Sourdough Focaccia Bread Recipe
This Sourdough Focaccia Bread recipe delivers a flavorful and airy Italian flatbread made with a tangy sourdough starter. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or a side, this focaccia boasts a crispy golden crust and a soft, chewy interior thanks to natural fermentation and simple ingredients.
- Author: Maya
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 1 focaccia bread (8 servings) 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup (240 g) active sourdough starter
- 3 1/2 cups (420 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (240 ml) lukewarm water
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
- 2 teaspoons (12 g) salt
- Mix Dough: In a large bowl, combine the active sourdough starter, lukewarm water, and olive oil. Gradually add the flour and salt while mixing until a rough dough forms.
- Knead and Proof: Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place it in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it proof at room temperature for 4–6 hours until it doubles in size.
- Shape Focaccia: Transfer the dough to a generously oiled baking sheet or pan. Gently stretch it out to fit the pan. Use your fingertips to dimple the surface evenly, and drizzle olive oil over the top, letting it pool in the dimples.
- Final Proof: Cover the dough and let it rest for another 1–2 hours until it becomes puffy and nearly doubled again.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Bake the focaccia for 20–25 minutes until the crust is golden brown and crisp on top.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the focaccia from the oven, let it cool slightly, then cut into squares or slices. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use a well-fed, bubbly sourdough starter for best fermentation and flavor.
- You can customize the focaccia by adding toppings like rosemary, garlic, olives, or cherry tomatoes before baking.
- For a crisper crust, bake on a preheated baking stone or steel if available.
- Focaccia can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days or frozen for longer storage.
Keywords: sourdough focaccia, Italian bread, homemade flatbread, sourdough bread recipe, easy focaccia, fermented bread