Soft Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread, Light & Cheesy Side

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes| Servings: 12 slices | Difficulty: Easy-Moderate

Imagine pulling a warm, golden focaccia out of the oven with edges crisp and inside pillowy soft, infused with garlic, Parmesan and herbs. This Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread recipe brings that bakery style loaf into your home kitchen. The olive oil kisses every dimpled nook, the Parmesan melts into the crust for a nutty, cheesy bite. If you have struggled with dull bread or tough crusts, this recipe solves that with light airy texture and rich flavor. You will impress family and guests with this savory bread side to any soup, salad or main dish.

Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Ingredients and Substitutions

Dough Base

• 4 cups all purpose flour – creates chewy texture
• 1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast – makes the focaccia rise light and airy
• 1½ cups warm water (110°F) – ideal temperature to activate yeast
• 2 tsp sugar – feeds the yeast and helps browning
• 1½ tsp salt – balances flavor and strengthens gluten

Flavor Boosters and Toppings

• ¼ cup olive oil plus more for drizzling and pan – enriches dough and crisps the crust
• 4 cloves garlic, minced – bold garlic flavor
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese – nutty and cheesy topping
• 2 tsp dried Italian herbs or oregano – herbal aroma and depth
• Flaky sea salt, for topping – crunchy finish
• Fresh rosemary sprigs, optional – fragrant garnish

Substitutions and Notes

• Gluten free flour blend with 1 tsp xanthan gum works for gluten free version
• For extra richness add mozzarella cubes under the Parmesan
• Add chili flakes or roasted garlic for more spice
• Fresh thyme or rosemary can replace dried herbs

Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread

Light airy focaccia bread topped with garlic, Parmesan and herbs, perfect for serving alongside soups, salads, or as a savory snack.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 40 minutes mins

Course Bread, Side Dish

Cuisine Italian

Servings 12 slices

Calories 280 kcal

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Plastic wrap or clean towel
• Wire rack
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

  

Dough Base

• 4 cups all-purpose flour sturdy backbone of dough
• 1 packet active dry yeast 2¼ tsp, to make dough rise
• 1½ cups warm water about 110°F, to activate yeast
• 2 tsp sugar feeds yeast and supports browning
• 1½ tsp salt for flavor and gluten structure

Flavor & Topping

• ¼ cup olive oil for dough and pan, enriches crust
• 4 cloves garlic minced, bold flavor
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese nutty and melting cheesy top
• 2 tsp dried Italian herbs or oregano herbal depth

Optional & Garnish

• Flaky sea salt for topping for crunch and burst
• Fresh rosemary sprigs optional aromatic garnish

Instructions

 

• In a large bowl combine warm water, sugar and yeast. Stir gently and let sit 5-10 minutes until foamy.
• Add flour, salt and ¼ cup olive oil. Stir until sticky dough forms.
• Turn out and knead on lightly floured surface 6-8 minutes until smooth and springy.
• Place dough in greased bowl. Cover and let rise in warm place about 1 hour until doubled.
• Gently punch down dough. Press into greased 9×13-inch pan. Cover and let rest 20-30 minutes until puffy.
• Use fingertips to make dimples across dough. Drizzle olive oil then top with garlic, Parmesan, herbs and flaky sea salt.
• Bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes until top is golden and edges crisp.
• Let cool a few minutes then slice into 12 squares. Serve warm.

Notes

Fresh Parmesan gives best flavor. For variation add mozzarella cubes, chili flakes, or roasted garlic. Store at room temp up to 2-3 days wrapped. Freeze for up to 3 months wrapped and reheat at 350°F for 5 minutes.

Keyword garlic focaccia recipe, garlic parmesan focaccia bread, parmesan focaccia

Step by Step Instructions for Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread

1. Activate yeast (5-10 minutes): In a large bowl combine warm water, sugar and yeast. Stir gently and let rest until foamy.
2. Mix dough (2 minutes): Add flour, salt and ¼ cup olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a sticky dough forms.
3. Knead dough (6-8 minutes): Turn dough out onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and springy. If sticky, add a small sprinkle of flour.
4. First rise (1 hour): Place dough in greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a towel. Let rise in a warm spot until doubled.
5. Shape and rest (20-30 minutes): Punch down dough and press into a greased 9×13 inch pan. Cover and let rest until puffy.
6. Dimple and top (3 minutes): Preheat oven to 425°F. Use fingers to make dimples in dough. Drizzle olive oil and sprinkle garlic, Parmesan, herbs and flaky salt. Add rosemary if using.
7. Bake (20-25 minutes): Bake until golden brown with crisp edges. Rotate pan if browning unevenly.
8. Cool and serve (5 minutes): Let cool slightly, slice into 12 pieces and serve warm.

Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips

This Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread is soft inside, golden on the edges and full of garlicky cheesy goodness. Serve with tomato soup, fresh salads, or alongside Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan for a full meal. Try dipping warm slices into olive oil while your Homemade Ciabatta Bread bakes on another pan. If you want more unique bread recipes, this No Oven Turkish Bread is a fun one to try. For a sweet finish after a savory loaf, pair it with this Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu.

Store leftovers in foil at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze slices up to 3 months. Warm in the oven before serving to refresh the crust.

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FAQ About Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread