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Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread

Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread

A simple, no-knead focaccia that's soft and airy on the inside, crisp on the outside, and topped with a savory blend of garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 360

Ingredients
  

  • 500 g strong white bread flour plus extra for dusting
  • 7 g fast-action dried yeast one sachet
  • 2 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1 tsp caster sugar
  • 400 ml lukewarm water
  • 6 tbsp extra virgin olive oil divided
  • 4-5 large cloves garlic finely minced
  • 75 g Parmesan cheese freshly and finely grated
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped (optional, for garnish)
  • 1 tsp flaky sea salt like Maldon for finishing

Method
 

  1. Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the bread flour, yeast, fine sea salt, and caster sugar. Make a well in the centre and pour in the lukewarm water and 2 tablespoons of the olive oil. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix everything together until a shaggy, sticky dough forms. There's no need to knead it.
  2. First Rise: Cover the bowl with a clean, damp tea towel or cling film. Place it in a warm, draught-free spot for 60-90 minutes, or until the dough has doubled in size and is covered in bubbles.
  3. Prepare the Tin: While the dough is rising, pour 2 tablespoons of olive oil into a 23x33cm (9x13 inch) baking tin. Use your fingers or a pastry brush to ensure the base and sides are thoroughly coated.
  4. Shape the Focaccia: Once risen, gently scrape the sticky dough out of the bowl and into the prepared tin. It will look messy, but that's fine. Drizzle a little olive oil over your hands to prevent sticking, and gently stretch and press the dough to fill the corners of the tin. Don't worry if it doesn't reach perfectly; it will spread as it rests.
  5. Second Rise (in the tin): Cover the tin and leave the dough to rest for another 20-30 minutes. While it's resting, preheat your oven to 220°C (200°C fan).
  6. Dimple and Top: In a small bowl, mix the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil with the minced garlic. Uncover the dough. Dip your fingertips in a little olive oil and press them firmly into the dough, all the way to the bottom, to create the classic focaccia dimples. Brush the garlic and oil mixture evenly over the entire surface, letting it pool in the dimples.
  7. Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top, followed by the flaky sea salt. Place the tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the focaccia is deep golden brown, the cheese is crisp, and the edges are pulling away from the sides. What works best for me is rotating the tin halfway through to ensure an even bake.
  8. Cool and Serve: Let the focaccia cool in the tin for 5-10 minutes before carefully transferring it to a wire rack. Garnish with fresh parsley, if using. It's best served warm, but is also delicious at room temperature.

Notes

Best served warm, but also delicious at room temperature. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.