Dinner

Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread – A Savory Homemade Favorite Recipe

ByCharlotte Montgomery December 8, 2025December 8, 2025

Introduction

Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread is a fragrant and flavorful homemade treat perfect for any occasion. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, this savory bread is enhanced with garlic, Parmesan, and herbs, making it an irresistible favorite.

The image shows a round bread cut into four thick slices placed on a wooden board. The bread has a golden-brown top with melted cheese and small bits of herbs sprinkled evenly. The texture of the bread looks soft and fluffy inside with a slightly crispy crust. Around the bread, there are small bowls containing grated cheese and green herbs on a white marbled surface. The lighting highlights the warm colors of the bread and the freshness of the herbs. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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
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

Step 1: In a bowl, stir together warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add flour and salt, then mix until a sticky dough forms. Knead using a mixer for 5–6 minutes or by hand for 8–10 minutes until smooth.
Step 2: Coat the dough with olive oil, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
Step 3: Grease a 9×13-inch pan. In a small pan, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil with minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Set aside.
Step 4: Transfer dough to the prepared pan and gently press it to the corners. Let it rest for 10 minutes if needed, then finish stretching. Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes.
Step 5: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Dimple the dough using your fingers. Brush it generously with garlic oil, then sprinkle Parmesan, herbs (if using), and flaky sea salt on top. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
Step 6: Let the focaccia cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For extra garlic flavor, add roasted garlic cloves on top before baking.
Substitute rosemary or thyme for Italian herbs to change the herb profile.
Use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour for a chewier texture.
Try adding sun-dried tomatoes or olives for a Mediterranean twist.

Storage

Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap well and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in a warm oven (about 350°F) for 5–10 minutes to refresh texture and flavor.

How to Serve

A round flatbread is sliced into eight pieces and placed on parchment paper on a wooden board. The flatbread has a golden brown, lightly bubbly crust with spots of white melted cheese and is sprinkled with chopped green herbs and coarse salt. Tiny mustard seeds and bits of garlic are scattered on top, adding texture and color contrast. In the background, there are small bowls and a glass jar on a white marbled surface, with one bowl containing white shredded cheese and the other a green herb mix. The lighting is bright and natural. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, you can substitute active dry yeast, but dissolve it in warm water with sugar first and allow it to activate for about 5–10 minutes before mixing into the flour.