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Focaccia Cheesy Garlic Bread

Savor every bite of golden focaccia layered with creamy mozzarella and rich cheddar, sealed within a fluffy crumb and crowned with fragrant garlic butter. This bread brings together rustic Italian flair and comfort, offering a pull-apart loaf brimming with melted cheese and savory herbs. The dough rises for pillowy softness, while the top layer bakes to a bubbly, golden finish. Enjoy it piping hot straight from the skillet, serving as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a hearty side. Pair with marinara for dipping to elevate every cheesy, aromatic mouthful.

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Hannah Author
Updated on Sun, 06 Jul 2025 07:20:08 GMT
A slice of cheesy garlic bread. Save
A slice of cheesy garlic bread. | recipesbyhannah.com

Focaccia Cheesy Garlic Bread is a tender homemade focaccia stuffed with gooey mozzarella then slathered in garlic butter and showered with more cheese. It is the ultimate savory snack for gatherings or a comforting side to everything from soups to pasta. This recipe creates a pillowy bread you can pull apart, with crackling edges and rivers of melty cheese in every bite.

The first time I made this focaccia was for a holiday movie night and we demolished the pan before the movie even started. My kids now talk about this cheesy bread weeks before any special occasion.

Ingredients

  • Warm water: brings the yeast to life for a fluffy texture so be sure it is not too hot or cold
  • Granulated sugar: just enough to feed the yeast and help browning
  • Active dry yeast: for a classic rise and pillowy crumb. Check it is fresh by proofing in water first
  • Olive oil: in both the dough and for brushing the pan adds rich flavor and helps create a golden crust. Choose a fruity extra virgin for best taste
  • Italian seasoning: stirs floral and earthy notes into the dough
  • Garlic: fresh minced tastes bold and aromatic. Try to use plump cloves for max flavor
  • Kosher salt: enhances flavor throughout. Use a flaked version if you like a burst of saltiness on the crust
  • All-purpose flour: yields focaccia with the ideal softness. Sift before measuring for a light touch
  • Mozzarella cheese: brings stretchy pockets of creaminess. Always shred your own for best melt
  • Cheddar cheese: adds sharpness and a golden finish on top
  • Unsalted butter: makes the garlic butter topping rich but not overpowering. Go for European-style if possible
  • Parmesan cheese: freshly grated adds a salty punch and crisp topping texture
  • Fresh parsley: gives a bright finish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Yeast Mixture:
Stir the warm water, granulated sugar, and yeast together in a large bowl. Let this mixture sit for about five minutes until foamy which means the yeast is awake and ready.
Prepare the Oil Mixture:
In a separate bowl combine olive oil, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, and kosher salt. This mixture will flavor both the dough and pan.
Combine Wet and Dry:
Pour half the oil mixture into the yeast mixture. Add flour and stir with a sturdy spoon until a shaggy dough forms. The dough should look soft but not sticky. If needed add small spoonfuls of flour.
First Dough Rest:
Scrape the dough into a greased bowl. Cover tightly and let it rest in a warm spot for one hour or until the dough has doubled in size. This makes the focaccia light and airy.
Prepare the Pan:
When it is almost time to bake preheat your oven to 450 F. Pour the remaining oil mixture into a twelve-inch cast iron skillet and brush all over so the bread does not stick and develops a crisp crust.
Shape the Bottom Layer:
Pull half the dough into the skillet and press it outwards until it covers the pan. Use your fingertips to press divots all over which creates those signature focaccia pockets.
Add the Cheesy Center:
Scatter one cup of mozzarella evenly over the dough. This hidden layer melts inside for gooeyness.
Add the Top Layer:
Flatten the remaining dough on parchment into a circle the same size as your pan. Flip it over the cheese then gently peel the parchment away. Press the edges to seal.
Mix the Garlic Butter:
In a bowl combine melted butter, parmesan, more garlic, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt for a flavor bomb on top.
Top and Dimple:
Dimple the top dough with your fingertips for more craggy bits. Brush all of the garlic butter over the top.
Finish with Extra Cheese:
Add the leftover mozzarella and all the cheddar across the top. This creates a bubbling, golden cheese crust.
Bake and Serve:
Place the skillet in the oven for about twenty three to twenty five minutes. The bread should be deeply golden and the cheese bubbling. Cool slightly before cutting so the cheese settles. Serve with marinara for dipping and savor every bite.
A wooden cutting board with slices of cheesy garlic bread. Save
A wooden cutting board with slices of cheesy garlic bread. | recipesbyhannah.com

My favorite moment making this is letting the kids help dimple the dough and brush on garlic butter. It gets them excited and the smell of it baking always brings everyone to the kitchen. Homemade focaccia with cheese and garlic was a game changer for our Sunday dinners.

Storage Tips

Store leftover strips in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer until warm and crisp again. For longer storage wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to one month. Bake from frozen at 350 F for about fifteen minutes.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap in provolone or fontina for mozzarella for a deeper flavor. If you have only table salt use slightly less since it is saltier than kosher. If Italian seasoning is not on hand mix your own with oregano basil and rosemary.

Serving Suggestions

Serve as a crowd-pleasing appetizer with warm marinara or a creamy ranch dip. It also pairs perfectly with tomato soup chili or any Italian dinner spread. You can even use leftovers for hearty sandwich bases.

A slice of garlic cheesy bread. Save
A slice of garlic cheesy bread. | recipesbyhannah.com

Cultural Notes

Focaccia is an Italian pan bread traditionally topped with olive oil and herbs. This cheesy version is a playful American twist inspired by garlic bread but still keeps the spirit of sharing and simple ingredients that make focaccia a staple at Italian tables.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I get fluffy focaccia texture?

Allow the dough to rise fully for one hour in a warm place. This gives the bread a light, airy structure and classic focaccia softness.

→ Which cheeses work best for the filling?

Mozzarella delivers excellent melting, while adding a layer of cheddar provides extra flavor and a pleasant sharpness.

→ Can I make this bread ahead of time?

You can prepare the dough and refrigerate overnight before baking, or reheat baked bread in the oven to restore crispness.

→ What dip pairs well with cheesy focaccia?

Warm marinara sauce is a classic choice, but garlic aioli or herbed olive oil also complement the flavors beautifully.

→ How do I keep the bread soft?

Brush with garlic butter right after baking and cover loosely to keep moisture in. Store leftovers wrapped at room temperature.

Focaccia Cheesy Garlic Bread

Golden focaccia filled with melty cheese and topped with herbed garlic butter for an irresistible bite.

Preparation Time
20 min
Cooking Time
20 min
Total Time
40 min

Category: ~

Difficulty Level: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 8 Servings (8 strips)

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Bread

01 1 cup warm water
02 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
03 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
04 1/3 cup olive oil
05 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
06 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
07 1 teaspoon kosher salt
08 2 1/2 cups (312.5 g) all-purpose flour

→ Garlic Butter

09 1/4 cup (57 g) unsalted butter, melted
10 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese, grated
11 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
12 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped
13 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

→ Toppings

14 1 1/2 cups (169.5 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded, divided
15 1 cup (113 g) cheddar cheese, shredded

Directions

Step 01

In a large bowl, combine water, sugar, and yeast. Stir, then let it rest for 5 minutes.

Step 02

In a small bowl combine olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic, and salt.

Step 03

Pour half of the oil mixture into the yeast mixture. Set the remaining oil mixture aside. Add flour to the oil and yeast mixture and stir to combine.

Step 04

Add dough to a greased bowl and cover. Let the dough rest for 1 hour, or until the dough has doubled in size.

Step 05

Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).

Step 06

Pour the remaining oil mixture into a 12-inch cast-iron skillet. Use a pastry brush to coat the skillet.

Step 07

Add half the dough to the skillet and work the dough to the edges. Use your fingers to create dimples in the dough.

Step 08

Top the dough with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 09

Put the rest of the dough onto a sheet of parchment paper. Use your hands to form the dough into a 12-inch circle. Invert the parchment paper over the cheese and carefully peel back the paper, leaving the top layer of dough in the skillet.

Step 10

In a small bowl, mix together butter, parmesan, garlic, parsley, and salt.

Step 11

Use your fingers to gently dimple the top of the dough. Brush the garlic butter over the top of the dough.

Step 12

Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and the cheddar cheese.

Step 13

Bake for 23-25 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. Serve hot with marinara sauce for dipping.

Required Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small bowl
  • 12-inch cast-iron skillet
  • Pastry brush
  • Parchment paper

Allergen Information

Check all ingredients for potential allergens and consult a medical professional if uncertain.
  • Contains gluten
  • Contains dairy

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are for reference only and shouldn't replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 417
  • Fats: ~
  • Carbohydrates: ~
  • Proteins: ~