the flavors.
Extra virgin olive oil: Lends richness, moisture, and that signature focaccia flavor—plus it helps create a crisp, golden crust.
Garlic: Minced fresh and gently warmed in olive oil, it perfumes the bread with irresistible aroma.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty, golden topping that makes every bite pop.
Dried Italian herbs or chopped rosemary (optional): Brings an herbaceous lift and beautiful color—highly recommended if you love classic focaccia flavors!
Flaky sea salt: Sprinkled on top for a satisfying crunch and burst of salt with every bite.

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

Step 1: Mix the Dough

Pour the warm water into a large mixing bowl, sprinkling the sugar and instant yeast on top. Give it a quick stir, then let the mixture sit for about five minutes until the surface turns foamy—this is the yeast showing you it’s ready to do its magic! Add the flour and salt, then use a sturdy spoon to stir everything together until a sticky, shaggy dough forms. From here, either use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5–6 minutes, or get hands-on and knead by hand for about 8–10 minutes, until the dough is stretchy and smooth.

Step 2: First Rise

Drizzle a splash of olive oil into the bowl and turn the dough so it’s fully coated—this prevents sticking and keeps the dough beautifully moist. Cover the bowl with plastic or a clean towel, then let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours. You’re looking for it to double in size; this is when the focaccia gets its signature airy interior.

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Oil

While your dough rises, grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with olive oil. Then, in a small skillet or saucepan, gently warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil together with your minced garlic until it’s just fragrant, about a minute is all you need—don’t let it brown. Set the garlicky oil aside; you’ll use it both for flavor and to help form a deeply golden, flavorful crust.

Step 4: Stretch and Second Rise

Transfer the risen dough to your oiled pan and use your fingertips to gently stretch and press it toward the edges and corners. If the dough resists, give it a 10-minute rest to relax the gluten, then continue. When the dough reaches every corner, cover and let it rise again for 30–45 minutes. This second rise gives Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread – A Savory Homemade Favorite that extra lift and a delightfully pillowy bite.

Step 5: Top and Bake

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), then use greased fingertips to dimple the dough all over—that’s how you get those classic focaccia pockets filled with olive oil. Brush generously with your prepared garlic oil, then sprinkle the surface with Parmesan, a dusting of dried Italian herbs or rosemary, and a final shower of flaky sea salt. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, until deeply golden and aromatic.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let your focaccia cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes (if you can wait!), then run a spatula around the edges and carefully transfer it onto a wire rack. For best flavor and texture, slice and serve while still warm—the Parmesan will be oozy, the aroma will fill the kitchen, and the crust will have just the right crunch!

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

Garnishes

Before serving, a finish of fresh herbs like chopped parsley, a few extra shavings of Parmesan, or a drizzle of robust olive oil really elevates this dish. Those small touches not only add color and freshness, but help showcase the layered flavors that make Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread – A Savory Homemade Favorite such a feast for all the senses.

Side Dishes

This focaccia is an irresistible companion for everything from rich pasta bakes to vibrant salads and hearty soups. Pair it with a bowl of tomato basil soup or serve as the perfect side to a classic Italian Caesar salad—its chewy, cheesy texture is the perfect contrast to crisp greens or brothy dishes.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the bread into long strips for dunking into marinara, or slice into squares for passing around at gatherings. Use leftovers for the most luxurious homemade sandwiches, or cube for homemade croutons that will take any salad to the next level. No matter how you slice (or stack) it, Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread – A Savory Homemade Favorite is made for sharing and savoring.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), simply cool the bread completely, then wrap it tightly in foil or transfer to an airtight container. It will keep at room temperature for up to two days, staying soft and delicious for spontaneous snacking or meal-time sides.

Freezing

Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread – A Savory Homemade Favorite freezes beautifully. Cut the cooled bread into individual portions, wrap well in plastic and foil, then pop into a freezer bag. It will keep for up to two months and is a dream to have on hand for last-minute guests or impromptu carb cravings.

Reheating

To bring back that just-baked goodness, reheat focaccia in a 350°F oven for about 8–10 minutes directly on the rack (add a sheet of foil below to catch any cheese drips). The crust will crisp up, the inside will warm beautifully, and it will taste nearly as fresh as day one.

FAQs

Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Absolutely! Bread flour will add an extra bit of chew and structure—perfect if you love a toothsome focaccia. Both flours work beautifully, so use what you have.

What’s the best way to mince garlic for this recipe?

A sharp chef’s knife works great, but you can also use a garlic press or a microplane for a super fine mince. The finer you chop, the more evenly the garlic will flavor the bread.

Do I need a stand mixer?

Nope! While a stand mixer makes dough-kneading almost effortless, mixing and kneading by hand works perfectly. Just be ready for a little upper-body workout—it will all be worth it!

Can I add more toppings or flavors?

Definitely! Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread – A Savory Homemade Favorite is endlessly customizable. Roasted cherry tomatoes, olives, or caramelized onions are delicious additions—just don’t overload the top so you keep that airy texture.

What should I do if my dough feels too sticky?

A little stickiness is totally normal for focaccia, but if it feels unworkable, dust your hands and work surface lightly with flour. Be careful not to add too much extra, or your bread may not be as soft and fluffy.

Final Thoughts

Once you taste Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread – A Savory Homemade Favorite fresh from your oven, it will earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. With its unbeatable aroma, pillowy crumb, and cheesy garlic finish, this is a recipe for savoring and sharing—the kind that invites friends and family to linger just a little longer at the table. Give it a try and treat yourself to a truly homemade favorite!

Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread – A Savory Homemade Favorite Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 6 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 2 hours
Yield: 1 loaf 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Learn how to make a delicious Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread at home with this easy recipe. This savory bread is a perfect accompaniment to any meal or great on its own as a snack.

Instructions

Mix the Dough: In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit until foamy, then add flour and salt. Knead until smooth.
First Rise: Coat dough in olive oil, cover, and let rise until doubled in size.
Prepare Garlic Oil: Grease a pan, heat olive oil, and garlic until fragrant. Set aside.
Stretch and Second Rise: Transfer dough to pan, press to corners, and let rise again.
Top and Bake: Preheat oven, dimple dough, brush with garlic oil, sprinkle with Parmesan, herbs, and salt. Bake until golden brown.
Cool and Serve: Cool in pan, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice and serve warm.

Notes

You can customize the toppings with your favorite herbs or cheeses.
This bread is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for a day or two.

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