Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Recipe

If you have a soft spot for breads that bring both comfort and a burst of flavor, then this Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread is going to become your new favorite. The perfect balance of tender, airy dough infused with fragrant garlic, nutty Parmesan, and a sprinkle of Italian herbs makes every bite utterly irresistible. This Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread is simple to make yet sophisticated enough to impress, whether served as a snack, appetizer, or alongside your favorite meal. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are beautifully straightforward, each playing a crucial role in creating the perfect Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread. From the warm water waking up the yeast to the sharpness of fresh Parmesan and the punch of garlic, every element contributes to a bread that’s bursting with flavor and texture.

• 2 Cups Flour (Bread or all purpose): The foundation for the dough, providing structure and chewiness.
• 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt: Enhances flavor and controls yeast activity.
• 1 Cup Warm Water: Activates the yeast and helps achieve a tender crumb.
• 1 1/8 teaspoon Instant Yeast: The leavening agent that makes your bread rise and airy.
• 1/2 teaspoon Granulated Sugar: Gives the yeast a little “food” to work with, speeding up fermentation.
• Olive Oil: Adds richness and prevents sticking while creating a crisp crust.
• 3 Cloves Garlic (minced): Infuses the dough with aromatic flavor that pairs brilliantly with cheese.
• 2/3 Cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: Provides a salty, nutty depth that’s utterly addictive.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Dry Italian Seasoning: Brings a savory blend of herbs for added complexity.
• Maldon Flaked Sea Salt: Perfect for finishing, offering delicate crunch and burst of saltiness.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by combining the flour and kosher salt in a glass bowl. This evenly seasons your base and ensures a balanced taste in every bite. In a separate measuring cup, stir together warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit briefly so the yeast can wake up and begin working its magic. Stir this mixture into your flour until the dough just starts to come together, creating a shaggy but cohesive mass.

Step 2: Refrigerate the Dough

Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight. This slow cold fermentation develops flavor depth and helps build a lovely chewy texture in the final bread. It’s a simple step that makes all the difference between average and extraordinary focaccia.

Step 3: Shape and Let Rise

After chilling, remove the dough and oil an 8-inch round cake pan. Gently place the dough in the center, tucking the edges underneath to form a smooth surface. Cover again with plastic wrap and allow it to rise at room temperature for about 2 hours, until it almost fills the pan. This rise is what creates those irresistible soft pockets inside.

Step 4: Prep for Baking

Preheat your oven to 450ºF. Drizzle additional olive oil over the surface of the risen dough. Then, using your fingertips, press dimpled holes all across the dough, pushing down to the pan bottom but not through. These indentations create the iconic focaccia texture and help trap the oil and toppings for a flavorful crust.

Step 5: Add Garlic Parmesan Topping

In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, freshly grated Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Sprinkle this fragrant mixture evenly over the dough, then finish with a light sprinkle of Maldon flaked sea salt. This topping infuses the focaccia with punchy garlic aroma, cheesy richness, and herbal brightness in every bite.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the pan in the oven, immediately reduce the heat to 425ºF, and bake 22 to 24 minutes until the bread turns a gorgeous golden brown. The cheese should be melted and slightly crisp, with the crust crackling gently when tapped. Let it cool slightly before slicing and savoring the warm, cheesy goodness.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread

Garnishes

This Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread is fabulous as-is, but a sprinkle of fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or even chopped basil adds a wonderful fresh note. A drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil or a light brush of balsamic glaze right before serving can elevate it to something truly special.

Side Dishes

Pair this focaccia with a crisp garden salad, warm soups, or your favorite pasta dishes. Its rich garlic and Parmesan flavors complement Mediterranean-inspired meals perfectly and add a comforting carb-filled element that everyone loves.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread into small squares for party platters, layering with slices of cured meats and cheeses for an irresistible charcuterie board. It also makes a fantastic base for open-faced sandwiches topped with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil for a quick bruschetta twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover focaccia tightly in plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container to maintain its chewy texture. Stored at room temperature, it will remain fresh for 2 to 3 days. Avoid fridge storage as it can dry the bread out faster.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread by wrapping it tightly in foil and placing it in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and then reheat for best freshness.

Reheating

To bring back that freshly baked warmth, heat slices in a preheated oven at 350ºF for about 5 to 7 minutes. This will revive the crust’s crispness and melt any hardened cheese topping, making it taste just like fresh from the oven.

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Absolutely! While bread flour gives the focaccia a chewier texture due to higher protein, all-purpose flour works perfectly well and produces a tender crumb. Either flour will make delicious Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread.

Is it necessary to refrigerate the dough overnight?

Refrigerating the dough enhances flavor and improves texture through slow fermentation, but if you’re short on time, you can let it rise at room temperature for about 1 to 2 hours instead. Just expect a slightly less complex flavor.

Can I substitute the Parmesan cheese with another cheese?

Parmesan’s nutty, salty profile pairs best with this focaccia, but you can experiment with Pecorino Romano or a mild aged Asiago for a similar effect. Avoid wet cheeses as toppings since they can make the dough soggy.

How long does the dough need to rise after shaping?

The dough should rise for approximately 2 hours or until it nearly fills the pan. This step is crucial to achieve the characteristic airy texture and lightness of true focaccia.

Can I add other toppings to the Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread?

Yes! Feel free to add sliced olives, cherry tomatoes, caramelized onions, or fresh rosemary on top before baking for extra flavor and variety. Just be sure not to overload the dough to keep that perfect airy texture.

Final Thoughts

Making Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread at home is one of those joyful kitchen adventures that fills your whole house with inviting aromas and ends with a warm, satisfying bite. Whether you’re sharing with family or sneaking a slice for yourself, this recipe brings a rich combination of garlic and cheese that feels both special and comforting. Give it a try—you might just have found your next go-to bread for every occasion!

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