Name: Crispy Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast; 1¾ cups warm water (approx. 43°C); 2 teaspoons sugar; 2 teaspoons kosher salt; ¼ cup olive oil, plus additional for greasing and drizzling; 4 garlic cloves, minced; ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary or thyme, finely chopped (optional, for garnish); Flaky sea salt, for topping (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 26 reviews

Meet your new obsession: Crispy Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Focaccia. This fluffy, golden bread is what happens when simple ingredients come together in the best way possible—pillowy dough, nutty Parmesan, punchy garlic, and herby notes harmonize into a focaccia that boasts crispy edges and a cloud-soft middle. Whether you’re rounding out a big family meal or looking for something special to snack on, this irresistible focaccia promises to steal the show.

Crispy Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the bakery-worthy results fool you—Crispy Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Focaccia relies on foundational, everyday ingredients. Each one has a clear role, whether it’s helping the bread rise up proud and fluffy, or infusing luxe creaminess, subtle heat, or a savory pop. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

All-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough, providing structure and softness.
Active dry yeast: Brings the dough alive, making it rise and giving that signature focaccia texture.
Warm water (approx. 43°C): Just the right temperature to wake up the yeast for proper proofing.
Sugar: A small amount to feed the yeast and provide a balanced, rounded flavor.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning both the dough and enhancing the overall taste.
Olive oil: The secret to that crisp, golden crust and the distinctive Mediterranean flavor.
Garlic cloves, minced: Adds a punchy, aromatic layer that’s simply irresistible atop the bread.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Melts to form a cheesy, savory blanket with crispy bits here and there.
Fresh rosemary or thyme, finely chopped (optional): Brings a touch of green and earthy fragrance to each bite.
Flaky sea salt (optional): A little sprinkle on top for those delightful bursts of flavor and crunch.

How to Make Crispy Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Focaccia

Step 1: Proof the Yeast

Start by stirring the sugar into your warm water in a large bowl, then sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top. Let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes, until a lovely layer of foam blossoms on the surface. That’s your sign the yeast is awake and ready to work its magic.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Add in the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and olive oil. Stir until everything comes together into a shaggy, sticky dough. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and set it somewhere warm. Now, let patience do its thing while the dough rises for 60 to 90 minutes, until it’s doubled in size and looks puffy.

Step 3: Prep the Toppings and Pan

While the dough is rising, get your flavor boosters ready! Mince the garlic, grate the Parmesan, and chop your herbs if you’re using them. Grab your baking pan and give it a generous slick of olive oil on both the bottom and sides—this will help create those gorgeous, crispy edges the Crispy Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Focaccia is known for.

Step 4: Shape and Dimple the Dough

Once the dough has doubled, gently transfer it to the greased pan. Use your hands to stretch and press it to the edges, then drizzle a little more olive oil on top. Now for the fun part: dimple the dough all over with your fingertips to create those classic focaccia pockets and craggy bits that catch all the toppings.

Step 5: Add Toppings

Sprinkle the minced garlic, the grated Parmesan, and herbs evenly over the surface. Finish with a dusting of flaky sea salt if you like—a little goes a long way in making every bite pop with flavor.

Step 6: Final Rise and Bake

Cover the dough again for its final nap, letting it rest for 20 to 30 minutes while your oven heats up to 220°C. This second rise helps lock in that light, airy crumb. Once it’s ready, bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the top is beautifully golden and the edges are crisp and lacy.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Once it emerges from the oven, patience is key! Let your Crispy Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Focaccia rest in the pan for at least 10 minutes—this makes slicing so much easier. Serve warm for melty, cheesy bliss, or at room temperature for a picnic-perfect treat.

How to Serve Crispy Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Focaccia

Garnishes

A little flourish goes a long way. Shower the warm, baked focaccia with more fresh herbs, a drizzle of good quality olive oil, or extra flakes of sea salt right before serving. Not only does it look stunning, but it also adds texture and aromatic depth.

Side Dishes

Crispy Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Focaccia pairs beautifully with hearty soups—think tomato basil or creamy potato leek. It’s also perfect alongside vibrant salads or as an accompaniment to a charcuterie board loaded with cured meats, cheeses, and briny olives.

Creative Ways to Present

This focaccia shines as an appetizer centerpiece: slice into thick strips for dipping, cut into squares for sharing, or even split and use for next-level sandwiches. Try topping each square with a dollop of ricotta or fresh chopped tomatoes for a fun twist on bruschetta.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you manage to have any leftovers, store the focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To help maintain that signature crisp top, loosely wrap the bread in foil after the first day.

Freezing

Crispy Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Focaccia is joyful straight from the oven but freezes beautifully too. Once cool, wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap then pop them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to a month.

Reheating

To revive focaccia’s irresistible crunch, reheat slices in a hot oven at 180°C for 5 to 10 minutes. For a quick fix, a toaster oven works wonders—just watch closely so those cheesy edges don’t burn!

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Absolutely! Instant yeast works just as well; simply skip the proofing stage and add it directly to the flour. Your focaccia will rise just as nicely, with no fuss.

Do I have to use fresh herbs?

Fresh herbs provide a bright, aromatic finish, but dried rosemary or thyme can be used in a pinch. Use about half the amount, since dried herbs are more concentrated.

What’s the ideal pan size for this recipe?

A standard 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking pan will deliver a great balance of height and crispness, but don’t stress—any similarly sized pan will turn out delicious results for your Crispy Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Focaccia.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes—just skip the Parmesan or swap in your favorite dairy-free hard cheese alternative. The focaccia will still be crisp, fluffy, and packed with garlicky flavor.

Why does my focaccia stick to the pan?

If your focaccia is stubborn, chances are you need a little more olive oil in the pan. Generous greasing creates that signature crunchy crust and helps the bread release easily once baked.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about pulling a golden slab of Crispy Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Focaccia from the oven—your kitchen will smell incredible and the first bite is pure bliss. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and share it with someone you love. Trust me, once you do, it’ll quickly earn a permanent spot in your baking rotation.