Homemade Sourdough Focaccia, Step by Step Recipe
★★★★★
Prep Time: 18 hours | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Servings: Yield: 1 loaf
Focaccia, (pronounced fo-kah-cha), is like a pizza's cool cousin from Italy. It's a flatbread that can swing both ways - sweet or savory. This dough is like a canvas kissed with olive oil and jazzed up with herbs, veggies, and tasty bits like raisins or olives. The perfect combination of crispy and soft. If I am ever invited to a Pot-Luck, chances are 9/10 I’m bringing some Focaccia!
Ingredients:
50 – 100 g (1/4 – 1/2 cup) bubbly, active starter — I always use 100 grams
375 g (1 1/2 cups plus 1 tbsp) warm water, or more
500 g (4 cups plus 2 tbsp) bread flour
9 to 12 g (1.5 – 2.5 teaspoons) fine sea salt
- For Baking: You will need a rimmed sheet pan or non-stick rectangular pan(9×13-inch or 10×14-inch)
Directions:
Preparing the Dough:
- Combine the starter and water in a large bowl using a fork or spatula.
- Add the flour and salt, mixing until a rough dough forms, finishing by hand if needed.
Bulk Fermentation (first rise):
- Cover the bowl with a towel and let the dough rise at room temperature for about 8 to 10 hours, or overnight, at 70°F (21°C).
- The dough is ready when it has increased by 50% in volume, shows a few bubbles on the surface, and jiggles when the bowl is moved.
Second Rise:
- In the morning, spread olive oil on a sheet pan.
- Transfer the dough to the pan, coat both sides with oil, cover, and let it rest for 1 1/2 to 2 hours until puffy.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) while the dough rests.
Assembling the Focaccia:
- Just before baking, dimple the dough with oiled fingertips from bottom to top, allowing it to naturally stretch into a rustic rectangular or oval shape.
- The dough may not reach the corners and sides of the pan, which is fine.
Baking the Focaccia:
- Place the dough in the center rack of the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Focaccia Toppings Ideas:
The possibilities for toppings are endless! I usually season mine with a mix of what's available and what feels right...
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Here are some ideas to inspire you:
- For focaccia toppings, woody herbs like Thyme, Rosemary, fresh oregano, and Sage work wonders. They are highly aromatic and add a robust flavor that blends well with the olive oil.
- Sautéed mushrooms with garlic and herbs make a delicious topping.
- Try caramelized onion and rosemary for a flavorful combination.
- Sweet Focaccia options: blueberry and honey, or for a cinnamon roll variation, mix ½ cup of melted butter, ½ cup of brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons of cinnamon. Drizzle a quick icing over it once it's completely cooled.