Name: Crispy and Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast; 1¾ cups warm water; 2 teaspoons sugar; 2 teaspoons kosher salt; ¼ cup olive oil; 4 garlic cloves, minced; ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

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Introduction

This Crispy and Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread is a perfect blend of crunchy edges and soft, flavorful interior. Infused with garlic and topped with freshly grated Parmesan, it’s a delicious treat that pairs wonderfully with soups, salads, or enjoyed on its own.

A close-up image shows a woman's hand holding a square piece of cheesy bread, topped with melted golden cheese sprinkled with green herbs, from which the texture looks bubbly and crispy. The bread is being dipped into a white bowl filled with thick, chunky red marinara sauce, sprinkled with grated cheese on top. In the blurred background, more pieces of cheesy bread rest on parchment paper on a white marbled surface. The scene captures the warm colors and textures vividly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour
2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
1¾ cups warm water
2 teaspoons sugar
2 teaspoons kosher salt
¼ cup olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
Step 2: Add the flour, kosher salt, and olive oil to the bowl. Mix until a sticky dough forms. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 1½ hours.
Step 3: While the dough is rising, mince the garlic and grate the Parmesan cheese. Once the dough has risen, pour olive oil into a baking pan and transfer the dough into it.
Step 4: Using your fingertips, create dimples all over the surface of the dough. Sprinkle the minced garlic, grated Parmesan, and any optional herbs of your choice evenly on top.
Step 5: Let the dough rise again for 20–30 minutes while preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the focaccia for 20–25 minutes until it turns golden brown and crispy.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add fresh rosemary or thyme along with the garlic and Parmesan before baking.
Use sea salt flakes on top after baking for a crunchy burst of salty flavor.
Try substituting half the all-purpose flour with bread flour for a chewier texture.

Storage

Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep it fresh longer, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in a warm oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–10 minutes to restore its crispiness.

How to Serve

A cheesy garlic bread cut into square pieces on a wooden board lined with parchment paper. The bread has a golden brown melted cheese layer on top with small browned spots, sprinkled with chopped green parsley. Next to the board is a small white bowl of bright red marinara sauce topped with shredded white cheese and a few green herb leaves, placed on a white marbled surface. The bread looks soft inside with strands of melted cheese stretching between pieces. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can use instant yeast. Since it doesn’t require proofing, mix it directly with the flour and other dry ingredients, then proceed with the recipe.

How do I get the focaccia extra crispy?

Using a good amount of olive oil in the pan and preheating the oven well helps create a crispy crust. You can also bake on a pizza stone or baking steel for better heat distribution.