Garlic Butter Focaccia

Save this recipe on:

Golden on the outside and airy inside, this Garlic Butter Focaccia is the kind of bread you tear into with anticipation and dip gleefully into soup, sauces, or just more melted butter. Every bite is bursting with garlic-infused richness and herby goodness that makes it incredibly irresistible.

Whether you’re serving it as a side, an appetizer, or a snack all on its own, this focaccia comes together with minimal effort and delivers maximum flavor. Its chewy crumb and crisp, golden top will make it a staple in your kitchen.

What Kind of Flour Should I Use?

Bread flour is the secret behind the chewy structure and lovely rise of this focaccia. All-purpose flour works in a pinch, but bread flour really enhances the texture. Go for high-protein flour for best results.

Ingredients for the Garlic Butter Focaccia

• Bread flour: Essential for developing the gluten that gives focaccia its chewy bite.
• Yeast: Helps the dough rise and develop that airy texture.
• Olive oil: Infuses the dough and the pan with richness and helps the crust crisp up.
• Warm water: Activates the yeast and hydrates the flour.
• Salt: Balances flavor and supports gluten structure.
• Garlic: Minced fresh for maximum punch in the butter topping.
• Butter: The base for the aromatic garlic topping that seeps into the dimples.
• Parsley or fresh herbs: Adds color and a hint of brightness to the rich butter topping.

---

How To Make the Garlic Butter Focaccia

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it bloom for 5–10 minutes. Add bread flour and salt, mixing until a sticky dough forms. Drizzle in some olive oil and knead or stretch-and-fold until smooth. Let the dough rest covered for 1–2 hours or until doubled.

Step 2: Shape and Proof

Grease a baking pan generously with olive oil. Transfer the dough to the pan and gently stretch it to fill the shape. Let it rise again for 45 minutes until puffy.

Step 3: Dimple and Preheat

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Use oiled fingers to press deep dimples all over the dough—this holds the buttery topping. Let it rest briefly while the oven preheats.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter

In a small saucepan, melt butter and add minced garlic. Let it cook for a minute or two until fragrant. Add parsley or your choice of fresh herbs.

Step 5: Bake

Spoon the warm garlic butter all over the dough, making sure it sinks into the dimples. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden and crisp on top.

---

Serving and Storing Garlic Butter Focaccia

Focaccia is best served warm or at room temperature. Slice it into generous squares and serve it alongside pasta, soup, or your favorite dip. To store, wrap tightly and keep at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat in the oven for best texture.

What to Serve With Garlic Butter Focaccia?

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

The perfect bowl of comfort for dunking your bread.

Chicken Marsala Casserole

A hearty pairing that balances the buttery bread with savory mushroom-rich sauce. Chicken Marsala Casserole

Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Rich and satisfying—just waiting for a slice of focaccia. Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Italian Grinder Salad

A zesty salad with meats and cheeses that pairs well with the fluffy bread. Italian Grinder Salad

Dad’s Creamy Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes

Ultra-cheesy and indulgent—a comforting side match. Au Gratin Potatoes

Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells

The garlic butter flavors complement the creamy spinach filling. Stuffed Shells

Roasted Parmesan Green Beans

Adds freshness and crunch to your bread-forward plate. Green Beans

---

Want More Bread and Side Ideas?

If you love this buttery focaccia, you’ll probably enjoy these other comforting favorites:

• Roasted Parmesan Potatoes and Broccoli for a crispy roasted side.
• Crispy Baked Parmesan Garlic Fries if you love garlicky carbs.
• Buttery Stuffed Artichokes as a herby, rich veggie complement.
• French Onion Casserole when you want something ultra-savory.
• Cream Cheese Olive Spread to slather on focaccia slices.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest bread board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you sprinkle cheese on top? Try rosemary instead of parsley?

I love hearing your kitchen stories. Questions welcome too—let’s bake our way to better bread.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on ChefAlchemy’s Recipes and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Follow more recipes on Pinterest

---

Print

Save this recipe on: