Name: Cheesy Garlic Focaccia Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 cup warm water; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon active dry yeast; ⅓ cup olive oil; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 2 teaspoons garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 2 ½ cups (312.5 g) all-purpose flour; ¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter, melted; 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese, grated; 2 teaspoons garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; 1 ½ cups (169.5 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded, divided; 1 cup (113 g) cheddar cheese, shredded

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Introduction

This Focaccia Cheesy Garlic Bread is a delicious twist on traditional focaccia, layered with gooey mozzarella and cheddar cheeses and infused with aromatic garlic butter. Perfect as a snack or a side, it’s crispy on the edges and soft inside, making it irresistible for any cheese lover.

A white-handled black cast iron skillet contains a round baked dish cut into eight thick triangular slices. The top layer is golden yellow melted cheese mixed with white melted cheese, both bubbly and slightly browned around the edges. Underneath the cheese, bits of finely chopped green herbs add specks of color. The crust is golden brown and crispy, visible around the edges and under some of the cheese. The skillet is set on a rustic dark wooden surface with a sprig of fresh green parsley on the left, a wooden bowl with white shredded cheese at the top, and a wooden bowl with chopped green herbs at the bottom right. A beige linen cloth is placed on the top right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup warm water
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon active dry yeast
⅓ cup olive oil
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
2 teaspoons garlic, minced (divided)
1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus ½ teaspoon for topping)
2 ½ cups (312.5 g) all-purpose flour
¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons parmesan cheese, grated
1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 ½ cups (169.5 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded, divided
1 cup (113 g) cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let the mixture rest for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Step 2: In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, Italian seasoning, 2 teaspoons of minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Set half of this oil mixture aside for later.
Step 3: Pour half of the reserved oil mixture into the yeast mixture, then add the all-purpose flour. Stir until a dough forms.
Step 4: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Step 5: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Pour the remaining oil mixture into a 12-inch cast-iron skillet and use a pastry brush to coat the bottom and sides.
Step 6: Press half of the risen dough evenly into the prepared skillet, stretching it to the edges. Use your fingers to create dimples across the surface.
Step 7: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough layer.
Step 8: On a piece of parchment paper, shape the remaining dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully invert this dough over the cheese layer in the skillet, then peel back the parchment paper.
Step 9: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, parmesan cheese, remaining 2 teaspoons minced garlic, chopped parsley, and ½ teaspoon kosher salt to make the garlic butter.
Step 10: Use your fingers to gently dimple the top dough layer, then brush the garlic butter evenly over the surface.
Step 11: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and all the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Step 12: Bake the focaccia in the preheated oven for 23-25 minutes, or until it turns golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
Step 13: Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, then cut into strips. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the garlic butter before brushing it on the top layer.
Substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste and added nutrition.
Use a combination of your favorite cheeses such as provolone or fontina for a different cheesy profile.
If you don’t have a cast-iron skillet, a round pizza pan or baking dish will also work.

Storage

Store any leftover focaccia bread covered tightly in plastic wrap or an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to restore crispness and melt the cheese again.

How to Serve

A slice of thick, golden-brown cheesy bread is being lifted from a black skillet, with melted white and yellow cheese stretching between the slice and the rest of the bread, showing gooey, stringy texture. The bread inside looks soft and fluffy with light air pockets, and the top is covered in melted cheese with flecks of green herbs. The skillet is placed on a white marbled surface, with a blurred background giving focus to the cheesy bread. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight. Allow it to come to room temperature and rise slightly before assembling the bread.

What if I don’t have fresh parsley for the garlic butter?

You can substitute dried parsley (use about 1 teaspoon) or omit it entirely. The garlic butter will still be flavorful without it.