Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread – Soft, Golden, and Irresistibly Buttery with Every Bite

There are few things that can fill a kitchen with coziness quite like the smell of fresh bread baking in the oven. And of all the breads you can make at home, Garlic Parmesan Focaccia just might be the most magical. It’s simple, rustic, deeply flavorful, and perfect for those moments when you want something warm and comforting without spending all day in the kitchen.

Focaccia has always been one of my favorite breads to bake because it strikes that perfect balance between impressive and effortless. It requires no complicated shaping, no special equipment, and no kneading skills beyond a gentle fold or two. Yet what emerges from the oven looks like something straight from a small-town Italian bakery: a golden, dimpled sheet of tender bread with crisp edges, a fragrant garlic butter drizzle, and a generous dusting of Parmesan that melts into every nook and cranny.

The inspiration for this garlic Parmesan version came from a crisp fall afternoon. The kind where you want something cozy — something you can tear apart with your hands, dip into soups, pair with pasta, or snack on all by itself. I had plans to make soup for dinner, but it needed something special on the side. That’s when focaccia felt like the perfect choice. And adding garlic and Parmesan? Well, that turns an already impressive bread into something downright irresistible.

If you’ve never made homemade focaccia before, this recipe is the perfect place to begin. It’s forgiving, flexible, and incredibly rewarding. The dough comes together in one bowl, rises patiently on its own, and bakes into a beautifully puffed bread with those signature dimples. And the toppings — garlic-infused olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and herbs — elevate it without complicating it.

This bread has the kind of texture people rave about: a crisp, slightly salty exterior giving way to a soft, pillowy interior. The olive oil ensures moisture and flavor in every bite, the garlic adds warmth and depth, and the Parmesan brings a beautiful savory richness. A sprinkle of rosemary or parsley on top adds brightness and color, making it as beautiful as it is delicious.

Whether you’re preparing this focaccia for a dinner party, a potluck, or just a cozy Sunday afternoon, it’s one of those recipes you’ll find yourself making again and again.

Let’s dive into the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and all the little secrets that ensure your focaccia turns out perfect every single time.

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Ingredients

For the Dough

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup warm water
• 2 teaspoons sugar or honey
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for pan and topping)

For the Garlic Parmesan Topping

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¾ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or Italian seasoning
• Sea salt for sprinkling

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Instructions

1. Activate the yeast.
   In a bowl, combine warm water and sugar (or honey). Sprinkle yeast over the top and let sit for 5–8 minutes until foamy.
2. Make the dough.
   Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead gently.
   Knead by hand for 2–3 minutes or fold the dough a few times until smooth and elastic.
4. First rise.
   Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a towel, and let rise 1 hour or until doubled.
5. Prepare the baking pan.
   Generously oil a 9×13 pan or baking sheet.
6. Shape the dough.
   Transfer dough to the pan and gently stretch it to fit. Let rest 10 minutes if it resists, then stretch again.
7. Second rise.
   Cover and let rise 20–30 minutes until puffy.
8. Create the signature dimples.
   Coat fingertips in oil and press deep dimples all over the dough.
9. Add garlic topping.
   Mix olive oil and minced garlic. Drizzle over the dough.
10. Add Parmesan and herbs.
    Sprinkle cheese and rosemary evenly over the top.
11. Bake.
    Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 18–22 minutes until golden brown and crispy on the edges.
12. Finish with sea salt.
    Sprinkle flaky salt over the bread while still warm.
13. Serve warm.
    Slice, tear, dip, or enjoy as-is.

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Tips for Perfect Garlic Parmesan Focaccia

• Use high-quality olive oil — it makes a huge difference.
• Don’t skip the dimpling — it creates pockets for the garlic oil and Parmesan.
• Letting the dough rest makes stretching easier and prevents tearing.
• Warm water, not hot, is key for activating yeast.
• Bake on the lower-middle rack for even browning.

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Variations

• Cheesy Herb Focaccia: Add mozzarella or asiago on top.
• Roasted Garlic Version: Use roasted garlic instead of raw.
• Spicy Focaccia: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic oil.
• Lemon Herb Focaccia: Add lemon zest and thyme for a brighter flavor.
• Stuffed Focaccia: Layer cheese in the middle for a gooey surprise.

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Serving Suggestions

• With marinara or pesto for dipping
• Alongside soups like tomato basil, minestrone, or broccoli cheddar
• With Italian-style pastas
• As a base for sandwiches
• As an appetizer with olives, salami, and cheeses

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Storage & Reheating

• Room temperature: 2 days in an airtight container
• Fridge: Up to 5 days
• Freezer: Up to 3 months
• Reheat: 350°F oven for 8 minutes or air fryer for 3–4 minutes

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FAQ

Can I make this dough overnight?
Yes — refrigerate after mixing and let rise slowly. Bring to room temp before baking.

Can I use instant yeast?
Yes, mix it directly into the flour.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely — use a half-sheet pan.

Why is my focaccia dense?
Under-proofing or using water that’s too hot can affect the rise.

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History Bite

Focaccia dates back over 2,000 years to ancient Rome, originally known as “panis focacius,” baked over the hearth ashes. What started as a simple flatbread eventually evolved into one of Italy’s most beloved breads, known for its olive oil–rich dough and iconic dimpled surface. Today, focaccia varies by region — some versions are thin and crisp, others tall and soft. Garlic and cheese-topped variations like this one showcase how flexible and adaptable focaccia has become worldwide.

This garlic Parmesan focaccia celebrates that tradition while adding a cozy, comforting twist.