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Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 128 reviews

This Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread is a flavorful Italian-style flatbread featuring a soft, airy dough topped with fragrant garlic-infused olive oil, grated Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs. Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or snack, it’s easy to prepare and baked to a golden, crispy perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dough:

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 ¾ cups warm water (about 110°F)

For the Garlic Parmesan Topping:

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)

To Finish:

  • Additional olive oil for greasing
  • Flaky sea salt for sprinkling
  • Fresh parsley or herbs for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and instant yeast. Stir in the olive oil and warm water until a sticky dough forms. There is no need to knead. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
  2. Prepare the Pan: Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or sheet pan with olive oil to prevent sticking. Transfer the risen dough to the pan and gently stretch it to evenly reach the edges. Allow the dough to rest for another 30 minutes, giving it time to relax and puff before adding the topping.
  3. Make the Garlic Oil: In a small saucepan, warm the olive oil over low heat. Add the minced garlic and a pinch of salt. Cook gently just until the garlic becomes fragrant but does not brown to avoid bitterness. Remove from heat and set aside to infuse.
  4. Dimple the Dough: Using your fingers, press deep dimples all over the surface of the dough—this creates the signature focaccia texture and traps the garlic oil. Drizzle the prepared garlic oil evenly over the dough. Next, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs if using, and a pinch of flaky sea salt over the top for added flavor and crunch.
  5. Bake the Focaccia: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the baking dish or sheet pan in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the top of the focaccia is golden brown and crispy. Once done, remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes before slicing to allow the flavors to settle.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Cut the focaccia into squares or strips. Garnish with fresh parsley or additional herbs if desired. Serve warm as a delicious appetizer, side bread, or snack alongside soups, salads, or pasta dishes.

Notes

  • Ensure the water is warm but not hot to activate the yeast effectively without killing it.
  • Do not brown the garlic when making the garlic oil; gentle warming extracts the best flavor without bitterness.
  • If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried rosemary or thyme can be used but add them sparingly.
  • Allowing the dough to rest and rise properly is key to a light and airy focaccia texture.
  • Use flaky sea salt for the finishing touch to add delightful bursts of salty crunch.
  • The focaccia is best enjoyed the same day but can be reheated gently before serving if needed.

Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Focaccia, Italian bread, focaccia recipe, homemade bread, garlic bread, Parmesan focaccia, easy focaccia

Find it online: https://chefmilacook.com/garlic-parmesan-focaccia-bread-recipe/