Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Recipe
Introduction
Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread is a flavorful, soft Italian flatbread topped with aromatic garlic, savory Parmesan cheese, and fragrant rosemary. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or alongside your favorite meal, this homemade focaccia is surprisingly easy to make and sure to impress.

Ingredients
- 2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon salt
- ¼ cup olive oil plus more for drizzling and greasing
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Step 2: Add the flour, salt, and ¼ cup olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
- Step 3: Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for about 5 minutes.
- Step 4: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Step 5: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a 13×18-inch baking sheet with olive oil.
- Step 6: Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to the prepared baking sheet. Stretch and press it out to fit the pan.
- Step 7: Use your fingers to create dimples all over the surface of the dough. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, rosemary, and coarse sea salt.
- Step 8: Let the dough rest for an additional 20-30 minutes while the oven preheats.
- Step 9: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the garlic and olive oil mixture before drizzling it over the dough.
- Experiment with different toppings like sliced olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or fresh herbs to customize your focaccia.
- Use fresh rosemary for the best flavor, but dried rosemary works well as a convenient substitute.
Storage
Store focaccia bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap it well and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat slices in a warm oven or toaster oven to restore crispness before serving.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast in the same quantity. Since it activates faster, you can mix it directly with the flour without proofing in warm water first.
How do I make the focaccia more flavorful?
Enhance flavor by using high-quality olive oil and adding herbs or toppings like olives, caramelized onions, or sun-dried tomatoes. Letting the dough rise slowly in the fridge overnight also deepens the flavor.
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Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices 1x
Description
This Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread recipe offers a flavorful and aromatic Italian classic that’s easy to make at home. Soft and airy with a golden crust, it’s infused with minced garlic, fragrant rosemary, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or alongside your favorite meal, this focaccia brings homemade bread baking to a new level of deliciousness.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1/4 cup olive oil
Toppings
- 1/4 cup olive oil (for drizzling)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and sugar. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix the dough: Add the all-purpose flour, salt, and 1/4 cup olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a sticky dough forms, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook and knead for about 5 minutes.
- First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a 13×18-inch baking sheet with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Shape the dough: Punch down the risen dough to release air. Transfer it to the prepared baking sheet and stretch or press it out evenly to fit the pan.
- Create dimples and add toppings: Use your fingers to create dimples all over the surface of the dough. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped rosemary, and coarse sea salt evenly over the top.
- Second rise: Let the prepared dough rest for an additional 20-30 minutes to puff slightly while the oven preheats.
- Bake: Bake the focaccia in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until it is golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and serve: Allow the focaccia to cool slightly on a wire rack before slicing and serving warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the garlic and olive oil mixture before drizzling it over the dough.
- Experiment with toppings such as sliced olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or fresh herbs to customize your focaccia.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Focaccia, focaccia bread, homemade bread, Italian bread, garlic bread, rosemary focaccia, Parmesan focaccia

