Few things compare to the smell of freshly baked bread wafting from the oven, especially when it’s infused with garlic, herbs, and melted cheese. This Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread brings together everything you love about comfort food—pillowy texture, golden crust, and savory flavor—with a surprisingly simple preparation process. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just beginning your journey, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your kitchen.

Inspired by traditional Italian focaccia and elevated with garlic and Parmesan, this bread is perfect as a side, base for sandwiches, or served solo with a swirl of olive oil. If you’re looking for a best bread recipe easy enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for guests, look no further.

Save

Why This Is One of the Best Bread Focaccia Recipes You’ll Ever Make

There are many bread focaccia recipes out there, but what sets this one apart is its bold flavor and approachable method. Garlic and Parmesan are a match made in heaven, especially when baked into a soft yeast bread with a crispy bottom and airy interior.

Because this bread doesn’t require any fancy ingredients or complicated steps, it’s ideal for busy home cooks and bread-baking beginners. And although it’s simple, it doesn’t compromise on flavor. In fact, this focaccia is just as delicious as anything you’d find at a bakery.

Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread

This recipe yields one large pan of focaccia, serving 8–10 people as a side or 4–6 as a main dish when paired with toppings or soup.

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2¼ teaspoons (1 packet) instant yeast
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• 1½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more for greasing
• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or chopped rosemary (optional)
• Flaky sea salt for topping

This combination of ingredients is what makes this one of the most savory yeast bread recipes you’ll want to make again and again.

Essential Tools for Quick Focaccia Bread Success

To keep things easy and mess-free, gather these basic kitchen tools before you start:

• Large mixing bowl (or stand mixer with dough hook)
• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Pastry brush (optional)
• Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap
• Cooling rack

These tools will help streamline the process, especially if you’re new to quick focaccia bread recipes.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Garlic Focaccia Bread Recipes Easy

Step 1: Mix the Dough

In a large bowl or mixer, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. This helps ensure the yeast is activated.

Next, add the flour and salt. Mix until a sticky dough forms. Then, knead using a dough hook for 5–6 minutes, or knead by hand for 8–10 minutes until the dough is soft and elastic.

Step 2: First Rise

Drizzle olive oil into the bowl and coat the dough on all sides. Cover with a towel or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Prepare the Pan and Garlic Oil

While the dough rises, grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with olive oil. In a small saucepan, gently warm 2 tablespoons olive oil with minced garlic until fragrant—about 1 minute. Set aside.

Step 4: Stretch and Second Rise

Transfer the risen dough to the greased pan. Press it gently into all corners with your fingertips. If the dough resists, let it rest for 10 minutes before stretching again. Cover and let rise another 30–45 minutes.

Step 5: Add Toppings and Bake

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Brush the dough with the garlic oil, sprinkle with Parmesan, and add your herbs and flaky salt.

Use your fingers to dimple the surface—this helps the oil and cheese settle in. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown on top and crispy around the edges.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let the bread cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice and serve warm, or store for later.

Save

Tips for Perfect Savory Yeast Bread Recipes at Home

Baking with yeast can seem intimidating, but this recipe is very forgiving. Here are a few tips to ensure your focaccia turns out perfectly:

• Use warm—not hot—water to activate the yeast. Too hot, and it may kill the yeast.
• Don’t skip the resting time after stretching the dough. This helps prevent it from snapping back.
• Add garlic after cooking it slightly, so the flavor is mellow and not sharp.
• Let the dough rise fully for the best texture. Under-proofing results in dense bread.
• Finish with good-quality olive oil and sea salt for maximum flavor.

These small details are what transform a basic focaccia into the best bread recipe easy enough for anyone to master.

Flavor Variations: From Hot Honey Focaccia to Garlic Brioche Bread

This base recipe is endlessly versatile. If you’re craving a twist, try one of these variations:

• Hot Honey Focaccia: Drizzle hot honey over the baked bread for a sweet-savory finish.
• Cheddar Jalapeño: Swap Parmesan for sharp cheddar and add chopped jalapeños.
• Caramelized Onion & Thyme: Top with sweet onions and fresh thyme for extra depth.
• Garlic Brioche Bread Fusion: Enrich the dough with an egg and more butter for a fluffier crumb.

Because this recipe is so adaptable, you can create endless variations without starting from scratch.

Recipes Using Focaccia Bread – How to Serve and Repurpose

Focaccia isn’t just a side dish—it’s a base for many meals. Try these ideas to repurpose your leftovers:

• Sandwich bread: Slice horizontally and stuff with grilled veggies or deli meats.
• Paninis: Toast slices in a sandwich press with mozzarella and tomato.
• Bread pudding: Use stale focaccia cubes for a savory baked custard.
• Croutons: Cube and bake for delicious salad toppings.
• Pizza base: Top with sauce and cheese for quick homemade flatbread pizza.

These recipes using focaccia bread make it easy to stretch one batch into multiple meals.

Storing and Reheating This Best Bread Recipe Easy

Keep your focaccia fresh and flavorful with these simple storage methods:

• Room temperature: Store in a sealed bag or container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Store in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat before serving.
• Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.
• Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes or toast slices individually.

This makes it ideal for meal prep, parties, or holiday menus.

Save

FAQ: Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Troubleshooting & Tips

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant?
Yes, but you’ll need to proof it in warm water with sugar for 10 minutes before using.

Can I make it without Parmesan?
Absolutely. You can use other cheeses like Pecorino, Asiago, or leave the cheese out entirely.

Why isn’t my dough rising?
Make sure your yeast is fresh and your water is the right temperature (about 110°F). A warm kitchen also helps.

How do I get the edges crispy?
Use a generous amount of olive oil in the pan and let the bread bake until golden brown on the bottom.

Is it possible to make this dough ahead of time?
Yes. You can refrigerate the dough after the first rise and bring it to room temperature before baking.

Conclusion

This Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread is everything you want in a homemade loaf—simple, flavorful, and endlessly customizable. With just a few pantry staples and minimal prep, you can enjoy bakery-quality bread at home.

Whether you’re serving it as part of your favorite pasta night, slicing it for sandwiches, or simply enjoying it warm out of the oven, this is a recipe worth repeating. If you loved this, don’t forget to share it, save it, and subscribe for more savory yeast bread recipes and easy baking favorites.

Print