Focaccia Cheesy Garlic Bread – Crispy, Soft, and Flavorful

Focaccia Cheesy Garlic Bread is a crispy, soft, and buttery loaf infused with garlic and topped with melty cheese and fresh herbs. Perfect as a side for pasta, soups, or salads, or enjoyed as a snack on its own. This Italian-inspired bread is soft on the inside, golden and slightly crispy on the edges, with cheese that stretches beautifully with every bite.

Making focaccia at home may sound intimidating, but this recipe is easy to follow and perfect for beginners. Using simple ingredients, a little olive oil, and a sprinkle of herbs, you’ll have a bakery-style cheesy bread fresh from your oven.

🥗 Ingredients

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 ¼ cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
• 1 ½ tsp salt
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
• Optional garnish: sea salt flakes, extra rosemary

🧑‍🍳 Instructions

1. Activate yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Make dough: In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Add yeast mixture and 2 tbsp olive oil. Stir until a sticky dough forms.
3. Knead: Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. First rise: Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise 1 hour until doubled in size.
5. Prepare pan: Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with olive oil. Transfer dough and press it to fill the pan evenly.
6. Add garlic and cheese: Mix minced garlic with a little olive oil and brush over the dough. Sprinkle mozzarella, parmesan, and rosemary on top.
7. Second rise: Cover dough lightly and let rest 20 minutes.
8. Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Serve: Drizzle with extra olive oil, sprinkle with sea salt or rosemary if desired, slice, and serve warm.

💡 Tips & Variations

• Cheese twist: Add provolone, cheddar, or fontina for more melty flavor.
• Herb variations: Try thyme, oregano, or basil for a different flavor profile.
• Garlic lovers: Roast garlic for a sweeter, milder flavor before adding to dough.
• Make ahead: Prepare dough the night before and refrigerate; bake the next day.

Focaccia Cheesy Garlic Bread

Soft and crispy focaccia bread topped with garlic, melted mozzarella, parmesan, and fresh herbs for a flavorful Italian treat.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 1 hour hr 35 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Side, Snack

Cuisine: Bakery, Italian

Calories: 280

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 3.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet active dry yeast 2 ¼ tsp
• 1.25 cups warm water 110°F/45°C
• 2 tbsp olive oil plus extra for drizzling
• 1.5 tsp salt
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.25 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary chopped (or 1 tsp dried)

Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Spatula

Method

 

1. In a small bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Add yeast mixture and 2 tbsp olive oil. Stir until sticky dough forms.
3. Knead dough on floured surface 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place dough in oiled bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour until doubled.
5. Grease a 9×13-inch pan. Press dough into pan evenly.
6. Mix minced garlic with olive oil and brush over dough. Sprinkle mozzarella, parmesan, and rosemary.
7. Cover dough lightly and let rest 20 minutes.
8. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
9. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle sea salt or rosemary if desired, slice, and serve warm.

Notes

Optional: Add thyme or oregano for different flavor. Can prepare dough ahead and refrigerate overnight.

🍴 Why You’ll Love It

This focaccia is crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy inside, with cheese that makes every bite irresistible. Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or as a snack, it pairs well with pasta dishes, soups, or a fresh salad.