Description
Light and fluffy sourdough focaccia with a crisp golden crust and airy interior. Naturally leavened for rich flavor, perfect as a side, appetizer, or sandwich base.
Ingredients
- Active sourdough starter
- Bread flour
- Warm water
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Honey or sugar (optional, for fermentation boost)
- Fresh or dried herbs (rosemary, thyme, or oregano)
- Flaky sea salt
- Garlic (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough starter, warm water, and honey (if using). Stir well until fully incorporated.
- Add the bread flour and salt, mixing with a spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
- Cover the bowl with a damp towel and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- Strengthen the Dough
- Perform a series of stretch-and-folds every 30 minutes over the next 2 hours. This will help develop the gluten structure and give the dough its elasticity.
- After the final stretch-and-fold, drizzle a little olive oil over the dough and cover it. Let it ferment at room temperature for 6-8 hours or overnight, until it doubles in size.
- Shape and Proof
- Generously grease a baking pan with olive oil.
- Transfer the dough into the pan and gently stretch it to fit the shape of the pan.
- Cover and allow it to proof at room temperature for another 2-4 hours, until it becomes puffy.
- Prepare for Baking
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Drizzle olive oil over the dough and use your fingers to create dimples all over the surface.
- Sprinkle with flaky sea salt, chopped garlic (if using), and your choice of fresh or dried herbs.
- Bake
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crisp.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Cheesy Focaccia – Sprinkle grated Parmesan or mozzarella before baking.
- Olive and Tomato – Top with sliced olives and cherry tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist.
- Garlic Butter Infusion – Brush with garlic-infused butter as soon as it comes out of the oven.
- Whole Wheat – Substitute a portion of bread flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.
- Sweet Option – Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with cinnamon for a lightly sweetened version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Resting/fermentation time: 10-12 hours
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: italian
Keywords: sourdough focaccia, homemade focaccia, fluffy focaccia, sourdough bread, Italian bread