Name: Garlic Bread Focaccia Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast; 1 1/2 teaspoons salt; 1 1/2 cups warm water; 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil (plus more for drizzling); 4 cloves garlic (minced); 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped); 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Flaky sea salt (for topping)

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Garlic Bread Focaccia is the ultimate mash-up of two Italian classics: the pillowy, olive-oil-soaked focaccia you crave, and the savory, golden garlic bread that makes every meal instantly better. This is a loaf that’s utterly irresistible, with crisp edges and a deliciously soft center, all infused with the heady aroma of garlic and a shower of fresh parsley. If you’re looking for a show–stopping centerpiece for gatherings, or just a comforting treat to enjoy with your favorite meal, this recipe is your golden ticket to bread heaven.

Garlic Bread Focaccia Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Garlic Bread Focaccia is refreshingly short, yet each component is crucial for building flavor and that signature focaccia texture. Don’t be tempted to swap or skip—every item adds something special, from the nutty olive oil to the burst of fresh parsley and the signature flaky salt on top.

All-purpose flour: Gives the focaccia structure while keeping it light and airy.
Instant yeast: Helps the dough rise quickly and beautifully.
Salt: Enhances every other flavor and seasons the dough perfectly.
Warm water: Activates the yeast and brings the dough together.
Extra-virgin olive oil: Infuses the bread with rich flavor and delivers that classic, golden crust.
Garlic (minced): Sautéed gently to flavor the olive oil—this is where the garlic bread magic happens.
Fresh parsley (chopped): Sprinkled on top for color and vibrant, herbaceous notes.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For a little unexpected zing and gentle heat.
Flaky sea salt: Adds crunch and an irresistible savory finish with every bite.

How to Make Garlic Bread Focaccia

Step 1: Make the Dough

Begin by combining the flour, yeast, and salt in a large bowl—no fancy equipment needed, just a good stir. Add your warm water and a generous splash of olive oil, then mix until you have a sticky, shaggy dough. Get your hands in there and knead gently on a floured surface for about 8 minutes, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. This step is where focaccia’s pillowy texture gets its start.

Step 2: First Rise

Transfer the dough to a greased bowl and cover it with a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for 1 to 2 hours, until it’s doubled in size. Patience here pays off—you’ll know it’s ready when it looks puffy and full of life.

Step 3: Prepare the Baking Pan

While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan liberally with olive oil so you get those delicious, crispy edges. Once risen, gently press the dough into the pan, stretching it to the corners.

Step 4: Dimple and Infuse with Garlic Oil

Now for the signature focaccia move: dimple the surface of your dough with your fingertips. This creates little wells for the olive oil and toppings to nestle into. In a small skillet, gently heat the remaining olive oil and sauté the minced garlic just until fragrant—be careful not to brown it. This aromatic garlic oil gets poured all over the dimpled dough, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.

Step 5: Topping and Baking

Sprinkle the top with the chopped parsley, a dusting of red pepper flakes if you’d like some warmth, and plenty of flaky sea salt. Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the focaccia is beautifully golden and crisp on the edges. The hardest part? Letting it cool (just a little) before slicing into thick, inviting slabs and serving.

How to Serve Garlic Bread Focaccia

Garnishes

To make your Garlic Bread Focaccia even more tempting, finish with a fresh sprinkle of parsley or an extra dusting of flaky sea salt right after it comes out of the oven. Grated Parmesan is another pro move—its salty richness pairs perfectly with the soft, garlicky bread. For an authentic bakery look, drizzle a little more quality olive oil on top before serving.

Side Dishes

This focaccia loves company! Serve warm slices alongside a robust tomato soup, a crisp green salad, or your favorite pasta dish. It also shines as a side for roasted chicken or grilled vegetables. Garlic Bread Focaccia has enough flavor to stand on its own, but it truly elevates whatever you pair with it.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your focaccia into squares for sharing at the table or slice it lengthwise for an epic sandwich base. You can even cube leftovers for homemade croutons in salads, or grill slices briefly to add a little char and extra crunch. Get creative—this bread is as versatile as it is delicious!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, wrap any leftover Garlic Bread Focaccia in foil or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keeping it well-wrapped helps maintain its tenderness and signature chewy texture.

Freezing

Focaccia freezes beautifully! Simply wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you crave a piece, you can thaw just what you need—perfect for meal prep or spontaneous cravings.

Reheating

To bring Garlic Bread Focaccia back to life, pop slices in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 8-10 minutes, or until warmed through. For an extra treat, add a fresh drizzle of olive oil before reheating, or toast briefly for a crispier bite.

FAQs

Can I make Garlic Bread Focaccia dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can! After the first rise, cover the dough tightly and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready to bake, let it come to room temperature and follow the shaping and topping steps as usual.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! As written, this Garlic Bread Focaccia is already vegan. If you choose to add cheese, simply opt for your favorite plant-based alternative.

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, just dissolve the active dry yeast in the warm water and let it sit for a few minutes until foamy before adding it to the flour mixture. The rest of the recipe remains the same.

What’s the best way to get golden, crisp edges?

Be generous with the olive oil when greasing your pan and dimpling the dough. That extra layer ensures a golden, deliciously crunchy edge—one of the taste highlights of Garlic Bread Focaccia.

Can I customize the toppings?

Definitely! Try adding other fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, toss on olives or sun-dried tomatoes, or sprinkle a little shredded cheese before baking to make the recipe your own.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried homemade Garlic Bread Focaccia, now’s your moment! There’s just something magical about pulling a warm, golden tray from the oven with the scent of garlic filling your kitchen. I hope you enjoy baking (and sharing) this bread as much as I do—don’t be surprised if it disappears in minutes!

Garlic Bread Focaccia Recipe

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4.5 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Garlic Bread Focaccia recipe combines the classic flavors of focaccia with a garlicky twist. It’s a savory and aromatic bread that’s perfect for serving alongside soups, salads, or enjoyed on its own.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough:

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 cups warm water
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil (plus more for drizzling)

Topping:

4 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Flaky sea salt (for topping)

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Instructions

Dough Preparation: In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, and salt. Add the warm water and 2 tablespoons olive oil, then stir until a sticky dough forms.
Kneading and Rising: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Let rise for 1 to 2 hours until doubled in size.
Preheat and Prep: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with olive oil.
Shaping and Topping: Press the dough into the pan, dimple the surface, sauté garlic in olive oil, pour over dough, add parsley, red pepper flakes, and sea salt.
Baking: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden and crisp. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.