Name: Garlic Parmesan Bread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 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); 3 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, finely minced; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary or thyme (optional); Additional olive oil for greasing; Flaky sea salt for sprinkling; Fresh parsley or herbs for garnish (optional)

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Introduction

Focaccia bread is a wonderfully soft, fluffy Italian flatbread topped with fragrant garlic, Parmesan, and herbs. It’s perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side to any meal. This easy recipe requires no kneading and delivers impressive flavor with minimal effort.

A round cheesy bread with a golden brown, bubbly crust sits on a round wooden board covered with parchment paper. The bread has a thick crust with some darker, toasted spots and is topped with melted white and light orange cheese, scattered finely chopped green herbs, and coarse salt crystals, giving a textured and savory look. In the background, there is a black knife resting on the white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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)
3 tablespoons olive oil (for garlic topping)
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
½ teaspoon salt (for garlic topping)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)
Additional olive oil for greasing
Flaky sea salt for sprinkling
Fresh parsley or herbs for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and instant yeast. Stir in the olive oil and warm water until a sticky dough forms. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours, or until doubled in size. No kneading needed.
Step 2: Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or sheet pan with olive oil. Transfer the risen dough to the pan and gently stretch it to the edges. Let it rest for 30 minutes while preparing the topping.
Step 3: To make the garlic oil, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the minced garlic and ½ teaspoon salt. Cook just until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic. Remove from heat.
Step 4: Use your fingers to press deep dimples all over the dough surface. Drizzle the garlic oil evenly over the top. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs if using, and a pinch of flaky sea salt.
Step 5: Bake in a preheated 425°F (220°C) oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the focaccia is golden brown and crispy on top. Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
Step 6: Cut into squares or strips and serve warm. Enjoy this fragrant, flavorful bread fresh from the oven.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add olives or sun-dried tomatoes to the dough before the first rise.
Use fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme generously for a more aromatic focaccia.
If you prefer a softer crust, cover the bread with foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Replace Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper cheese flavor.

Storage

Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To refresh, warm slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 to 7 minutes. You can also freeze cooled focaccia wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature and reheat before serving.

How to Serve

A round focaccia bread with a golden-brown baked crust sits on parchment paper on a wooden board. The bread’s surface shows uneven, bubbly mounds of soft dough, each topped with melted, slightly browned cheese, creating a textured look. Green herbs are sprinkled evenly across the top, adding color contrast and a fresh appearance. The edges are puffed and golden, with some small darker spots where the cheese has caramelized. The background is a white marbled surface with a blurred bowl of cheese visible in the back. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, but activate it first by dissolving in warm water with a pinch of sugar and letting it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy before mixing into the flour.

Do I have to let the dough rise twice?

The dough rises once before placing it in the pan, then rests another 30 minutes after spreading. This second rest helps develop the bread’s texture but isn’t a full rise.