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Classic Garlic Bread Focaccia

An easy recipe for fluffy, golden focaccia infused with rich garlic-butter flavor, perfect for any meal or gathering.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Course Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine Italian
Servings 12 pieces
Calories 180 kcal

Ingredients
  

Bread

  • 1 cup warm water Approximately 100–110°F for yeast activation.
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoon) active dry yeast
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt

Fats & Oils

  • 1/4 cup olive oil Plus extra for pan and drizzling.
  • 1/2 cup butter

Aromatics & Seasonings

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon flaky sea salt

Finish

  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Whisk warm water with the yeast and sugar in a bowl; let sit for 10 minutes until foamy and activated.
  • In a stand mixer bowl fitted with a dough hook, combine flour and kosher salt, then pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Knead on low for about 6 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  • Transfer dough to an oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.

Baking

  • Generously oil a 9x13-inch pan. Gently stretch the risen dough into the pan, cover, and let rise another 45-60 minutes until puffy.
  • Preheat oven to 425–450°F while the dough finishes rising.
  • Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium, add minced garlic, and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in parsley, red pepper flakes (if using), and sea salt.
  • Using oiled fingers, press deep dimples into the dough. Brush half the garlic-butter mixture over the top, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes in the preheated oven until deeply golden and crisp around the edges.
  • Remove from oven and immediately brush with remaining garlic butter, then sprinkle with grated Parmesan and extra parsley. Slice and serve warm.

Notes

Use warm water to activate the yeast. Don’t skip the oil to prevent sticking and enhance crispiness. Consider adding rosemary for added flavor or make-ahead options by freezing slices.
Keyword Baked Bread, Easy Recipe, Focaccia, Garlic Bread, Homemade Bread