Name: Parmesan Focaccia Bread – A Savory Homemade Favorite Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 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

Jump to Recipe·4 from 4 reviews

I absolutely love making this Parmesan Focaccia Bread – A Savory Homemade Favorite Recipe whenever I want to fill my kitchen with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread. The combination of golden crust, fragrant garlic oil, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese makes it an unbeatable snack or side dish that I can’t get enough of. It’s become my go-to bread when I want something special but still simple enough to whip up on a weeknight.

Why You’ll Love This Parmesan Focaccia Bread – A Savory Homemade Favorite Recipe

From the very first bite, I knew this Parmesan Focaccia Bread was something special. It has this wonderful flavor profile where the nutty saltiness of freshly grated Parmesan perfectly balances the subtle, herby notes from the rosemary or Italian herbs. The garlic-infused olive oil adds that extra layer of aroma and richness, transforming simple bread into a savory delight that keeps me coming back for more. It’s crispy on the outside yet pillowy soft inside — a texture contrast I find simply irresistible.

I also appreciate how straightforward this recipe is. I’m not usually one to spend hours fussing in the kitchen, and this focaccia fits right into my busy life. With just a few essential ingredients and some patience for the dough to rise, I get to enjoy fresh, homemade bread without any complicated steps. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether I’m hosting friends for dinner, preparing a cozy family meal, or just treating myself on a quiet weekend afternoon. What really makes it stand out is how effortlessly it makes my home smell incredible and how much everyone loves tearing off a warm piece right out of the oven.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The dish shows a round focaccia bread in a light silver baking pan, sitting on a blue cloth. The bread has one visible thick layer with a golden-brown, slightly shiny crust. The top is decorated with small dimples filled with chopped green herbs and bits of toasted garlic or seasoning. There are some white grated cheese flakes spread evenly across the surface, and light green parsley pieces scattered on top. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface with a wooden bowl of coarse salt and green parsley leaves in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple yet essential, each contributing to the perfect texture, flavor, and appearance of this bread. Using quality components like extra virgin olive oil and freshly grated Parmesan really elevates the whole experience.

All-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, giving it structure and a tender crumb.
Instant yeast: Helps the dough rise beautifully and develop that airy texture.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances out the richness.
Warm water: Activates the yeast and creates the perfect environment for rising.
Sugar: Feeds the yeast gently and adds a touch of sweetness that rounds the flavor.
Extra virgin olive oil: Adds moisture and a fruity aroma; also used for brushing to create that delightful crust.
Garlic cloves: Infuse the bread with bold, savory notes.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Provides the signature savory and salty punch that makes this Parmesan Focaccia Bread – A Savory Homemade Favorite Recipe unforgettable.
Dried Italian herbs or rosemary (optional): Adds an herbal fragrance to complement the cheese and garlic.
Flaky sea salt: Sprinkled on top for a satisfying crunch and extra saltiness.

Directions

Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water (about 110°F) with sugar and instant yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly — this means your yeast is active and ready.

Step 2: Add the all-purpose flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix everything together until a sticky dough forms. Then knead by hand for 8 to 10 minutes or use a mixer with a dough hook for 5 to 6 minutes. Your goal is a smooth, elastic dough that’s not too wet or dry.

Step 3: Lightly coat your dough with olive oil, cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1.5 hours. It should double in size, which is a great sign that the yeast is doing its work.

Step 4: While the dough rises, prepare the garlic oil by gently heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil with the minced garlic over low heat. Let it get fragrant for about a minute but be careful not to burn the garlic. Set this aside to cool slightly.

Step 5: Grease a 9×13-inch pan with olive oil, then transfer the risen dough into it. Use your fingers to gently stretch and press it toward the edges. If the dough resists, let it rest for 10 minutes and then continue stretching. Once evenly spread, cover the pan again and let the dough rise for another 30 to 45 minutes.

Step 6: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Use your fingers to dimple the dough deeply all over — those little indentations are where the garlic oil pools, creating delicious pockets of flavor.

Step 7: Brush the dough generously with the garlic olive oil, then sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese evenly across the top. If you like, add dried Italian herbs or chopped rosemary and finish with a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt.

Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the focaccia is golden brown and smells wonderful. Once baked, let it cool in the pan for 5 to 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool slightly and maintain a crisp bottom crust.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields about 8 generous servings of Parmesan Focaccia Bread – A Savory Homemade Favorite Recipe, making it perfect to share. The prep time, mostly kneading and mixing, takes about 20 minutes. Then you’ll need 1 to 1.5 hours for the first rise and an additional 30 to 45 minutes for the second rise. The baking time is a quick 20 to 25 minutes. Overall, the total time from start to finish is roughly 2 hours, including all the resting times, which are crucial for ideal crumb and flavor development.

How to Serve This Parmesan Focaccia Bread – A Savory Homemade Favorite Recipe

A round thick flatbread with a golden brown top layer that is bubbly and melted with cheese, sprinkled with green herbs. The bread is placed on light brown parchment paper on a wooden round board, and one slice has been taken out and put on a white plate. The slice shows a fluffy, soft interior with melted cheese inside. A fork is beside the plate, and a brown bowl with shredded cheese is visible in the background. The surface is white with a soft marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I like serving this Parmesan Focaccia Bread warm so the Parmesan is still melty and the crust is crisp and fragrant. It’s fantastic on its own as a snack or appetizer, but it truly shines when paired with soups like tomato basil or minestrone. On special occasions, I often serve it alongside a cheese board or charcuterie platter — the bread’s saltiness and herbiness perfectly balance rich cheeses and cured meats.

For presentation, I sprinkle a little fresh herb like chopped rosemary or thyme just before serving. I sometimes drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil on the slices for an added glossy finish and flavor boost. This bread pairs wonderfully with crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or an easygoing red like Chianti. For a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling water with lemon or a herbal iced tea adds a nice refreshing contrast.

No matter the occasion—whether a cozy family dinner, lively weekend party, or holiday feast—I love to cut the focaccia into medium-sized squares so everyone can grab pieces with ease. It’s best enjoyed warm or at room temperature but still delicious if eaten the next day, especially if gently reheated.

Variations

One of the joys of this Parmesan Focaccia Bread – A Savory Homemade Favorite Recipe is how adaptable it is to your tastes and dietary needs. If you want a different flavor profile, swapping out the garlic for caramelized onions or sun-dried tomatoes can add a delightful twist. You can also experiment with different herbs like fresh basil, oregano, or sage depending on what you have at hand.

For those needing gluten-free options, I recommend trying a gluten-free flour blend formulated for bread. You might have to adjust the hydration, but it’s worth experimenting to enjoy focaccia without gluten. Vegan readers can easily omit the Parmesan or use a plant-based cheese alternative; adding nutritional yeast can bring a similar cheesy flavor. Just make sure to use olive oil and yeast that don’t contain animal products.

If you want to mix up cooking methods, focaccia can also be baked on a pizza stone for extra-crispiness or even grilled for that irresistible smoky char. I’ve found that preheating the stone or grill really helps get a crust that rivals any bakery bread. Each variation offers a new and fun spin on this classic recipe.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftover Parmesan Focaccia Bread, I like to store it in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. Wrapping it tightly helps keep the crust from getting too hard while maintaining some of the softness inside. If I’m planning to eat it soon, I avoid refrigerating because that tends to dry the bread out faster.

Freezing

This focaccia freezes very well and I often make a double batch to save some for later. To freeze, I first cool the bread completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil or a freezer-safe bag. It keeps best for up to 3 months in the freezer. When I want to enjoy it again, I thaw it overnight at room temperature before reheating.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, I preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the focaccia for about 10 minutes. This method crisps the edges without drying the inside. Avoid microwaving if possible since it tends to make the bread rubbery. If you want that fresh-out-of-the-oven feel, you can brush the top lightly with olive oil before warming — it adds moisture and enriches the flavor.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, you can substitute active dry yeast, but you’ll need to proof it first by dissolving it in warm water with a pinch of sugar for about 5 to 10 minutes until foamy. This step isn’t necessary with instant yeast, which you can mix directly with dry ingredients.

What if I don’t have fresh Parmesan cheese?

Freshly grated Parmesan has the best flavor and melts nicely, but you can use pre-grated Parmesan in a pinch. Just keep in mind pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that may affect melting and texture slightly.

Can I make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight. Just bring it back to room temperature and complete the second rise before baking. This method can deepen the flavor and fit your schedule better.

Is it necessary to dimple the dough before baking? Why?

Yes, dimpling the dough is a traditional technique that creates indentations where the garlic oil pools. This not only adds flavor pockets but also prevents the dough from puffing unevenly during baking, helping achieve that classic focaccia texture.

Can I add other toppings besides Parmesan and herbs?

Definitely! I love adding cherry tomatoes, olives, caramelized onions, or even thin slices of zucchini for added flavor and texture. Just be mindful not to overload so the dough bakes evenly and remains tender inside.

Conclusion

Making this Parmesan Focaccia Bread – A Savory Homemade Favorite Recipe has truly become one of my most cherished kitchen traditions. It’s the perfect blend of simple ingredients and thoughtful technique that yields spectacular results every time. I can’t wait for you to try it yourself and enjoy that magical moment when you bite into the warm, garlicky, cheesy texture that feels like a hug in bread form. Trust me, once you make it, this will quickly become a staple in your home, just like it did in mine.