Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread : Savory & Easy

Few things beat the heavenly aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through the kitchen, especially when it’s this Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Recipe. With a golden, crispy crust, tender interior, and layers of garlicky, cheesy flavor, this focaccia is everything you could want in a homemade savory bread—and more.

Whether you’re new to baking or just looking for a flavorful side, this recipe checks all the boxes. It’s a perfect fit for fans of savory yeast bread recipes, and with minimal kneading and easy ingredients, it could become your new best bread recipe easy for weeknight dinners or weekend feasts.

Ready to bake? Let’s dig in.

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What Is Focaccia? A Staple Among Savory Yeast Bread Recipes

Focaccia is a traditional Italian flatbread known for its airy, fluffy texture and olive oil–rich crust. It’s often topped with herbs, garlic, and cheese, making it both delicious and versatile. Think of it as the savory cousin to pizza dough—just as satisfying but easier to master at home.

This garlic focaccia bread falls under the broad umbrella of bread focaccia recipes, but what sets it apart is the deeply infused garlic oil and the savory punch of Parmesan on top. It’s like the comfort of garlic bread, with the texture of artisan focaccia.

Ingredients List: Simple Pantry Staples with Bold Flavor

This Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Recipe uses easy-to-find ingredients, many of which you likely already have at home.

For the Dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 ¾ cups warm water (about 110°F)

For the Garlic Parmesan Topping:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)

To Finish:

• Additional olive oil for greasing
• Flaky sea salt for sprinkling
• Fresh parsley or herbs for garnish (optional)

These ingredients form the foundation of one of the best garlic focaccia bread recipes easy enough for everyday baking.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Step by Step

This focaccia is surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner bakers. Follow these clear steps for perfect results.

1. Make the Dough:
In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and instant yeast. Stir in the olive oil and warm water. Mix until a sticky dough forms. No need to knead—just cover with plastic wrap and let it rise at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.

2. Prepare the Pan:
Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or sheet pan with olive oil. Transfer the dough to the pan and gently stretch it to the edges. Let it rest for another 30 minutes while you prepare the topping.

3. Make the Garlic Oil:
In a small saucepan, heat olive oil over low heat. Add the minced garlic and a pinch of salt. Cook just until fragrant—do not brown the garlic. Remove from heat and set aside.

4. Dimple the Dough:
Use your fingers to press deep dimples into the dough all over. Drizzle the garlic oil evenly over the surface. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, and a pinch of flaky sea salt on top.

5. Bake the Focaccia:
Bake in a preheated 425°F (220°C) oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing.

6. Serve and Enjoy:
Cut into squares or strips and serve warm. You’ll be amazed at how quickly it disappears.

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Kitchen Tools You’ll Need to Make Focaccia Bread

No fancy tools required—just these essentials:

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Saucepan (for garlic oil)
• 9×13-inch baking dish or sheet pan
• Plastic wrap or clean towel
• Sharp knife or pizza cutter

These tools make this quick focaccia bread recipe even simpler.

Expert Tips for the Best Bread Recipe Easy Enough for Beginners

Even though this recipe is beginner-friendly, these pro tips will help you level up your bake:

• Use instant yeast to save time—no proofing needed
• Warm water should feel like bathwater, not hot
• Don’t overwork the dough—focaccia is rustic and forgiving
• Generously oil your pan to achieve a crispy, golden crust
• Don’t skip the dimpling—it helps the toppings stick and creates those signature focaccia bubbles

The result? A beautifully textured bread with the perfect amount of chew and crunch.

Garlic Focaccia Bread Recipes Easy Enough to Customize

The beauty of this focaccia lies in its flexibility. You can easily adjust the flavor by swapping out toppings or adding ingredients into the dough:

• Add sun-dried tomatoes or caramelized onions for a sweet-savory kick
• Swap Parmesan with shredded mozzarella or asiago
• Mix chopped olives or roasted garlic cloves into the dough
• Use Italian seasoning or basil pesto instead of herbs

This is the kind of garlic parmesan focaccia bread that adapts to your pantry and taste preferences.

How to Turn Focaccia Into Garlic Brioche Bread or Hot Honey Focaccia

Looking to branch out from the traditional? Try these variations inspired by trending velvety bread recipes:

• Garlic Brioche Bread: Add 2 eggs and 1 tablespoon sugar to the dough. Replace some olive oil with melted butter for a richer texture, then bake in a loaf pan for a pillowy garlic loaf.
• Hot Honey Focaccia: Drizzle with hot honey just before serving for the perfect balance of sweet and heat. Add red pepper flakes to the garlic oil for an extra kick.

Both versions are great if you love flavor-packed breads with a creative twist.

Serving Suggestions: Toppings and Dips to Elevate Your Bread

This focaccia stands alone beautifully, but it also makes the perfect sidekick to a variety of meals. Serve it with:

• Warm marinara or garlic aioli for dipping
• A bowl of hearty vegetable soup or chicken stew
• Alongside a crisp Caesar salad or caprese plate
• As the base for sandwiches or mini flatbread pizzas

It’s one of the most versatile recipes using focaccia bread, whether you’re serving a crowd or keeping it all to yourself.

Recipes Using Focaccia Bread: Creative Leftover Ideas

If you somehow have leftovers, don’t worry—there are so many ways to reuse this delicious bread:

• Focaccia Croutons: Cube and toast for salads and soups
• Focaccia Grilled Cheese: Use in place of regular bread for an upgraded sandwich
• Bread Pudding (Savory Style): Mix cubes with eggs, milk, cheese, and veggies for a brunch bake
• Focaccia Panini: Press it with deli meats and cheese for a crispy, melty lunch

One bake, endless possibilities—no wonder it’s among the best bread recipe easy go-tos.

How to Store and Reheat Your Homemade Focaccia

Keep your focaccia fresh and flavorful with these storage tips:

• Room Temperature: Store in a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to 2 days
• Refrigerate: Wrap in foil and store for up to 5 days (reheat before serving)
• Freeze: Wrap slices in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through

Pro tip: Reheat with a splash of olive oil on top to revive that crispy edge.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Bread Focaccia Recipes

Avoid these pitfalls to make sure your focaccia turns out perfect:

• Too much flour: Can make the dough dense instead of airy
• Underproofing: Results in flat or tough texture
• Overbaking: Dries out the interior—watch for a golden top, not brown
• Uneven dimpling: Causes patchy baking and topping distribution
• Not enough oil: Focaccia needs oil for that signature crust and flavor

Stick to the steps and tips, and your garlic parmesan focaccia bread will shine.

Quick Focaccia Bread Recipe Variations for Busy Bakers

Short on time? Here are ways to make this focaccia even quicker:

• Use a stand mixer to mix dough in 3 minutes
• Proof in a warm oven (set to 100°F or lowest setting, then turned off)
• Divide the dough into mini focaccias for faster baking
• Skip the second rise for a more rustic, quick bread approach

Even fast bakes can taste bakery-worthy with a few shortcuts.

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FAQs About Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread

Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but mix with all-purpose to avoid a dense texture. Try 50/50.

Can I add toppings before baking?
Absolutely! Add herbs, cheese, veggies, or even thinly sliced tomatoes.

Why is my focaccia not rising?
Make sure your yeast is fresh and your water isn’t too hot or cold.

Can I make this dough ahead?
Yes! Store covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before baking.

Is this recipe vegan?
It can be! Just skip the cheese or use a vegan Parmesan alternative.

Conclusion: Make This Your Go-To Savory Bread Recipe Anytime

There’s nothing quite like homemade focaccia, and this Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Recipe is the perfect place to start. Crispy, chewy, savory, and satisfying—it’s one of those savory yeast bread recipes that will have your family asking for more.

Use it as a side, a sandwich base, or the star of your snack board. No matter how you serve it, this focaccia delivers bold flavor with minimal effort.

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