Sourdough Focaccia Bread Recipe – The Ultimate Guide

The Sourdough Focaccia Bread Recipe is a delightful twist on the traditional Italian focaccia. This bread combines the rich, tangy flavors of sourdough with the soft, airy texture of focaccia, creating a perfect balance of taste and texture. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this sourdough focaccia recipe offers an easy way to make homemade focaccia with a unique sourdough touch.

If you’re new to baking or looking for more inspiration, check out this King Arthur pizza dough recipe for more easy dough-based ideas.

What Makes a Perfect Sourdough Focaccia Bread?

A great sourdough focaccia recipe requires patience and a few key ingredients. The star of this recipe is, of course, the sourdough starter. This is what gives the bread its signature tangy flavor and unique texture. In the following sections, we’ll break down the ingredients and steps to ensure that you get the best result.

Ingredients You Need for Sourdough Focaccia Bread

Before you get started, gather the following ingredients:

  • Sourdough starter – The base of your bread. Make sure it’s active and bubbly for the best rise and flavor.
  • Olive oil – Essential for that crispy, golden crust.
  • Flour – All-purpose flour works perfectly, though bread flour can be used for a chewier texture.
  • Water – Hydrates the dough to achieve the perfect consistency.
  • Salt – Enhances flavor and helps control fermentation.
  • Yeast – Optional, but a small amount of yeast can help give your dough an extra boost.

Pro Tip: For additional flavor, consider adding garlic, rosemary, or sun-dried tomatoes into the dough.

How to Make Sourdough Focaccia Bread Step by Step

Now that you have all your ingredients, it’s time to start baking. Here’s how to create your sourdough focaccia bread:

1. Prepare Your Sourdough Starter

Ensure your sourdough starter is fed and active before using it in the recipe. You should see it bubbling and have a pleasant sour smell. If you’re new to sourdough, it’s important to understand that an active starter is key to achieving the best texture and flavor.

Pro Tip: Test if your starter is ready by performing the float test. Place a spoonful of starter in a glass of water. If it floats, it’s ready to use!

2. Mix and Knead the Dough for Sourdough Focaccia

  • Combine your sourdough starter, flour, water, and salt in a mixing bowl.
  • Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can use a stand mixer to speed up this process if you prefer.
  • After kneading, let the dough rest for about 10-15 minutes, and then knead again for a few more minutes. This step helps build strength in the dough.

3. Let the Dough Rise

Cover the dough with a damp towel or plastic wrap. Allow it to rise for about 3-4 hours, or until it has doubled in size. The rise time may vary based on the ambient temperature and the activity of your sourdough starter.

For a more detailed rise guide, check out this pumpkin banana loaf recipe that also provides tips for different dough rise times.

4. Shape the Dough into Focaccia

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a well-oiled baking sheet. Press the dough gently to stretch it out, shaping it into the desired thickness.

The signature dimples in focaccia bread are made by pressing your fingers into the dough, so don’t skip this step. The dimples will help hold the olive oil and toppings.

5. Second Rise for Extra Fluffiness

Let the dough rise again for 1-2 hours before baking. This second rise gives the focaccia its light, airy texture.

6. Add Toppings to Your Focaccia Bread

Drizzle olive oil generously over the top of the dough, and add your favorite toppings. Some classic options include:

  • Fresh rosemary
  • Sea salt
  • Sliced garlic
  • Cherry tomatoes or olives

Feel free to experiment with other toppings like caramelized onions, Parmesan cheese, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra heat.

7. Bake the Focaccia

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. The bread should have a crispy exterior and a soft, airy interior.

8. Cool and Enjoy

Allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to a month.

Tips for Perfect Sourdough Focaccia Bread

Here are some tips to help you make the best sourdough focaccia bread:

  • Use High-Quality Olive Oil: The olive oil plays a big role in the flavor and texture, so make sure to use the best quality extra virgin olive oil.
  • Be Patient with the Rise: The longer the dough rises, the better the flavor will develop. Don’t rush the fermentation process.
  • Flavor Variations: You can add different herbs like thyme or oregano or even try a cheesy focaccia with mozzarella or Parmesan. The possibilities are endless!

Focaccia Bread Variations

While the classic sourdough focaccia recipe is delicious, here are some fun variations to try:

  • Cheese and Herb Focaccia: Add slices of mozzarella or Parmesan and fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme.
  • Tomato and Olive Focaccia: Press cherry tomatoes and Kalamata olives into the dough for a Mediterranean-inspired loaf.
  • Garlic Focaccia: Minced garlic and extra olive oil create a flavorful and aromatic focaccia that’s hard to resist.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Make Sourdough Focaccia Without a Starter?

Yes, you can. While the sourdough focaccia recipe typically uses a sourdough starter, you can substitute it with active dry yeast. However, using a starter will give the bread a unique, tangy flavor.

How Long Does Sourdough Focaccia Last?

Sourdough focaccia is best enjoyed fresh. However, you can store it at room temperature for 2-3 days, or wrap it tightly and freeze it for up to a month.

Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour in Focaccia?

Yes, you can substitute part or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Keep in mind that this will change the texture, making it denser but adding a nuttier flavor.

Conclusion

This sourdough focaccia bread recipe is the perfect way to enjoy a classic Italian bread with the added depth and flavor of sourdough. Whether you’re making it for a family meal, a dinner party, or just because, this recipe is sure to impress. With the tips and variations provided, you can customize it to your taste and enjoy fresh, homemade focaccia anytime.

For more tips on baking with sourdough, check out this King Arthur pizza dough recipe, which can also help you master your bread-making skills.


External Links:

  1. King Arthur Pizza Dough Recipe
  2. Pumpkin Banana Loaf Recipe
  3. Earl Grey Cookies

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