Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread – Crispy, Fluffy, and Savory
Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread is a golden, soft, and flavorful Italian bread that’s perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or snack. Topped with fresh rosemary, roasted garlic, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, this bread offers a delightful balance of crispy edges and a pillowy interior. Its fragrant aroma fills the kitchen, making it irresistible for family gatherings or weeknight dinners.
This focaccia is surprisingly easy to make at home, even for beginner bakers. With just a few simple ingredients and a little patience, you can create a bread that rivals your favorite Italian bakery. Perfect for dipping in olive oil, accompanying pasta dishes, or enjoying on its own, this Garlic Parmesan Focaccia is a must-try recipe.
Ingredients:
- Focaccia Dough:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp instant yeast
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- 1 ¼ cups warm water (110°F / 45°C)
- ¼ cup olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
- Topping:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
- Optional: 1 tsp garlic powder for extra flavor
Instructions:
- Activate Yeast – In a small bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Make Dough – In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Add yeast mixture and ¼ cup olive oil. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare Pan – Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with olive oil.
- Shape Dough – Transfer risen dough to the prepared pan. Gently stretch and press dough to fill the pan evenly. Use your fingertips to create dimples across the surface.
- Add Toppings – Mix minced garlic with 1–2 tbsp olive oil and brush over the dough. Sprinkle grated Parmesan, chopped rosemary, and coarse sea salt evenly.
- Second Rise – Cover dough and let rise for another 15–20 minutes.
- Bake – Bake in preheated oven for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and crispy on the edges.
- Serve – Remove from oven, drizzle with additional olive oil if desired, slice, and serve warm.
Tips & Tricks
- Use room-temperature water to activate yeast properly.
- Press dimples deeply into the dough to hold oil and toppings.
- For extra flavor, roast the garlic before adding it to the dough.
Variations
- Add sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or caramelized onions for extra layers of flavor.
- Use different herbs such as thyme or oregano instead of rosemary.
- Make mini focaccia squares for appetizers or party platters.
Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine warm water and yeast in a small bowl. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Mix flour and salt in a large bowl. Add yeast mixture and olive oil. Knead 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise 1–1.5 hours.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with olive oil.
- Transfer dough to pan and stretch evenly. Use fingertips to create dimples across the surface.
- Mix minced garlic with olive oil and brush over dough. Sprinkle Parmesan, rosemary, and coarse salt.
- Cover and let dough rise 15–20 minutes.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and crispy on edges. Slice and serve warm.
Notes
Serving Suggestions
- Serve alongside pasta dishes, soups, or salads.
- Dip in balsamic vinegar and olive oil for a traditional Italian experience.
- Enjoy as a snack with cheese or charcuterie boards.
Storage Information
- Store focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–10 minutes to refresh crispiness.
- Focaccia freezes well; wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap for up to 2 months.
FAQ
- Can I make this gluten-free? Yes, substitute with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for yeast breads.
- Can I prepare dough ahead of time? Yes, refrigerate dough for up to 24 hours; let it come to room temperature before baking.
- How do I make focaccia extra fluffy? Ensure the dough rises sufficiently and avoid over-kneading.
History / Fun Facts
Focaccia is one of Italy’s oldest breads, traditionally baked flat and dimpled to hold olive oil and herbs. Parmesan cheese adds a modern twist to the classic, giving it a rich, savory flavor. This bread is believed to have originated in Liguria, northern Italy, and has inspired countless variations worldwide.
