Description
This Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread recipe creates a savory, homemade Italian classic with a crisp golden crust, infused with fragrant garlic oil and topped with freshly grated Parmesan and herbs. Perfect as a side dish or a delicious snack, it combines simple ingredients with easy rising and baking steps to deliver bakery-quality bread at home.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 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
- 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
- Mix the Dough: In a bowl, stir together warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5 minutes until foamy to activate the yeast. Add flour and salt to the mixture. 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 the dough is smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Lightly coat the dough with olive oil, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare Garlic Oil: Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. In a small pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil with the minced garlic over low heat for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside while the dough finishes rising.
- Stretch and Second Rise: Transfer the risen dough to the greased pan. Gently press and stretch it out to fill the pan, pressing it into the corners. If needed, let the dough rest for 10 minutes to relax, then continue stretching. Cover and let it rise again for 30–45 minutes.
- Top and Bake: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Use your fingers to create dimples all over the surface of the dough. Brush the dough generously with the prepared garlic oil. Sprinkle evenly with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, dried herbs or rosemary if using, and flaky sea salt. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the focaccia is golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the focaccia from the oven and allow it to cool for 5–10 minutes in the pan. Transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly. Slice and serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Warm water should be around 110°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- If the dough is too resistant when stretching, letting it rest for 10 minutes helps gluten relax for easier shaping.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor contrast and melting effect on the top.
- Flaky sea salt enhances texture and flavors when sprinkled on top just before baking.
- Store leftover focaccia wrapped at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Focaccia, homemade bread, Italian focaccia, savory bread, easy bread recipe, garlic bread, Parmesan bread
