Sourdough Focaccia Recipe: Soft, Flavorful, and Easy to Make at Home
Sourdough focaccia mixes the tang of sourdough with the soft, airy texture of classic focaccia. Focaccia comes from Italy and is loved for its simplicity and versatility. It can be a snack, side dish, or sandwich base. Adding sourdough enhances the flavor, giving it a rich, deep taste. This easy recipe lets you make fresh sourdough focaccia at home. Whether you’re a sourdough lover or a focaccia fan, this bread will quickly become a go-to in your kitchen.
Ingredients for Sourdough Focaccia
Active Sourdough Starter
The key to this recipe is a healthy and active sourdough starter. It helps the dough rise naturally and adds that signature tangy flavor to the focaccia. Make sure your starter is bubbly and well-fed before you begin.
All-Purpose Flour vs. Bread Flour
You can use either all-purpose flour or bread flour in your focaccia recipe. Bread flour has a higher protein content, which helps create a chewier, more structured texture. All-purpose flour will still give you a soft and fluffy result, so feel free to use what you have on hand.
Olive Oil, Salt, Water, and Herbs
Olive oil adds richness and helps the focaccia achieve its golden, slightly crispy crust. Salt enhances the flavor, while water hydrates the dough for a soft crumb. Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme add aromatic flavor, making the bread even more irresistible.
Optional Ingredients (Garlic, Olives, Sundried Tomatoes)
To take your focaccia to the next level, consider adding optional ingredients like roasted garlic, olives, or sundried tomatoes. These additions bring extra flavor and texture, but the bread is delicious even without them.
How to Prepare Your Sourdough Starter for Focaccia
How to Activate and Feed Your Sourdough Starter
Before using your sourdough starter for focaccia, make sure it’s active and bubbly. If it’s been stored in the fridge, remove it 24 hours before you plan to bake. Feed it with equal parts water and flour (about 1:1 ratio) to refresh it. Allow it to sit at room temperature for 6-12 hours until it becomes bubbly and doubles in size. This ensures the yeast is ready for baking.
Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Starter
To keep your starter healthy, continue feeding it regularly, ideally once every 24 hours if you leave it at room temperature. If you store it in the fridge, feed it once a week. Always discard a portion of the starter before each feeding to keep the proportions balanced and avoid it growing too large. Use a clean jar and a lid to prevent contamination.
When to Use Your Starter for the Best Rise
For the best results, use your sourdough starter when it’s at its peak, typically about 4-6 hours after the feeding when it has doubled in size and is bubbling actively. If you use it too soon, the dough might not rise well, while using it after it’s fallen can lead to a weaker rise.
Step-by-Step Sourdough Focaccia Recipe
Mixing and Kneading the Dough
Start by combining your sourdough starter, flour, water, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Stir until the ingredients come together, then knead the dough by hand or using a stand mixer with a dough hook for about 5-7 minutes. The dough should be smooth and elastic, though it will be a bit sticky.
Bulk Fermentation Process for Soft Texture
Once the dough is kneaded, transfer it to a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Let it rise at room temperature for 4-6 hours, or until it doubles in size. This is the bulk fermentation process, and it’s crucial for developing the airy texture and flavor of the focaccia.
Shaping the Dough and the Second Rise
After the first rise, gently punch down the dough to release any large air bubbles. Transfer it to a well-oiled baking pan and spread it out evenly, pressing your fingers into the dough to create the signature dimples. Let the dough rise again for about 1-2 hours, until it puffs up slightly.
Techniques for a Perfectly Soft Focaccia
Why Hydration Matters: Achieving the Perfect Dough Consistency
The amount of water you use in your focaccia dough directly affects its texture. A higher hydration dough (more water) results in a softer, airier bread with a tender crumb. To achieve the perfect dough consistency, aim for a dough that’s slightly sticky but still manageable. The extra moisture helps the dough expand and create those light, fluffy pockets we love in focaccia.
How to Handle Dough for a Light, Airy Texture
When working with focaccia dough, avoid overworking it. After the first rise, gently stretch the dough into your pan rather than rolling or pressing it too firmly. The goal is to preserve the air bubbles developed during fermentation. Use your fingertips to gently dimple the dough, which helps create its characteristic texture and ensures it rises evenly during baking.
The Importance of the Final Rise Before Baking
The final rise is crucial for achieving a soft, airy focaccia. After shaping the dough in your pan, let it rest for 1-2 hours at room temperature before baking. This second rise allows the dough to relax and puff up, leading to that pillowy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Don’t rush this step—it’s key to getting that perfect crumb.
Flavor Variations for Sourdough Focaccia
Classic Rosemary and Sea Salt Focaccia
One of the most popular and timeless variations, classic rosemary and sea salt focaccia features fragrant rosemary sprinkled over the dough, paired with the crunch of sea salt. This simple yet aromatic topping enhances the sourdough’s natural tang and gives it a Mediterranean flair. Perfect for dipping in olive oil or enjoying on its own.
Garlic and Herb Focaccia
If you love bold flavors, garlic and herb focaccia is a must-try. Fresh garlic, either minced or sliced thinly, combines beautifully with a mix of herbs like thyme, oregano, and basil. The garlic infuses the dough as it bakes, filling your kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma. For extra richness, drizzle the top with olive oil before baking.
Mediterranean Style with Olives and Sundried Tomatoes
For a more savory, Mediterranean-inspired focaccia, top the dough with a mix of olives (green or black) and sundried tomatoes. The saltiness of the olives and the tangy sweetness of the tomatoes create a perfect contrast with the soft, airy texture of the focaccia. You can also add a sprinkle of feta cheese for an extra touch of flavor.
Sweet Variations with Honey and Figs
Sourdough focaccia isn’t just for savory toppings. For a sweet variation, drizzle the dough with honey before baking and add fresh figs or dried fruit. This combination brings a subtle sweetness that balances the sour notes of the bread, creating a delightful dessert-style focaccia. You can also experiment with nuts like walnuts or almonds for extra crunch.
Toppings and Garnishes for Sourdough Focaccia
Creative Topping Ideas: Fresh Herbs, Vegetables, and Cheeses
One of the joys of making focaccia is experimenting with different toppings. For a classic touch, sprinkle fresh rosemary, thyme, or basil on top. You can also add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini for a burst of flavor and color. To elevate the focaccia further, try adding crumbled feta, Parmesan, or mozzarella for a cheesy twist that melts beautifully into the bread.
Adding a Drizzle of Olive Oil Before Serving
Once your focaccia is baked and golden brown, don’t forget the finishing touch – a generous drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil. This adds richness and depth to the bread, making it even more irresistible. You can also infuse the olive oil with garlic, chili flakes, or lemon zest for an extra flavor boost. Drizzling the oil just before serving will keep your focaccia soft and fragrant.
Using Flaky Salt for Extra Texture
Flaky sea salt is a simple yet powerful garnish that enhances the taste and texture of your focaccia. The salt crystals add a satisfying crunch and bring out the natural flavors of the bread and toppings. Consider using Maldon salt or fleur de sel for a delicate, upscale touch. Sprinkle it over the focaccia just before baking, or for a more pronounced flavor, add it after the bread comes out of the oven.
Tips for Success with Sourdough Focaccia
How to Ensure Even Distribution of Flavors
Achieving a balanced flavor profile in your sourdough focaccia begins with ensuring that your toppings and seasonings are evenly distributed. When adding herbs, garlic, or cheese, be sure to press them lightly into the dough before the second rise. This allows the flavors to infuse into the dough, ensuring every bite is as flavorful as the next. Additionally, if you’re using salt or olive oil, sprinkle it evenly to avoid pockets of overly salty or oily spots.
Handling Dough Without Deflating the Air Bubbles
One of the keys to making soft and airy focaccia is preserving the air bubbles in the dough. After the first rise, when you shape and stretch the dough, do so gently. Use your fingers to spread the dough into your baking pan without pressing down too hard, as this can deflate the air bubbles that form during fermentation. Let the dough rise again before baking to allow the air to expand fully and create that light, pillowy texture.
Tips for Baking in a Home Oven vs. a Pizza Stone
For the best results in a home oven, bake your sourdough focaccia on a preheated baking sheet or a pizza stone. If using a pizza stone, place the stone in the oven while it’s preheating, so it’s fully heated when you add the dough. The stone will help to distribute heat more evenly, giving you a crisp bottom and an evenly baked crust. If you’re using a baking sheet, you can also preheat the sheet to mimic the effect of a pizza stone, but be sure to coat it with olive oil to prevent sticking and add flavor.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Pairing Focaccia with Italian Dishes
Sourdough focaccia is the perfect complement to many classic Italian dishes. It pairs wonderfully with hearty soups like minestrone or tomato basil soup, as the fluffy texture of the focaccia helps to soak up the flavorful broths. It’s also a great side dish with pasta meals, especially those with rich sauces such as Bolognese or pesto pasta. Additionally, focaccia works well with Italian salads, like Caprese or Panzanella, offering a delightful balance to the fresh and tangy flavors.
Serving It as an Appetizer or Snack
Sourdough focaccia makes an excellent appetizer or snack. You can serve it warm with a side of olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping. For an extra kick, try adding a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or garlic butter for dipping. Whether cut into small squares for sharing or served as individual pieces, focaccia offers a flavorful start to any meal.
How to Use Focaccia for Sandwiches or as a Side Dish
Focaccia can also be used to make delicious sandwiches. Its soft and slightly chewy texture provides the perfect base for fillings like roast beef, grilled vegetables, or turkey and cheese. Simply slice the focaccia in half and fill it with your favorite ingredients. For a more traditional twist, try a Mediterranean focaccia sandwich with hummus, roasted peppers, and feta cheese. As a side dish, focaccia is versatile enough to pair with just about any meal, especially grilled meats, seafood, or roasted vegetables.
Flavor Variations for Sourdough Focaccia
Classic Rosemary and Sea Salt Focaccia
One of the most popular and timeless variations, classic rosemary and sea salt focaccia features fragrant rosemary sprinkled over the dough, paired with the crunch of sea salt. This simple yet aromatic topping enhances the sourdough’s natural tang and gives it a Mediterranean flair. Perfect for dipping in olive oil or enjoying on its own.
Garlic and Herb Focaccia
If you love bold flavors, garlic and herb focaccia is a must-try. Fresh garlic, either minced or sliced thinly, combines beautifully with a mix of herbs like thyme, oregano, and basil. The garlic infuses the dough as it bakes, filling your kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma. For extra richness, drizzle the top with olive oil before baking.
Mediterranean Style with Olives and Sundried Tomatoes
For a more savory, Mediterranean-inspired focaccia, top the dough with a mix of olives (green or black) and sundried tomatoes. The saltiness of the olives and the tangy sweetness of the tomatoes create a perfect contrast with the soft, airy texture of the focaccia. You can also add a sprinkle of feta cheese for an extra touch of flavor.
Sweet Variations with Honey and Figs
Sourdough focaccia isn’t just for savory toppings. For a sweet variation, drizzle the dough with honey before baking and add fresh figs or dried fruit. This combination brings a subtle sweetness that balances the sour notes of the bread, creating a delightful dessert-style focaccia. You can also experiment with nuts like walnuts or almonds for extra crunch.
Conclusion: Mastering Sourdough Focaccia at Home
Sourdough focaccia is a delicious and rewarding bread to bake at home. With just a few ingredients and a little patience, you can make this classic Italian bread that is full of flavor and texture. Experiment with different toppings and flavors to make it uniquely yours.
As you perfect your focaccia recipe, remember to have fun and enjoy the process. Whether you’re making it for a family meal or impressing guests, this bread is sure to shine. For more baking inspiration, explore these articles:
- Banana Bread Recipe with 2 Bananas — For more baking tips and recipes.
- How Much Does 2 Bananas Make — Learn about ingredient quantities and proportions in baking.