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Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Recipe

4.5 from 51 reviews

This Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread recipe offers a deliciously savory homemade bread, fragrantly infused with garlic and topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Soft and fluffy inside with a crisp golden crust, it’s perfect for serving as a side, appetizer, or snack. The recipe involves mixing, kneading, rising, and baking, resulting in a flavorful Italian classic.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 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

Topping Ingredients

  • 34 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or chopped rosemary (optional)
  • Flaky sea salt, for topping

Instructions

  1. Mix the Dough: In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy. Add flour and salt, mixing until a sticky dough forms. Knead using a mixer for 5–6 minutes or by hand for 8–10 minutes until the dough is smooth.
  2. First Rise: Coat the dough with olive oil, cover it, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours until it doubles in size.
  3. Prepare Garlic Oil: Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. In a small pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil with minced garlic over medium heat for about 1 minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
  4. Stretch and Second Rise: Transfer the dough to the greased pan and gently press it to the corners. Let it rest for 10 minutes if necessary, then finish stretching evenly. Cover and let the dough rise for another 30–45 minutes.
  5. Top and Bake: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Using your fingers, dimple the dough surface. Brush generously with prepared garlic oil, then sprinkle evenly with Parmesan cheese, herbs (if using), and flaky sea salt. Bake for 20–25 minutes until the focaccia is golden brown on top.
  6. Cool and Serve: Allow the baked focaccia to cool for 5–10 minutes in the pan. Transfer to a wire rack, slice, and serve warm to enjoy the best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Warm water should be about 110°F to activate yeast properly without killing it.
  • You can substitute dried rosemary for Italian herbs for a different flavor profile.
  • Make sure not to over-knead by hand to prevent tough bread.
  • Resting the dough before the second rise helps with easier stretching.
  • Adding flaky sea salt on top enhances the crunch and flavor contrast.
  • Serve fresh and warm for the best experience; leftovers can be reheated in the oven for crispness.

Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Focaccia, Homemade Bread, Italian Bread, Savory Bread, Garlic Bread, Parmesan Cheese Bread