Delicious Homemade Sourdough Focaccia Recipe
Sourdough focaccia is one of those recipes that combines simplicity with incredible flavor. With its airy texture, crisp golden crust, and subtle tang from the sourdough starter, this bread is both rustic and elegant. Baking it at home allows you to enjoy the wonderful aroma that fills the kitchen while giving you a loaf that is fresher and more satisfying than anything from the store.
What makes focaccia so special is how versatile it can be. You can keep it simple with olive oil and sea salt or add toppings like herbs, garlic, or roasted vegetables for extra flavor. It is a bread that works beautifully as a snack, side dish, or even the star of the meal. Making sourdough focaccia at home also gives you the joy of working with your starter in a way that creates a chewy and flavorful bread everyone will love.
Why You Need This Recipe
You need this recipe because it turns a few simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Unlike regular bread, sourdough focaccia has a depth of flavor that comes from the natural fermentation process, giving it a tangy taste and wonderful texture. It is perfect for beginners because the dough is easy to handle, and the recipe does not require complicated shaping.
This focaccia is also an excellent make ahead bread that can be enjoyed for several days. It works well for family dinners, gatherings with friends, or as part of your weekly meal prep. Once you try it fresh out of the oven, drizzled with good olive oil, you will understand why it is a must have recipe in your collection.
Ingredients
This sourdough focaccia recipe uses wholesome and simple ingredients that come together beautifully. Here is the ingredient list with approximate calorie counts.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories (approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Active sourdough starter | 100 g | 90 |
| All purpose flour | 500 g | 1820 |
| Water | 375 ml | 0 |
| Olive oil | 3 tbsp | 360 |
| Sea salt | 10 g | 0 |
| Fresh rosemary | 2 tbsp | 5 |
This recipe makes one large focaccia, with each serving averaging around 150 to 200 calories depending on portion size.
How to Prepare
Start by mixing the sourdough starter, water, and flour in a large bowl until a sticky dough forms. Cover it and let it rest for about 30 minutes to allow the gluten to begin developing. After resting, add the salt and one tablespoon of olive oil, then knead or stretch and fold the dough a few times until smooth.
Transfer the dough to a well oiled bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rise at room temperature for several hours, or until it has doubled in size. Once the dough is ready, transfer it to a baking tray generously coated with olive oil. Gently stretch the dough to fit the pan, cover, and let it rest again for another hour.
Before baking, drizzle the top with olive oil and use your fingers to create dimples across the dough. Sprinkle with fresh rosemary and a little sea salt. Bake in a preheated oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 to 25 minutes until golden and crisp. Allow it to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Pro Tips
For the best flavor, let the dough ferment slowly overnight in the refrigerator, which enhances the sourdough tang. Always use good quality olive oil since it is a key ingredient in focaccia. When dimpling the dough, press all the way down without tearing it to create that classic texture. If you like variety, try topping your focaccia with cherry tomatoes, caramelized onions, or even olives for extra flavor.
Perfect Pairings and Toppings
Sourdough focaccia pairs wonderfully with soups, stews, and pasta dishes. It also works as an appetizer served with dips such as hummus, olive tapenade, or balsamic vinegar with olive oil. For toppings, fresh herbs, roasted garlic, sun dried tomatoes, or crumbled cheese add a delicious twist. It even makes an excellent sandwich bread when sliced horizontally and filled with fresh vegetables, meats, or cheese.
Conclusion
Delicious homemade sourdough focaccia is the kind of recipe that makes baking at home rewarding. It is simple to prepare, deeply flavorful, and versatile enough to enjoy with countless meals. Once you taste its light airy crumb and golden crust, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. With just a few ingredients and some patience, you can create a bakery style focaccia that everyone will enjoy.
