Savory Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Recipe for Bread Lovers

Crafting a mouthwatering garlic parmesan focaccia bread at home feels like unlocking a secret culinary treasure.

Mediterranean kitchens have perfected this golden, crusty delight for generations.

Rustic and inviting, this recipe promises a sensory journey that connects you with age-old baking traditions.

Fragrant herbs and robust cheese dance across a perfectly dimpled surface, creating irresistible textures.

Each bite whispers stories of Italian countryside gatherings and warm, communal meals.

Soft yet crispy edges promise a delectable experience that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

You’ll want to savor every crumb of this delightful bread that brings comfort and joy to any table.

Everything Needed For Focaccia Bread Recipe

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundational ingredient that provides structure and texture to the focaccia.
• Instant Yeast: A quick-acting leavening agent that helps the bread rise and develop a light, airy texture.
• Sugar: Helps activate the yeast and adds a subtle hint of sweetness to the bread.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and helps control yeast growth.

• Warm Water: Creates the hydration needed to form the dough and activate the yeast.
• Olive Oil: Adds rich flavor and helps create a soft, tender bread texture.

• Garlic, Minced Garlic, Garlic Powder: Provides a robust and aromatic garlic flavor throughout the bread.
• Parmesan Cheese, Grated: Offers a sharp, salty, and nutty taste that complements the garlic.
• Parsley: Adds a fresh, herbal note to the bread's flavor profile.
• Coarse Sea Salt: Provides a crunchy texture and intensifies the overall taste.

How To Make Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Easily

Step 1: Combine Dry Base

Mix flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Stir thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.

Step 2: Create Dough Foundation

Add warm water and olive oil to the dry mixture. Blend until a shaggy dough forms, which might look rough initially.

Step 3: Transform Dough Texture

• Flour a clean surface
• Transfer dough onto surface
• Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic
• Add extra flour if dough becomes sticky

Step 4: Allow Dough Expansion

• Lightly oil a bowl
• Place dough inside
• Cover with damp cloth or plastic wrap
• Position in warm location
• Let rise until volume doubles (approximately 1-2 hours)

Step 5: Prepare Baking Environment

• Preheat oven to 425°F
• Gently deflate risen dough
• Transfer to greased baking pan

Step 6: Shape Bread Surface

• Use olive oil-coated fingers
• Press dough into pan edges
• Create characteristic dimples across surface

Step 7: Enhance Flavor Profile

• Minced garlic
• Chopped parsley
• Garlic powder
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Distribute mixture evenly across dough

Step 8: Add Final Accents

• Drizzle olive oil
• Sprinkle coarse sea salt
• Allow dough additional 20-30 minute rest

Step 9: Bake To Perfection

• Place pan in preheated oven
• Bake 20-25 minutes
• Achieve golden brown color

Step 10: Serve Warm

• Remove from oven
• Cool briefly
• Slice
• Serve immediately with enthusiasm

Tips For Soft And Flavorful Focaccia Bread

• Boost Yeast Performance: Ensure warm water is between 100-110°F to activate yeast perfectly without killing it.
• Control Dough Texture: Add flour gradually while kneading to prevent a sticky or dry consistency.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Let garlic and Parmesan mixture sit for 10 minutes before sprinkling to intensify taste.
• Master Dimpling Technique: Use fingertips with olive oil to create even, deep dimples across focaccia surface.
• Achieve Perfect Browning: Position baking pan in middle oven rack for consistent golden color and even baking.

Fun Ways To Change Up Focaccia Bread

• Herbal Mediterranean Focaccia: Replace parsley with fresh rosemary, thyme, and oregano for an aromatic Mediterranean-style bread.
• Gluten-Free Herb Version: Swap wheat flour with gluten-free flour blend and add xanthan gum to maintain bread structure and texture.
• Vegan Olive Oil Focaccia: Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese, keeping the garlic and herb flavors while creating a plant-based alternative.
• Whole Wheat Rustic Bread: Substitute half the white flour with whole wheat flour for a more nutritious and hearty bread version with nutty undertones.

Great Pairings With Garlic Parmesan Focaccia

• Perfect Wine Pairing: Select a crisp, medium-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio that complements the garlic and cheese flavors, cutting through the bread's richness with its refreshing acidity.
• Ideal Dipping Companion: Prepare a zesty herb-infused olive oil with rosemary and basil, creating a vibrant dipping sauce that enhances the focaccia's garlic and parmesan notes.
• Complementary Appetizer Match: Serve alongside a light Mediterranean salad with fresh tomatoes, cucumber, and feta cheese, which provides a cool, tangy contrast to the warm, savory bread.
• Protein Partner: Pair with grilled chicken or white fish like halibut, allowing the focaccia to act as a delicious side that absorbs and highlights the protein's subtle flavors.

How To Store Focaccia Bread The Right Way

• Store cooled focaccia in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Slice bread, place parchment paper between layers, and store in freezer-safe bag for maximum 2 months. Seal completely to prevent freezer burn.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, wrap focaccia in aluminum foil, and warm for 5-7 minutes. Unwrap last 2 minutes to restore crispy edges.
• Heat individual slices for 10-15 seconds. Add small glass of water alongside slice to maintain moisture and prevent bread from becoming tough.

FAQs For Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Recipe

• What flour works best for focaccia?

All-purpose flour is perfect for this recipe. It provides the right protein content for a soft, chewy texture without being too heavy or dense.

• Can I make this bread without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! You can easily mix and knead the dough by hand. Use a wooden spoon to mix initially, then knead on a floured surface until smooth and elastic.

• How do I know when the dough is properly kneaded?

The dough should feel smooth, elastic, and spring back when gently pressed. It shouldn’t be sticky or dry, but soft and pliable. Kneading typically takes 5-7 minutes by hand.

Why Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Tastes Amazing

• Craft Comfort Bread: Create a delightful homemade bread that brings warmth and joy to your kitchen with minimal professional baking skills required.
• Customize Flavor Explosion: Transform basic ingredients into a mouthwatering dish by adding garlic, Parmesan, and herbs that elevate the bread's taste profile beyond ordinary recipes.
• Serve Versatile Delight: Perfectly pair this focaccia as a side dish for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings, making it a crowd-pleasing option for various social occasions.
• Build Confidence Cooking: Develop baking skills through a straightforward recipe that guides beginners and intermediate cooks to create a professional-looking bread with simple techniques.

Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Recipe

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4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes to 2 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Homemade garlic parmesan focaccia bread brings Italian bakery charm right to kitchen counters. Rich herbal notes and golden-brown edges invite bread enthusiasts to savor each delectable slice with pure Mediterranean comfort.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups (480 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) warm water
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) olive oil

Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Topping Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons (8 grams) fresh parsley, chopped
• Coarse sea salt for sprinkling

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, thoroughly combine flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt, ensuring even distribution of dry ingredients.
2. Pour warm water and olive oil into the mixture, stirring until a shaggy, slightly rough dough forms.
3. Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, adding minimal flour if needed to achieve a smooth, elastic consistency.
4. Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and allow to rise in a warm environment for 1-2 hours until volume doubles.
5. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and gently deflate risen dough by pressing down.
6. Spread dough into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan, using oil-coated fingers to create characteristic dimples across the surface.
7. Combine minced garlic, parsley, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese in a small bowl, then sprinkle evenly over the dough.
8. Drizzle additional olive oil and scatter coarse sea salt across the surface, then let rest for 20-30 minutes before baking.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the focaccia achieves a golden-brown color and looks crisp around the edges.
10. Remove from oven, allow brief cooling, then slice and serve warm, perfect for sharing with loved ones.

Notes

• Experiment with herb combinations like rosemary, thyme, or basil to create unique flavor profiles that complement the garlic and Parmesan.
• Adjust the hydration level by adding slightly more water for a softer, more open crumb texture that melts in your mouth.
• Substitute some all-purpose flour with whole wheat or gluten-free flour alternatives to accommodate different dietary needs without compromising the bread’s delicious taste.
• Create a vegan version by replacing Parmesan with nutritional yeast and using plant-based olive oil for the same rich, savory experience.

• Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 2 mg