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This Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread is everything a great homemade bread should be: soft and fluffy on the inside, golden and crisp on the outside, and packed with rich garlic, olive oil, and cheesy flavor in every bite. Inspired by classic Italian focaccia, this version is approachable for home bakers and made with simple pantry ingredients.
Perfect as a savory side dish, sandwich bread, or snack, this garlic Parmesan focaccia fits effortlessly into weeknight dinners, holiday meals, and casual gatherings. It pairs beautifully with soups, salads, pasta dishes, and charcuterie boards, making it one of the most versatile homemade bread recipes you can master.
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If you are searching for an easy focaccia bread recipe that delivers restaurant-quality results while remaining budget-friendly and beginner-approved, this one deserves a permanent spot in your kitchen routine.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple yeast dough with easy-to-follow steps
- Soft, airy crumb with crisp, olive-oil-rich edges
- Bold garlic and Parmesan flavor without overpowering
- Family-friendly and perfect for sharing
- Ideal for sandwiches, dipping, or serving as a side
- Uses affordable pantry staples
- Freezer-friendly and great for meal prep
Ingredients Breakdown
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure while keeping the bread soft and tender. Standard all-purpose flour works perfectly for focaccia without making it dense.
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• Instant Yeast – Helps the dough rise efficiently and consistently. Instant yeast eliminates the need for long proofing times, making this recipe more convenient.
• Salt – Enhances flavor and balances the richness of olive oil and cheese. Proper salt levels are essential for well-seasoned bread.
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• Warm Water – Activates the yeast and hydrates the dough. Water should be warm, not hot, to ensure proper yeast activity.
• Sugar – Feeds the yeast and helps kick-start fermentation. It also contributes subtle sweetness and improved browning.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Adds moisture, richness, and classic focaccia flavor. Olive oil also creates the signature crisp bottom and golden crust.
• Garlic – Provides bold, savory flavor. Lightly sautéing the garlic in olive oil mellows its sharpness and infuses the oil beautifully.
• Parmesan Cheese – Adds salty, nutty richness and enhances the golden crust. Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and delivers stronger flavor.
• Italian Herbs or Rosemary – Optional but recommended for added aroma and depth. Rosemary is especially traditional for focaccia bread.
• Flaky Sea Salt – Sprinkled on top for texture and bursts of flavor. It elevates the final presentation and taste.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Focaccia
- Use warm, not hot, water to avoid killing the yeast
- Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, not sticky
- Allow the dough to rise fully for an airy, open crumb
- Generously oil the pan to achieve crispy edges
- Dimple the dough deeply to trap olive oil and toppings
- Let the bread cool slightly before slicing to prevent tearing
Variations and Customizations
This garlic Parmesan focaccia is easy to adapt to your preferences.
- Add sliced olives or sun-dried tomatoes for Mediterranean flair
- Use shredded mozzarella alongside Parmesan for extra melt
- Top with roasted garlic cloves for deeper flavor
- Swap herbs for thyme, oregano, or basil
- Make it dairy-free by omitting cheese and adding herbs
- Turn it into sandwich bread by slicing horizontally
Pairing Suggestions
Side Dishes
- Creamy tomato soup
- Caesar or mixed green salad
- Pasta dishes with marinara or Alfredo sauce
Serving Ideas
- Use as sandwich bread for paninis
- Serve with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping
- Pair with charcuterie boards and appetizers
Beverages
- Sparkling water or lemonade
- White wine or light red wine
- Hot tea or espresso for brunch servings
Storage Instructions
- Store focaccia at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days
- Refrigeration is not recommended, as it dries out the bread
- Freeze sliced focaccia tightly wrapped for up to 2 months
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and crisp
Popular Questions
Can I make focaccia dough ahead of time?
Yes. The dough can be refrigerated overnight after the first rise. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
Why is my focaccia dense?
Dense focaccia usually means the dough did not rise long enough or was overworked. Allow proper rise time and handle gently.
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant?
Yes. Activate active dry yeast in warm water with sugar for 5–10 minutes before mixing with flour.
How do I get crispy focaccia edges?
Use plenty of olive oil in the pan and bake at a high temperature for proper browning.
Can I make this without Parmesan?
Yes. The bread will still be flavorful with garlic and olive oil alone, or you can substitute another hard cheese.
Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture and mix until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead the dough using a stand mixer for 5–6 minutes or by hand for 8–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Lightly coat the dough with olive oil, cover, and let rise for 1 to 1½ hours, until doubled in size.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan generously with olive oil.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil with the minced garlic over low heat until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Transfer the dough to the pan and gently stretch it to fit. Let rest briefly if it resists stretching.
- Cover and allow the dough to rise again for 30–45 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Dimple the dough all over with your fingertips.
- Brush the dough with garlic oil, then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, herbs if using, and flaky sea salt.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown.
- Cool slightly on a wire rack, then slice and serve warm.
Notes
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