Golden, fluffy, bakery-style bread
This garlic parmesan focaccia bread is everything you want from homemade bread—soft and airy inside, crisp and golden on the outside, and packed with buttery garlic and nutty parmesan flavor. Perfect as a side for pasta night, a base for sandwiches, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to make. With simple pantry ingredients and minimal hands-on time, it’s ideal for busy days when you still want something warm and homemade. The aroma alone will make your kitchen feel like an Italian bakery, and one bite will have everyone reaching for seconds.
⏱️ Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 22–25 minutes
- Total Time: ~2 hours
- Servings: 12 slices
📝 Ingredients List
- 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1¼ cups warm water (110°F / 43°C)
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ cup + 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
- ½ tsp flaky sea salt, for topping
- Fresh parsley or rosemary, finely chopped (optional)
✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Baking sheet or 9×13-inch baking pan
- Clean kitchen towel
- Small skillet or saucepan
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions
- Activate the yeast
In a large bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–7 minutes until foamy ☁️ - Mix the dough
Stir in flour, salt, and ¼ cup olive oil. Mix until a sticky dough forms. - First rise
Cover the bowl with a towel and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, until doubled in size. - Prepare garlic oil
Heat remaining olive oil in a small skillet over low heat. Add garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant (don’t brown!). - Shape & dimple
Press dough into an oiled pan. Use fingertips to create deep dimples across the surface ✋ - Top it off
Drizzle garlic oil over dough, sprinkle parmesan, Italian seasoning, and flaky salt. - Bake
Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 22–25 minutes until golden and crisp on top 🔥 - Finish & serve
Garnish with herbs, slice, and enjoy warm 🧄🧀
💡 Pro Tips
- Extra crisp bottom: Preheat your baking pan before adding dough.
- Make ahead: Bake, cool, and freeze slices for up to 2 months.
- Cheese swap: Try asiago or pecorino romano for deeper flavor.
- Storage: Keep covered at room temp for 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.