Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Recipe

Introduction

Garlic Parmesan Focaccia is a flavorful and fragrant Italian bread that’s perfect as a snack or accompaniment to your meals. With its crispy golden crust, tender crumb, and rich garlic and cheese topping, it’s sure to impress both family and friends.

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

1. Step 1: In a bowl, stir together warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Step 2: Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture, then mix until a sticky dough forms. Knead with a dough hook for 5–6 minutes or by hand for 8–10 minutes until smooth.
3. Step 3: Coat the dough with olive oil, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
4. Step 4: 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.
5. Step 5: Transfer the dough to the pan and gently press it into the corners. If it resists, let it rest for 10 minutes, then stretch again. Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes.
6. Step 6: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Dimple the dough with your fingers, brush with garlic oil, then sprinkle with Parmesan, herbs, and flaky sea salt.
7. Step 7: Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
8. Step 8: Cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, use fresh rosemary instead of dried Italian herbs.
• If you prefer a softer crust, cover the focaccia with foil halfway through baking.
• Try adding toppings like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or caramelized onions for a twist.

Storage

Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep it longer, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–10 minutes to restore crispness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, but dissolve the active dry yeast in the warm water with sugar and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy before mixing with the flour.

How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

The dough should roughly double in size and feel puffy and airy when gently pressed with your finger.

Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 66 reviews

This Garlic Parmesan Focaccia is a flavorful Italian bread featuring a crispy golden crust, a soft and airy interior, and topped with fragrant garlic oil, freshly grated Parmesan, and aromatic herbs. Perfect as a side or appetizer, this easy-to-make focaccia is ideal for garlic lovers and can be prepared with simple ingredients using traditional rising and baking techniques.

• Author: Luna
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 slices 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

• 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

1. Mix the Dough: In a bowl, stir together warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add flour and salt, then mix until a sticky dough forms. Knead with a dough hook for 5–6 minutes or by hand for 8–10 minutes until smooth.
2. First Rise: Coat the dough with olive oil, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
3. Prepare Garlic Oil: 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.
4. Stretch and Second Rise: Transfer the dough to the pan. Gently press it into the corners. If it resists, let it rest for 10 minutes, then stretch again. Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes.
5. Add Toppings and Bake: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Dimple the dough with your fingers, brush with garlic oil, sprinkle with Parmesan, herbs, and sea salt. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
6. Cool and Serve: Cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice and serve warm.

Notes

• For a more pronounced garlic flavor, add extra minced garlic to the garlic oil or sprinkle fresh minced garlic on top before baking.
• You can substitute the dried Italian herbs with fresh rosemary or thyme for different herbaceous notes.
• Make sure the water temperature is about 110°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
• If you don’t have instant yeast, active dry yeast can be used, but dissolve it in warm water for 10 minutes first.
• This focaccia is best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheated before serving.

Keywords: Garlic Parmesan focaccia, Italian bread, garlic bread, focaccia recipe, homemade bread, Parmesan cheese bread