Sourdough focaccia is a slice of heaven, a warm embrace of flavor and texture that transports you straight to an Italian piazza. The crispy exterior gives way to a soft, airy interior, all infused with the rich aroma of olive oil and herbs.
This is more than just bread; it’s a canvas for creativity. Topped with flaky sea salt, fresh rosemary, or even a sprinkle of your favorite cheese, every bite is a celebration. Perfect for sharing, or even better, for indulging all on your own.
The best part? This recipe harnesses the magic of sourdough, giving it that unmistakable depth of flavor. Get ready to roll up those sleeves and dive into a baking adventure that’s utterly rewarding.
Ingredients
To recreate the delicious Sourdough Focaccia Bread, gather the following ingredients for four servings:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 cup active sourdough starter, at room temperature
- 1 cup warm water, about 110°F
- 1 teaspoon salt, fine
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 teaspoon sea salt flakes, for topping
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly cracked
Instructions
Follow these steps to create a delightful Sourdough Focaccia Bread that is perfect for any occasion. This recipe utilizes simple ingredients to achieve a flavorful and airy bread.
- Combine the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups of sifted all-purpose flour, 1 cup of active sourdough starter, and 1 cup of warm water, mixing until a rough dough forms.
- Add salt and oil: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of fine salt and 2 tablespoons of olive oil into the dough, then mix well until everything is thoroughly incorporated and a sticky dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, adding small amounts of flour if necessary to prevent sticking.
- First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise at room temperature for about 4-6 hours or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare the baking pan: Grease a baking sheet or a rectangular baking dish with olive oil, ensuring that the bottom and sides are well coated to prevent sticking.
- Shape the dough: Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air, then transfer it to the prepared baking pan, spreading it out with your fingers to fit the shape of the pan.
- Second rise: Cover the dough again with a damp cloth and allow it to rise for another 1-2 hours until it puffs up slightly.
- Preheat the oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking.
- Prepare for baking: After the second rise, use your fingers to dimple the surface of the dough, then drizzle additional olive oil over the top, sprinkling with 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh rosemary, 1 teaspoon of sea salt flakes, and 1/2 teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper.
- Bake the focaccia: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the focaccia is golden brown and crisp on the edges.
- Cool and serve: Once baked, remove the focaccia from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely, then slice and serve.
Tweaks and Additions
Enhancing your Sourdough Focaccia Bread can take it from delightful to exceptional. Here are some tweaks and additions to elevate your recipe!
- Incorporate herbs into the dough: Mixing in 1-2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh herbs like basil or thyme during the initial dough mixing can infuse additional flavor throughout the bread.
- Add toppings before the second rise: Consider adding toppings such as sliced olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or caramelized onions on top of the dough before the second rise to give it a more robust flavor profile.
- Experiment with different flours: Try replacing a portion of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or bread flour to enhance the texture and flavor of the focaccia.
- Use flavored oils: Instead of regular olive oil, use garlic-infused or chili-infused oil for drizzling over the dough to add a unique twist to the taste.
- Incorporate cheese: Adding crumbled feta or shredded mozzarella on top of the focaccia before baking can create a delicious cheesy crust.
- Adjust baking time for a softer texture: Reducing the baking time by a few minutes and covering the focaccia with foil halfway through can help achieve a softer interior while still keeping the crust crispy.
- Finish with a balsamic glaze: Drizzling a balsamic reduction over the focaccia just before serving can add a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the bread beautifully.