There’s something truly magical about homemade bread, especially when it’s loaded with the rich flavors of garlic and parmesan. This garlic parmesan focaccia bread is the perfect savory treat to bake when you want to impress with minimal effort. Soft yet crispy, fragrant with herbs, and sprinkled with cheesy goodness, this bread quickly becomes a household favorite.
Whether you’re serving it alongside a hearty soup, using it as a sandwich base, or just snacking on it fresh from the oven, this garlic parmesan focaccia will have you coming back for more. Let me guide you through the process of making this delightful bread from scratch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and straightforward to make with basic ingredients.
- Perfectly crispy crust with a soft, airy interior.
- Rich garlic and parmesan flavor in every bite.
- Versatile – great for dipping, sandwiches, or on its own.
- Impresses guests with homemade bakery quality.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to make your garlic parmesan focaccia bread come to life.
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 1/3 cups warm water (105-110°F)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 tsp sugar
- Coarse sea salt for sprinkling
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including rising)
- Servings: 8 slices
- Calories: Approximately 220 per serving
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread – A Savory Homemade Favorite – Try This Now!
- In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir lightly and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Stir until the dough starts to come together.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 45 minutes or until doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F. Lightly oil a 9×13-inch baking pan. Punch down the dough and transfer it into the pan, pressing it out evenly.
- Use your fingertips to dimple the dough all over. Drizzle with olive oil, then evenly sprinkle the minced garlic, rosemary, parmesan cheese, and a pinch of coarse sea salt on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy on the edges. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before slicing.
- Serve warm or at room temperature. This bread pairs beautifully with olive oil dips, soups, or salads.
Tips for the Best Results
- Make sure your water temperature is between 105-110°F to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
- Don’t skip the dimpling step — it creates those signature focaccia pockets that hold olive oil and toppings.
- If you want extra flavor, lightly sauté the garlic in olive oil before adding it on top.
- Use fresh rosemary if possible for the brightest herb flavor.
- Let the bread cool slightly before cutting to prevent tearing and to help set the crust.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover garlic parmesan focaccia bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat, warm slices in a 375°F oven for 5-7 minutes until crisp again. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread chewy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this focaccia bread without fresh rosemary?
Yes, dried rosemary works well if fresh isn’t available. Just use about half the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. Alternatively, you can substitute with other herbs like thyme or oregano.
Is it possible to use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?
You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and denser texture. Keep in mind the bread may be less fluffy, so don’t replace all the flour.
Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Just cover it tightly, then bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking.
How do I get a crispier crust on my focaccia?
To get a crispier crust, make sure to drizzle the top generously with olive oil and bake at a high temperature like 425°F. Also, avoid covering the bread while it cools to keep the crust from softening.
