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Hot Honey Focaccia with Garlic Parmesan – Sweet, Savory & Utterly Addictive

This Hot Honey Focaccia with Garlic Parmesan is a bold upgrade to traditional focaccia—crispy on the edges, fluffy inside, and bursting with flavor. Infused with roasted garlic, melted Parmesan, and a drizzle of spicy hot honey, it’s the perfect balance of sweet heat and savory richness. Ideal as a party appetizer, side dish, or snack, this focaccia is easy to make and guaranteed to impress. Serve warm and watch it disappear!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Course Appetizer, Party Snack, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine Italian-inspired
Servings 12 slices
Calories 230 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Dough scraper or wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Pastry brush
  • Baking pan (9x13 sheet pan or cast-iron skillet)
  • Kitchen thermometer (for water temperature)

Ingredients
  

For the dough:

  • 4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 ½ tsp salt
  • 1 ½ cups warm water (about 105–110°F / 40–43°C)
  • 3 tbsp olive oil (plus more for greasing and drizzling)

For the garlic parmesan topping:

  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)

For finishing:

  • 3 tbsp hot honey (store-bought or homemade: honey + chili flakes)
  • Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or parsley) for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Make the dough:
    In a large bowl, whisk flour, yeast, and salt.
    Stir in warm water and olive oil until a sticky dough forms.
    Cover and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled.
  • Prepare the pan:
    Grease a 9x13 baking pan or cast-iron skillet with olive oil.
    Transfer dough to the pan, stretching it gently to fit. Cover and proof for 30 more minutes.
  • Dimple the focaccia:
    Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
    Drizzle dough with olive oil. Using oiled fingers, press deep dimples all over the surface.
  • Add garlic & parmesan:
    Brush melted garlic butter evenly over the dough.
    Sprinkle with grated parmesan and Italian seasoning.
  • Bake:
    Bake for 22–25 minutes, until golden brown and crisp at the edges.
  • Finish with hot honey:
    Remove from oven, drizzle with hot honey, and top with fresh herbs.
    Slice into squares or strips and serve warm.

Notes

  • Make-ahead: Dough can be refrigerated overnight for deeper flavor.
  • Hot honey substitute: Mix honey with chili flakes or hot sauce.
  • Cheese swap: Try mozzarella, asiago, or pecorino romano.
  • Vegan version: Use dairy-free parmesan and agave chili drizzle.
  • Storage: Store at room temperature (2 days) or freeze up to 2 months. Reheat in oven for best texture.
Keyword artisan bread, easy focaccia recipe, Focaccia bread, Homemade Focaccia, hot honey focaccia, Italian focaccia bread, parmesan garlic bread, sweet and savory focaccia