Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread – A Savory Homemade Favorite

Making homemade bread can be a truly rewarding experience, and there’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked Garlic Parmesan Focaccia wafting through your kitchen. This savory bread is a simple yet indulgent treat that’s perfect for any occasion—be it a cozy family dinner, a brunch gathering, or even as an appetizer for festive celebrations. The best part? It pairs beautifully with soups, salads, and even on its own with a drizzle of olive oil. With its crispy edges, soft center, and aromatic garlic and Parmesan flavor, this focaccia is bound to become a beloved staple in your home.

Reasons You’ll Love Making It

This Garlic Parmesan Focaccia bread is not just another bread recipe—it’s a gastronomic delight that brings joy to the dinner table. Here’s why you should add it to your culinary repertoire:

• Simplicity at Its Best: Made with easy-to-find ingredients, this focaccia comes together effortlessly, making it a fantastic choice for both novice and experienced bakers.
• Versatile and Customizable: Whether you want to serve it alongside your favorite soup or enjoy it with a spread of olive oil and balsamic vinegar, the options are endless.
• Budget-Friendly: Baking your own bread saves money and offers a fresher alternative to store-bought options.

"I made this for a family gathering, and everyone loved it! The garlic and Parmesan combo is divine. Will definitely make again!" – A satisfied home baker

Your Easy Cooking Guide

Making Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread is a straightforward process that anyone can master. Here’s a brief overview of the steps:

1. Mix the Dough: Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl to activate the yeast. Then add flour and salt, mixing until a sticky dough forms.
2. First Rise: Allow the dough to rise until it doubles in size, thanks to a warm spot.
3. Prepare Garlic Oil: Infuse oil with minced garlic for an aromatic topping.
4. Stretch and Second Rise: Transfer the dough to the pan, stretching it out to fit, and allow it to rise again.
5. Top and Bake: Dimple the dough, brush it with garlic oil, sprinkle with cheese and herbs, then bake to golden perfection.
6. Cool and Serve: Slice and enjoy it warm, fresh from the oven.

What You’ll Need

To craft this delicious Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread, gather the following ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2¼ teaspoons (1 packet) instant yeast
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• 1½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more for greasing
• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or chopped rosemary (optional)
• Flaky sea salt, for topping

These ingredients can often be found in your pantry or at your local grocery store.

Cooking Steps

1. Mix the Dough: In a mixing bowl, stir together warm water, sugar, and instant yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to work its magic.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the flour and salt. Mix together until a sticky dough forms, then knead the dough. If using a mixer, knead for 5-6 minutes until smooth; if kneading by hand, aim for 8-10 minutes.

3. First Rise: Coat the dough with a bit of olive oil, cover the bowl with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm area. This should take about 1 hour to 1.5 hours or until the dough has doubled in size.

4. Prepare Garlic Oil: While the dough is rising, grease a 9×13-inch pan. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute. Set aside.

5. Stretch and Second Rise: Once the first rise is complete, transfer the dough to the greased pan. Gently press it into the corners. If it resists, let it rest for about 10 minutes before stretching it fully. Cover and let it rise for another 30–45 minutes.

6. Top and Bake: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Dimple the risen dough with your fingers, brush generously with garlic oil, and sprinkle with Parmesan, herbs, and flaky sea salt. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

7. Cool: Allow the focaccia to cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes before moving it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve warm.

Perfect Pairings for Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread

This homemade focaccia is a versatile bread that shines in numerous contexts. Enjoy it as a sidekick to a hearty bowl of soup, like minestrone or tomato basil. It’s also fantastic served alongside a fresh salad, such as a Caesar or mixed greens with vinaigrette. If you’re feeling generous, slice it up for a delightful bruschetta experience, topping it with ripe tomatoes and fresh basil.

Storage Tips

Storing your Garlic Parmesan Focaccia properly will ensure it stays fresh longer. Here are some tips:

• Room Temperature: Keep the focaccia at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigeration: If you wish to store it longer, place it in the refrigerator where it can last for about a week.
• Freezing: For longer storage, slice the focaccia and freeze it in individual portions in a freezer bag. You can reheat it directly from the freezer by warming it in the oven until heated through.

Pro Chef Tips

Make your focaccia experience even better with these helpful hints:

• Don’t Skip the Dimples: These little indentations not only look appealing but also hold onto the garlic oil and toppings, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
• Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to add other toppings like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or goat cheese to elevate your focaccia.
• Let It Rise Well: The rising times are crucial for a fluffy texture, so be patient. The longer you let it rise, the better the structure will be.

Creative Twists

If you’re feeling adventurous, here are some variations you might try:

• Herb-Infused: Swap out the dried Italian herbs for fresh herbs like thyme or basil for a vibrant touch.
• Cheese Galore: Add different cheeses such as feta or mozzarella for a unique flavor profile.
• Sweet Twist: Try a dessert version by adding dried fruits and nuts, drizzled with honey after baking.

Your Questions Answered

How long does it take to make homemade focaccia?

From mixing to baking, expect the process to take around 2.5 to 3 hours, including rising time.

Can I substitute the all-purpose flour?

Yes, if you prefer a gluten-free option, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, though the texture may vary slightly.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can omit the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese alternative to suit dietary needs while retaining the savory garlic flavor.

Embrace the joy of baking with this Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread and uncover just how easy—and delicious—homemade bread can be!

Garlic Parmesan Focaccia

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• Total Time: 90 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Pin Recipe

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Description

A savory and aromatic bread perfect for any occasion, Garlic Parmesan Focaccia is simple to make and pairs beautifully with soups and salads.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2¼ teaspoons (1 packet) instant yeast
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• 1½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more for greasing
• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or chopped rosemary (optional)
• Flaky sea salt, for topping

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Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, stir together warm water, sugar, and instant yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy.
2. Add the flour and salt. Mix together until a sticky dough forms, then knead the dough.
3. Coat the dough with a bit of olive oil, cover the bowl with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
4. Grease a 9×13-inch pan. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.
5. Transfer the dough to the greased pan, gently pressing it into the corners. If it resists, let it rest for about 10 minutes before stretching it fully. Cover and let it rise for another 30–45 minutes.
6. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Dimple the risen dough with your fingers, brush generously with garlic oil, and sprinkle with Parmesan, herbs, and flaky sea salt. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. Allow the focaccia to cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes before moving it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve warm.

Notes

For a flavorful variation, try adding different cheeses or herbs to the toppings.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 2mg

Keywords: focaccia, bread, garlic, parmesan, baking, Italian