Bake the Best Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Recipe
Introduction
Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread is a flavorful and aromatic Italian classic that’s perfect for any occasion. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, this bread combines garlic, parmesan, olive oil, and herbs for a mouthwatering experience. Let’s walk through how to bake this irresistible focaccia at home.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup warm water
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for the pan and topping
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon mixed fresh herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the yeast and sugar with warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy to activate the yeast.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and 3 tablespoons olive oil, then stir with a wooden spoon or stand mixer until a shaggy dough forms.
- Step 3: Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for 20 minutes to relax the dough.
- Step 4: Perform four sets of folds on the dough, spacing each fold 20 minutes apart. This strengthens the dough and improves texture.
- Step 5: Oil a baking pan generously and transfer the dough into it, stretching it gently to fit the pan. Cover and let it rise for 45 minutes or until doubled in size.
- Step 6: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Drizzle olive oil over the dough, then sprinkle minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs evenly on top. Use your fingertips to dimple the dough lightly.
- Step 7: Bake the focaccia for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, infuse the olive oil with garlic by warming minced garlic gently in it before drizzling on the dough.
- Try different herbs like sage or basil to customize the fragrance and taste.
- If you prefer a softer crust, cover the focaccia with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Use fine sea salt or flaky salt sprinkled on top just before baking for added texture.
Storage
Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in a warm oven (350°F/175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore crispness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast. Mix it directly with the flour and reduce the warm water by a couple of tablespoons. The rising times may be shorter.
How do I know when the dough has risen enough?
The dough should double in size and look puffed and airy. Pressing gently with a finger should leave an indentation that slowly springs back.
PrintBake the Best Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Recipe
This Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread recipe guides you step-by-step through prepping and baking a soft, airy, and flavorful Italian bread topped with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and herbs. The dough is carefully prepared with yeast, allowed to rest and rise, folded for structure, and baked to golden perfection with olive oil enhancing its rich texture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
Topping Ingredients
- Olive oil, for drizzling and greasing
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced or thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh or dried herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano)
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the yeast and sugar with 1 cup of warm water. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture is frothy, indicating the yeast is active and ready to use.
- Mix the Dough: In a larger bowl, add the flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and stir with a wooden spoon or stand mixer until a shaggy dough ball forms, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
- Initial Dough Rest: Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and allow it to rest for 20 minutes. This helps the dough relax for easier handling.
- Fold the Dough: After the rest, perform a series of four folds, spacing each fold about 20 minutes apart. Folding helps develop the dough’s gluten structure and improves its texture.
- Final Rise in Pan: Place the dough into a well-oiled baking pan, spreading it evenly. Cover again and let it rise for 45 minutes or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare the Topping: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Once the dough has risen, use your fingers to dimple the surface gently. Drizzle olive oil generously over the dough, then sprinkle minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, and your choice of herbs evenly on top.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and 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 slightly in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature as a delicious appetizer or side bread.
Notes
- Warm water should be around 110°F to properly activate yeast without killing it.
- Folding the dough multiple times during the rising phase helps create a light and airy texture.
- You can customize the herbs according to preference—rosemary pairs especially well with focaccia.
- For a crispier crust, increase the olive oil drizzle before baking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
Keywords: Garlic Parmesan focaccia, focaccia bread recipe, Italian bread, homemade focaccia, garlic bread, Parmesan cheese bread, herb focaccia
