There’s something magical about homemade Garlic Parmesan Focaccia — that rich smell of olive oil, roasted garlic, and melted Parmesan wafting through the kitchen. It’s golden and crisp on the outside, soft and airy on the inside, with little pools of garlic butter tucked into every dimple.
The first time I baked this, it was one of those lazy Saturday afternoons when the house was quiet, and I wanted something cozy to pair with soup. I mixed the dough, let it rise, and drizzled it generously with garlic butter and cheese before baking. When I pulled it from the oven, my family hovered like bees over honey. One bite in, and everyone agreed — it tasted like a bakery masterpiece. Now it’s a staple alongside my Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes and Loaded Cornbread Casserole.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms, then knead for 3–4 minutes until smooth.
- Drizzle oil in the bowl and coat the dough. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled.
- Grease a 9×13-inch pan with olive oil. Transfer the dough, stretch to fit, and let rest 20 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Dimple the dough with your fingers. Pour garlic butter evenly on top and sprinkle with Parmesan.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Brush with extra butter and top with parsley. Slice and serve warm.
Nutrition
Notes
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Let us know how it was!Why You’ll Love Garlic Parmesan Focaccia
This focaccia is crisp, garlicky, and cheesy with the perfect amount of chew. You only need a few simple ingredients and one bowl — no complicated shaping or fancy equipment required. It’s versatile too — perfect as a side, sandwich base, or even a pizza crust.
If you love buttery, flavorful sides like my Cheesy Hawaiian Roll Garlic Bread or Christmas Bread Recipe, this focaccia will steal the show.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for greasing)
For the Topping:
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped
If you love recipes that blend garlic and cheese, my Cajun Potato Soup pairs beautifully with this focaccia — the creamy soup and crisp bread are a match made in comfort food heaven.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Focaccia
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms, then knead for 3–4 minutes until smooth. (You can use your hands or a stand mixer.)
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Drizzle a bit of oil in the bowl and coat the dough. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Prepare the Pan
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or sheet pan with olive oil. Transfer the dough, stretch it to fit the pan, and let it rest 20 minutes while you make the topping.
Step 5: Make the Garlic Butter Topping
In a small bowl, combine melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
Step 6: Dimple & Drizzle
Use your fingers to press dimples all over the dough. Pour the garlic butter evenly on top and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Step 7: Bake
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden and crisp.
Step 8: Garnish & Serve
Brush with a little extra butter if desired and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Slice and serve warm.
This recipe is as simple and rewarding as my Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo — simple steps, big flavor payoff.
Tips for Perfect Focaccia
- Use warm water: Not hot — it should feel like bathwater to help the yeast bloom.
- Let it rise fully: That’s what gives the bread its soft texture.
- Dimple deeply: Those little pockets hold the flavor and oil.
- Bake until golden: Don’t underbake — the crisp edges make it irresistible.
Little touches like these are the same reasons my Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole always turns out perfect — details matter.
How to Serve
- With soups like Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup
- Alongside pasta dishes
- As sandwich bread for grilled chicken or roasted veggies
- With olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes until soft again.
Just like my Christmas Cherry Bombs, this focaccia tastes best the day it’s baked — but it reheats beautifully.
Flavor Variations
- Cheesy Garlic Herb: Add shredded mozzarella or Gruyère on top before baking.
- Rosemary Sea Salt: Skip the cheese and use rosemary and flaky salt.
- Spicy Focaccia: Add chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper.
- Mediterranean Style: Top with olives and sun-dried tomatoes.
If you enjoy recipes that twist simple ingredients into something special, you’ll love my Beef and Chickpea Skillet — hearty and flavor-packed like this bread.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry?
Yes — skip the proofing step and mix it directly with the flour.
2. Can I make the dough ahead?
Absolutely! Store it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
3. Can I use pre-minced garlic?
Fresh garlic gives better flavor, but pre-minced works in a pinch.
4. How do I get that crispy crust?
Bake on the lower rack and use plenty of olive oil in the pan.
The Final Bite
This Garlic Parmesan Focaccia is crispy, fluffy, and bursting with garlicky, buttery goodness. Whether you’re serving it as a side or tearing into it as a snack, it’s the kind of bread that disappears fast.
Serve it alongside my Cajun Seafood Alfredo or Chicken Crescent Roll Casserole for a meal that’s hearty, cozy, and full of flavor.