There is something about warm, cheesy garlic bread fresh from the oven that makes everyone gather around. This Cheesy Focaccia Recipe, made with store-bought pizza dough, disappears faster than I can slice it.
With decades of cooking experience and plenty of practice perfecting recipes, I know how to create shortcuts that truly work. This easy focaccia delivers perfect results every time and makes a family favorite without the fuss.
If you are looking for more focaccia variations, be sure to try my Caprese Focaccia with fresh tomatoes and mozzarella or my Pesto Focaccia made with flavorful basil pesto. Both recipes start with the same easy pizza dough base, but each brings its own unique taste that makes them just as irresistible as this cheesy version.
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Ingredient Notes
See recipe card for quantities.
Store-bought pizza dough – This shortcut makes the recipe incredibly approachable. Letting it rest in a warm place until it reaches room temperature is the secret to an easy stretch and airy crumb.
Extra-virgin olive oil – Essential for that golden brown crust and depth of flavor.
Garlic powder – Gives a subtle but unmistakable garlic flavor that blends perfectly with the cheese.
Shredded mozzarella – Melts into the perfect cheesy layer without making the bread greasy.
Parmesan cheese – Adds a savory finish that balances the softer mozzarella.
Fresh parsley – For garnish and a pop of freshness.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Place the cold pizza dough in a lightly oiled large bowl. Cover with a tea towel or plastic wrap and let it sit in a warm place for at least 1 hour to allow the first rise to happen.
Step 2: Drizzle olive oil into a 9×13-inch baking dish, coating the bottom and sides of the pan. Gently turn the dough into the pan and begin stretching it toward the edges. Continue until the dough reaches the pan’s edges.
Step 3: Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over the top of the focaccia dough. Cover again and let it rest for another hour to complete the dough rise.
Step 4: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Use your fingertips to press deep dimples into the top of the focaccia dough. Sprinkle evenly with garlic powder and kosher salt.
Step 5: Spread the mozzarella evenly across the surface, then top with 1 tablespoon of Parmesan.
Step 6: Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until the cheesy crust is bubbly and golden brown, and the edges are crisp. Cool slightly on a wire rack, sprinkle with parsley and remaining Parmesan. Slice and serve warm.
Storage and Make Ahead
Storage: Store cooled focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day or refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Wrap slices tightly in parchment paper and foil, then freeze for up to 1 month.
Reheat: Warm in a 325°F oven for 8–10 minutes or until heated through.
Make Ahead: Bake completely, cool, and store. Reheat in the oven just before serving for a fresh-baked taste.
Cheesy Focaccia Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- (1) 16-ounce bag store-bought pizza dough
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil divided
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese divided
- Fresh parsley finely chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Start by placing the cold pizza dough in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it sit in a warm spot for at least 1 hour. This helps relax the gluten and makes it much easier to work with.
- Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil into a 9×13-inch baking sheet and spread it around to coat the bottom and sides. Gently turn the rested dough into the pan and begin stretching it toward the edges. Don’t force it! If it springs back, cover the pan and let it rest for an additional 10 minutes; then try again. Repeat if needed.
- Once the dough stretches all the way to the edges, drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the top, cover again, and let it rest for another hour. This second rise gives it that signature fluffy texture.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F. Use your fingertips to press deep dimples all over the surface of the dough. Sprinkle evenly with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and ¼ teaspoon of Kosher salt. This step builds the flavor right into the crust.
- Evenly spread 1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese across the dough. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan on top.
- Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden and the edges of the focaccia are crisp.
- Let it cool for a few minutes, then top with chopped fresh parsley and the remaining grated Parmesan. Slice into squares or strips and serve warm.
Notes
- Be patient with the dough. Giving it time to relax and rise properly is the secret to a soft, airy texture and a crust that doesn’t fight back when you stretch it. Following these steps will give you the best result and help you make the perfect bread!
- Garlic powder blends right in. It’s subtle, flavorful, and doesn’t burn the way fresh garlic sometimes can at high heat.
- Use quality cheese. Low-moisture mozzarella will give you nice browning without making things greasy. Shred your own!
- You can change it up and use cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack.
- Make it ahead. You can bake it, cool completely, and reheat in a warm oven just before serving.
- Using a wet hand, press deep dimples so the olive oil and garlic powder seep into the bread.
- Slice with a sharp bread knife for clean edges.
Nutrition
Serving ideas
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Risa
Love this recipe! It was such a hit with my kids. I hadn’t made focaccia in a long time and this is so good!
Therese
This was so good and so easy to make. Thanks for the recipe.
Eva
This sounds delicious. We love focaccia, but I’ve never thought to make it at home.
Stephanie
I loved the texture of the cheese on top of the bread once it was baked off. 10 out of 10.
Madhu
This cheesy focaccia bread sounds delicious! I love that it has a fluffy center and crispy edges. Perfect for sharing at a party or as a side for any meal!
Courtney
Such a great shortcut to use store bought pizza dough! Love the cheese and garlic together, yum!
Karina
This was a HUGE HIT last night! I need something fast and delicious. It was the star with cold cuts and some veggies.
Abi
Love that we can make this focaccia with store-bought pizza dough!