Name: Garlic Bread Focaccia Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 28 h 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups warm water; 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast; 1 teaspoon granulated sugar; 5 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt (use kosher salt, not table or sea salt); 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling; Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling; Chopped flat leaf Italian parsley, for topping; Freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano, for finishing; 4 tablespoons salted butter; 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped or pressed

Jump to Recipe·4 from 7 reviews

“`html

If you’re on the hunt for a bread that’s bursting with aroma and packed with texture, let me introduce you to my absolute favorite Garlic Bread Focaccia Recipe. Imagine a loaf that’s fluffy and airy on the inside, with edges that are perfectly crunchy and golden, all generously coated in luscious melted garlic butter. It’s the kind of bread that elevates any meal—whether you’re scooping up soup, stacking sandwiches, or just savoring slice after irresistible slice on its own. Trust me, once you try this Garlic Bread Focaccia Recipe, it’s going to become one of those kitchen staples you can’t live without.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with a single thick layer of beige dough that has a smooth, slightly wrinkled texture and is resting in a small pool of golden yellow olive oil along the edges, set on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

What’s amazing about this Garlic Bread Focaccia Recipe is how it uses simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create something truly magical. Each component plays a role, from the yeasty dough that forms the soft base to the extra virgin olive oil that adds richness and depth. The garlic butter topping seals the deal, infusing every bite with mouthwatering flavor.

2 cups warm water: To activate the yeast and provide moisture for the dough’s fluffiness.
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast: The magical ingredient that makes the focaccia rise beautifully.
1 teaspoon granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and aids with proofing for a light texture.
5 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy foundation that gives structure and chewiness.
1 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt: Adds essential seasoning—make sure it’s kosher salt and not table or sea salt.
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling: Brings moistness, richness, and that classic focaccia shine.
Flaky sea salt: For a delightful crunch and bursts of saltiness on top.
Chopped flat leaf Italian parsley: Freshness and bright color to finish the bread.
Freshly grated parmigiano reggiano: A nutty, savory topping that adds a gourmet touch.
4 tablespoons salted butter: For the luscious garlic butter that makes every bite sing.
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped or pressed: The heart and soul of this recipe’s flavor profile.

How to Make Garlic Bread Focaccia Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by whisking together warm water, yeast, and sugar in a mixing bowl. Let it rest for 10 minutes until the surface is foamy and bubbly. This step is crucial as it means your yeast is alive and ready to work magic in your dough, giving you that airy texture we all love.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In the meantime, blend the flour and kosher salt in your stand mixer bowl to evenly distribute the salt. Pour in the water and yeast mixture, then knead the dough on low speed for around 6 minutes. The dough should turn stretchy and begin pulling away smoothly from the sides. No stand mixer? Don’t worry—hand kneading works just as well and is a great workout!

Step 3: First Rise in the Fridge

Transfer your dough to a large bowl drizzled with olive oil, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and let it rest in the fridge for an entire 24 hours. This slow fermentation develops deep flavor and gives the dough its signature texture that you just can’t rush.

Step 4: Shape and Second Rise

Remove the dough from the fridge and pour olive oil into a 9×13 metal pan, spreading it evenly. Place your dough inside and start stretching it gently with your fingers towards the edges. Cover and let it rest for 15 minutes, then stretch it fully to fill the pan. After that, cover again tightly and leave it at room temperature for three hours. This puff-up phase ensures that perfectly bubbly top layer you see in focaccia.

Step 5: Prepare to Bake

Heat your oven to a blazing 450℉ and let it sit there for 5 to 10 minutes after preheating to ensure the heat is consistent and high. Remove the plastic wrap from your dough, drizzle a few tablespoons more olive oil on top, and use your fingertips to create those iconic dimples all over the surface. Sprinkle generously with flaky sea salt for that perfect crunchy burst.

Step 6: Bake the Focaccia

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until your focaccia is a stunning deep golden brown all over. The smell is irresistible by this point, so get ready for the best part!

Step 7: Make the Garlic Butter

While your focaccia is baking, melt butter gently over medium heat and add finely chopped garlic. Sauté just until the garlic starts turning golden and fragrant—be careful not to burn it to keep the flavor delicate and rich. Remove from heat and pour this heavenly garlic butter over your hot focaccia immediately, using a pastry brush for even coverage.

Step 8: Final Touches

Sprinkle chopped parsley and grate fresh parmigiano reggiano right on top. Let the focaccia cool on a wire rack to keep the bottom crust crispy, or dive in warm if you can’t wait!

How to Serve Garlic Bread Focaccia Recipe

The image shows several pieces of light golden brown focaccia bread with a slightly crispy crust and a soft, airy interior. The top layer is sprinkled with small bits of chopped green herbs and finely grated white cheese, giving a textured look. The bread pieces are placed directly on a white marbled surface, with some crumbs and a few drops of oil visible around them. The bread has a warm, inviting color with slight variations in crispiness across the pieces. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

This focaccia is already packed with flavor, but adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens up the look and adds a hint of earthiness that cuts through the richness. You can also try a dusting of grated parmesan or a handful of flaky sea salt for extra crunch and dimension.

Side Dishes

The versatility of this Garlic Bread Focaccia Recipe makes it the perfect partner for soups, stews, and salads. Imagine dipping it into a creamy tomato bisque, or using it to sop up savory sauces alongside a vibrant green salad. It pairs beautifully with just about any meal that could use a garlicky, crispy bread boost.

Creative Ways to Present

To make your gathering extra special, slice the focaccia into thick chunks and serve it with dipping bowls of infused olive oils, balsamic vinegar reductions, or even herb-infused butters. For a fun twist, try sandwiching it with layers of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil for an instant caprese-inspired snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To maintain its crisp edges and soft interior, avoid refrigeration as it can dry the bread out.

Freezing

If you want to save focaccia for later, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. It will keep well for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it at room temperature for a few hours to preserve its fresh-baked texture.

Reheating

To revive the crunch and warmth, pop slices in a preheated oven at 375℉ for about 5 to 7 minutes. A quick reheat restores that perfect contrast between the soft, airy crumb and golden crust—just like freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I make the dough without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! Kneading by hand might take a few extra minutes, but it’s a wonderfully tactile experience. Just be sure to knead on a lightly floured surface until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Is it necessary to refrigerate the dough for 24 hours?

The slow cold fermentation develops richer flavors and a better texture, making your focaccia unmistakably delicious. If you’re short on time, you can do a quicker rise, but the result won’t be quite as complex.

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic in the butter?

Fresh garlic is definitely preferred for that vibrant flavor and aroma. Garlic powder can be used in a pinch, but it won’t have the same freshness or punch.

What if I don’t have a 9×13 baking pan?

You can use any metal or glass baking dish of similar size. The key is allowing the dough to spread out evenly to get those signature dimples and golden edges.

How do I make the focaccia more cheesy?

Feel free to sprinkle extra parmesan or your favorite shredded cheese on top right before baking for an even cheesier, gooier finish that’s irresistible.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Bread Focaccia Recipe truly feels like a warm hug from the kitchen—a perfect blend of fluffy inside, crunchy outside, and that unforgettable garlic butter richness. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at focaccia for the first time, this recipe invites you to make every meal a little more special. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

“`