Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread – A Savory Homemade Favorite Recipe

Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread – A Savory Homemade Favorite is the kind of bread that turns any meal into a memorable event. With its cloud-like interior, crisp golden crust, and the mouthwatering perfume of roasted garlic and Parmesan, this focaccia is the ultimate companion for gathering around the table. You’ll love how every bite delivers a rush of rich olive oil, nutty cheese, aromatic herbs, and that irresistible kick of garlic. It’s surprisingly simple to make at home and so much more satisfying than store-bought—you may find yourself baking it just because. Whether you’re serving it with soup, a big Italian salad, or simply enjoying a warm slice on its own, this recipe will make you look (and feel) like a bread-baking rockstar.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Focaccia Bread – A Savory Homemade Favorite recipe brings something special to the table. From the foundation of flour and yeast, to a final shower of flaky salt, each element creates the bread’s addictively delicious texture and flavor. Gather these simple ingredients and watch magic happen!

• All-purpose flour: The backbone of the bread, it gives focaccia its signature chewy yet airy bite.
• Instant yeast: The key to fluffy, well-risen bread without an all-day wait.
• Salt: Not just for taste—salt controls yeast growth and deepens flavor.
• Warm water (about 110°F): The ideal temperature wakes up the yeast for perfect dough rising.
• Sugar: A pinch is all you need to help the yeast bloom and balance the garlic savoriness.
• Extra virgin olive oil (plus more for greasing): Rich, peppery oil soaks into every bite, creating a tender crumb and an unforgettable crust.
• Garlic (minced): The star flavor! Minced garlic infuses the oil, making every bite deeply savory.
• Olive oil (for garlic oil): This gets gently warmed with garlic to perfume the bread’s top.
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: A salty, nutty topping that melts right into the crust for cheesy nirvana.
• Dried Italian herbs or chopped rosemary (optional): Lends an herby freshness to complement the richness (highly recommended!).
• Flaky sea salt (for topping): The finishing touch, adding a delightful crunch and bursts of saltiness.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread – A Savory Homemade Favorite Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Dough

Start by waking up your yeast: combine the warm water, sugar, and instant yeast in a large bowl. Stir and allow the mix to sit for roughly 5 minutes, or until you see a foamy layer forming on top. This is how you know your focaccia will rise beautifully! Stir in the flour and salt, then knead (with a mixer, about 5–6 minutes, or by hand for 8–10 minutes) until you have a smooth, slightly tacky dough. Don’t worry if it feels sticky at first—it’ll come together as you knead.

Step 2: First Rise

Drizzle a splash of olive oil on the dough and turn it so it’s fully coated—this keeps the surface soft and helps it rise without drying out. Place the dough in a clean bowl, cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise someplace warm. Give it about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size and looks pillowy.

Step 3: Prepare Garlic Oil

While your dough is working its magic, it’s time to amp up the flavor. Gently heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a small pan and add the minced garlic. Let it sizzle for just a minute—enough to become fragrant but not browned. This step releases all that garlicky goodness, ensuring your entire loaf is loaded with aroma. Set the garlic oil aside.

Step 4: Stretch and Second Rise

Once risen, gently transfer the dough into a well-greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Use your fingertips to press and stretch the dough outward toward the corners. If the dough springs back, just let it rest for 10 minutes and try again. When it reaches the edges, cover it again and let rise for 30–45 minutes. You’ll see your Focaccia Bread – A Savory Homemade Favorite get puffier and plush!

Step 5: Top and Bake

Preheat your oven to a blazing 425°F (220°C) so you get that irresistible golden crust. Dimple the top of the dough all over with your fingers—this creates those classic little wells to hold the toppings. Brush generously with your fragrant garlic oil, then scatter Parmesan, herbs (if using), and flaky sea salt. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until your kitchen smells dreamy and the bread emerges golden and crisp at the edges.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let your Focaccia Bread – A Savory Homemade Favorite cool in the pan for just 5–10 minutes, enough to set up but still deliciously warm. Then carefully transfer to a wire rack, slice, and prepare yourself for rave reviews. It’s wonderful served just warm or even at room temperature if you somehow have leftovers.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread – A Savory Homemade Favorite Recipe

Garnishes

A final flourish goes a long way! Sprinkle your slices with a little extra grated Parmesan or a touch more flaky sea salt for extra punch. Fresh chopped herbs like rosemary, basil, or parsley also look gorgeous and add freshness. And don’t forget a light drizzle of olive oil right before serving for ultimate Italian flair.

Side Dishes

This focaccia pairs beautifully with a bowl of tomato soup, a crisp green salad, or even alongside your favorite pasta. Try it with antipasti platters or as the base for rustic sandwiches—the garlic and Parmesan mean it doesn’t need much to stand out, but it’s also the perfect blank slate for dipping, dunking, and sharing.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the bread into long strips for easy dunking, or cube it for a stunning bread basket. For special occasions, try using cookie cutters to punch out fun shapes. If you’re feeling extra fancy, serve slices alongside a bowl of warm marinara or whipped ricotta for dipping. The versatility of Focaccia Bread – A Savory Homemade Favorite makes every meal a little more playful!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Focaccia Bread – A Savory Homemade Favorite, lucky you! Simply wrap the cooled bread tightly in foil or plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature. It should stay fresh and incredibly tasty for up to two days—though chances are it’ll disappear faster!

Freezing

To extend the focaccia’s life, let it cool completely and then wrap individual slices or the whole loaf in plastic and foil. Freeze for up to three months. When the craving hits, just thaw at room temperature for a few hours or overnight.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftover slices in a 350°F oven for about 8–10 minutes until warmed through and the crust crisps up again. You can also warm slices in a toaster oven or even on a skillet for a minute or two—this brings back that just-baked flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Absolutely! Bread flour will give your Focaccia Bread – A Savory Homemade Favorite a slightly chewier texture and a touch more structure. Both options work well, so feel free to use what you have on hand.

What if I don’t have instant yeast?

No worries! You can substitute active dry yeast. Just let the yeast mixture sit for an extra 5–10 minutes until it looks extra foamy, then proceed as directed. The rest of the recipe stays the same!

Can I make this recipe vegan?

You sure can! Simply skip the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan alternative. The rest of the Focaccia Bread – A Savory Homemade Favorite ingredients are plant-based, so veganizing it is a snap.

How do I know when my dough is done rising?

Look for the dough to double in size and spring back slowly when pressed with a fingertip. If it holds the indentation for a few seconds, you’re ready to move to the next step!

How thick should I make the focaccia in the pan?

Aim to spread the dough evenly to about ½–¾ inch thick in your pan. It will puff up more as it bakes, creating that classic pillowy interior of Focaccia Bread – A Savory Homemade Favorite.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing better than the aroma (and taste!) of warm, homemade Focaccia Bread – A Savory Homemade Favorite filling your kitchen. It’s a bread anyone can master and everyone will crave. Don’t be surprised if this becomes your most requested recipe—why not bake a batch tonight and share the love?

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