Sourdough Focaccia Bread

by Sarah Recipes

This sourdough focaccia recipe is softy, pillowy, and tangy from the sourdough, topped with fresh herbs, cheese or whatever you like!

Try making a starter from scratch, or get a jump start and order my dried starter! Simple instructions for rehydrating, ready to bake with in just a few days!

Order Sourdough Starter

Focaccia Dough Base:

  • Flour: All-purpose or bread flour
  • Water: Filtered water for hydration
  • Salt: Enhances flavor and regulates fermentation
  • Olive Oil: Adds richness to the dough and contributes to the crispy crust

Topping Options:

  1. Classic Herb Infusion:
    • Combine fresh rosemary, thyme, and oregano with high-quality olive oil. Brush this aromatic blend over your sourdough focaccia before baking for a timeless and flavorful topping.
  2. Caramelized Onion Elegance:
    • Sauté thinly sliced onions until golden brown and caramelized. Scatter these sweet and savory gems across the surface of your focaccia before baking, adding a rich depth of flavor.
  3. Sun-Dried Tomato and Olive Mediterranean Delight:
    • Embrace the Mediterranean flavors by topping your focaccia with sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and a sprinkle of feta cheese. Drizzle with olive oil for a taste of the sun-soaked coastal cuisine.
  4. Garlic and Parmesan:
    • Create a garlic and Parmesan butter mixture to spread generously over your sourdough focaccia. The result is a savory, cheesy crust that elevates your bread to a gourmet level.
  5. Everything Bagel Inspired Blend:
    • Combine sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, and onion flakes for an “everything” bagel-inspired topping. Sprinkle this mix generously over your focaccia to add a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor.
  6. Spicy Jalapeño Kick:
    • Slice fresh jalapeños thinly and scatter them across the surface of your focaccia for a spicy kick. Pair with shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese to balance the heat.
  7. Artichoke and Feta:
    • Mix marinated artichoke hearts with crumbled feta cheese. Spread this delightful combination on your focaccia before baking for a Mediterranean-inspired topping that is both tangy and satisfying.
  8. Roasted Garlic and Cherry Tomatoes:
    • Roast whole garlic cloves and cherry tomatoes until caramelized. Place these roasted delights on your focaccia for a burst of sweet and savory flavors.
  9. Pesto Paradise:
    • Spread a generous layer of basil pesto over your sourdough focaccia before baking. This aromatic and vibrant topping infuses your bread with a burst of fresh herb goodness.
  10. Balsamic Glaze Elegance:
    • After baking, drizzle a balsamic glaze over your focaccia for a touch of sweetness and acidity. This finishing touch adds a layer of sophistication to your creation.

Mix and match these topping choices to create your own signature sourdough focaccia masterpiece, exploring a world of flavors and textures with every bite.

Easy Sourdough Focaccia Recipe

Soft, fluffy, with a crisp golden exterior. This focaccia bread is the perfect addition to any meal.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 24 minutes
Rise time 7 hours
Servings 8

Ingredients
  

  • 100 g active sourdough starter
  • 325 g water
  • 475 g bread flour all-purpose flour works too
  • 10 g salt
  • 3 tablespoons 45 g olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
  • Toppings: rosemary sea salt, olives, cherry tomatoes, etc.

Instructions
 

  • Add the water and starter to a large bowl, mix until combined.
  • Add the flour and salt, mix until you have shaggy dough. Cover and let rest 30 minutes.
  • Dont worry if it looks dry.
  • Complete 4 sets of stretch and folds, 1 round every 30 minutes.
  • With slightly wet finger tips, grab a portion of the dough and stretch it upward. Fold the dough over toward the center of the bowl.
    Give the bowl a 1/4 turn and repeat, continue until you have come full circle to complete your first round of folds.
  • Cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise for 4-5 hours or until doubled in size.
  • Transfer the dough to a greased baking sheet, or glass baking dish spreading it evenly. Let rise again until doubled in size.
    Or place in the fridge and let slowly rise overnight to bake next day.
  • Once doubled drizzle olive oil over the top and use your fingertips to create dimples in the dough. Add your toppings.
  • Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the focaccia is golden brown, with an internal temperature of at least 200f
  • Allow it to cool slightly before slicing. Enjoy your homemade sourdough focaccia!