If you’re a fan of warm, pillowy bread crowned with rich garlic butter and a sprinkle of Parmesan, then Garlic Bread Focaccia is about to become your new obsession. This recipe combines everything you love about classic garlic bread and the irresistible texture of focaccia, resulting in a golden, flavorful loaf that’s perfect for sharing (or savoring all to yourself). Each slice delivers a tender crumb, crispy edges, and a deliciously aromatic topping that makes it impossible to stop at just one piece. Whether you’re serving it as a side, appetizer, or the star of your meal, Garlic Bread Focaccia is guaranteed to steal the spotlight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Garlic Bread Focaccia lies in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients—each one plays a starring role in building flavor, creating texture, and giving the bread its signature color and aroma. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a few helpful tips to make your focaccia truly special:
- Active dry yeast: This is what gives the focaccia its light, airy rise—make sure it’s fresh for the fluffiest result.
- Warm water (about 110°F): The perfect temperature to wake up the yeast, helping your dough rise beautifully.
- Sugar: Just a touch to feed the yeast and lend a subtle hint of sweetness to the bread.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of your focaccia—choose a good-quality flour for the best texture.
- Salt: Essential for flavor; don’t skip it, as it brings out all the other ingredients.
- Olive oil (plus more for greasing): This adds richness, flavor, and that classic golden crust.
- Unsalted butter: It’s the base of the garlic topping, giving every bite a melt-in-your-mouth finish.
- Garlic (minced): The star of the show—fresh garlic gives a bold, aromatic punch you just can’t get from the jarred stuff.
- Chopped fresh parsley: This brightens up the garlic butter and adds a pop of color.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: For a salty, cheesy finish that melts beautifully over the top.
- Flaky sea salt for topping: A final sprinkle brings out the flavors and gives the crust that crave-worthy crunch.
How to Make Garlic Bread Focaccia
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by combining the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast in a large mixing bowl. Give it a quick stir and let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture looks foamy on top—this means your yeast is alive and ready to transform your dough into the fluffiest Garlic Bread Focaccia imaginable.
Step 2: Make the Dough
Add the all-purpose flour, salt, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix everything together until a sticky dough forms. Then, turn it out onto a floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. This step is key for developing the bread’s signature chewy texture.
Step 3: First Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning it once to coat all sides in oil. Cover with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for about an hour. The dough should double in size, promising a light and airy Garlic Bread Focaccia later on.
Step 4: Press and Second Rise
Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with olive oil and gently press the risen dough evenly into the pan. Don’t worry if it fights back—give it a little time to relax. Let the dough rise again for 20 to 30 minutes while you prepare the delicious garlic butter topping.
Step 5: Prepare the Garlic Butter
While the dough is enjoying its second rise, melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the minced garlic and let it sizzle gently for about 2 minutes, just until fragrant. Stir in the chopped parsley, then remove from the heat. This aromatic butter will infuse the focaccia with that classic garlic bread flavor.
Step 6: Top and Bake
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Once the dough has puffed up, dimple it all over with your fingertips—don’t be shy! Pour the warm garlic butter evenly over the dough, making sure to catch those dimples. Sprinkle over the grated Parmesan and a generous pinch of flaky sea salt. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the focaccia is golden and crispy at the edges.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let your Garlic Bread Focaccia cool in the pan for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the crust set and makes each piece easier to handle. Serve it warm and watch it disappear!
How to Serve Garlic Bread Focaccia
Garnishes
A final shower of chopped fresh parsley or a little extra Parmesan right after baking makes your Garlic Bread Focaccia look as good as it tastes. For a bit of heat, try a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of fruity olive oil.
Side Dishes
This focaccia is the ultimate sidekick to pasta dishes, creamy soups, or crisp salads. Try it alongside a classic tomato soup, a hearty lasagna, or even as the foundation for a vibrant sandwich loaded with grilled veggies and mozzarella.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your Garlic Bread Focaccia into small cubes to serve as party-ready bites, or slice it lengthwise for show-stopping sandwiches. If you’re feeling adventurous, toss cubes of focaccia into a salad for the world’s best homemade croutons!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Garlic Bread Focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep it fresh even longer, pop it in the fridge, where it will stay tasty for up to a week—just be sure to reheat before serving for that just-baked taste.
Freezing
Garlic Bread Focaccia freezes beautifully! Once completely cool, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to three months, making them perfect for quick snacks or easy entertaining.
Reheating
To bring your focaccia back to life, warm slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 to 8 minutes, or until heated through. For an extra touch, brush the top with a little melted butter or olive oil before reheating—it’ll taste just like freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Absolutely! You can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast in equal amounts. Just skip the proofing step and add the yeast directly to the flour—your Garlic Bread Focaccia will still rise beautifully.
What’s the best way to get that classic focaccia dimpled look?
The secret is to use your fingertips, not your palms, to gently press all over the dough just before baking. This not only creates those iconic dimples but also helps the garlic butter and cheese settle into every nook and cranny.
Can I make Garlic Bread Focaccia dough ahead of time?
Yes! For extra convenience (and even better flavor), prepare the dough up to a day in advance and let it rise in the fridge overnight. When you’re ready to bake, let it come to room temperature, then continue with the recipe as written.
What other herbs can I use besides parsley?
While parsley adds a bright, fresh note, you can mix things up by using finely chopped rosemary, thyme, or basil. Each brings its own unique twist to your Garlic Bread Focaccia—feel free to get creative!
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
With a few simple swaps, you can make this focaccia vegan-friendly: use plant-based butter and skip the Parmesan or use a vegan cheese alternative. The result will still be soft, garlicky, and absolutely delicious.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about pulling a golden tray of Garlic Bread Focaccia from the oven—the aroma alone is a treat! Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just yourself, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite. Give it a try and enjoy every irresistible, garlicky bite!
Print
Garlic Bread Focaccia Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Garlic Bread Focaccia recipe combines the classic Italian flatbread with a rich, buttery garlic topping and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, resulting in a fragrant and crispy side perfect for any meal. Soft, chewy, and loaded with garlicky goodness, it’s an easy homemade bread that pairs wonderfully with soups, salads, or pasta dishes.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup olive oil (plus more for greasing)
For the Garlic Butter Topping
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Flaky sea salt for topping
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make Dough: Add the all-purpose flour, salt, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms, then knead it on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and set it in a warm place to rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare Pan and Second Rise: Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with olive oil and press the risen dough evenly into the pan. Let it rise again for 20–30 minutes while you prepare the garlic butter topping.
- Make Garlic Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter with the minced garlic over low heat for about 2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley, then remove from heat.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dough: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Using your fingertips, dimple the risen dough evenly across the surface, then drizzle the garlic butter mixture over the top.
- Add Toppings and Bake: Sprinkle the top with grated Parmesan cheese and flaky sea salt. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes until the focaccia is golden and the edges are crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the focaccia to cool slightly before slicing into 12 pieces. Serve warm as a delicious side bread.
Notes
- You can prepare the dough a day ahead and let it rise overnight in the refrigerator for added flavor and convenience.
- For an even stronger garlic flavor, try roasting a head of garlic and mixing the soft roasted cloves into the garlic butter before spreading.
- Use flaky sea salt to add texture and bursts of salty flavor on top.
- Ensure water temperature is approximately 110°F to properly activate yeast without killing it.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
