The Ultimate Sourdough Focaccia Recipe

There’s something undeniably comforting about the scent of homemade bread filling your kitchen it’s the kind of magic that makes you stop and just breathe it in. A few weekends ago, I finally decided to bake easy sourdough focaccia from scratch, and oh, what a revelation it was. That golden, dimpled crust sprinkled with herbs and bursting cherry tomatoes looked straight out of a bakery, and the first bite? Pure heaven. Crisp on the outside, cloud-soft within it was everything I’d hoped for and more.

I won’t lie sourdough once felt like an intimidating mystery. But this recipe completely changed that. It’s approachable, adaptable, and foolproof enough to turn anyone into a confident home baker. So roll up your sleeves and preheat that oven let’s make some magic, one deliciously golden loaf at a time.

Why You’ll Love This Sourdough Focaccia Recipe

This focaccia bread has completely won my heart, and here’s why it’ll win yours too:

• It’s surprisingly beginner-friendly – No fancy techniques or equipment needed, just patience and love
• The texture is absolutely divine – Crispy, golden crust with an airy, tender interior that’s pure comfort
• Endless topping possibilities – From classic herbs to creative combinations, make it uniquely yours
• Perfect for sharing – This bread brings people together around the table like nothing else

What You’ll Need

Let me walk you through the beautiful ingredients that make this homemade sourdough focaccia so special:

• Unbleached all-purpose flour – The foundation of our bread, providing structure and that perfect chew
• Bread flour – This adds extra protein for a beautifully elastic dough that rises like a dream
• Room temperature water – Always use filtered if possible; your sourdough starter will thank you
• Fine sea salt – Not just for flavor, but essential for dough development and texture
• Mature sourdough starter – Your bubbly, active starter at peak height is the star of the show
• Extra virgin olive oil – Choose a good quality one; it makes all the difference in flavor
• Coarse sea salt – For that perfect finishing touch and delightful crunch
• Fresh herbs, garlic, tomatoes – Whatever makes your heart sing; I love rosemary and thyme

Let’s Bake It Together

Here’s where the magic happens. Don’t worry if you’re new to sourdough focaccia baking – I’ll guide you through every step:

1. Mix your foundation. In the morning, combine your flours, most of the water, salt, and that beautiful active starter in a large bowl. Mix until it forms a shaggy dough, then knead until smooth and elastic. This is where the love begins!
2. Add the remaining water slowly. Gradually work in that last bit of water, then drizzle in the olive oil. Keep kneading until everything comes together in a silky, smooth dough. You’ll feel it transform under your hands – it’s pure magic.
3. First rest period. Transfer your dough to an oiled bowl, cover, and let it rest in a warm spot for 30 minutes. I love using my oven with just the light on – it’s the perfect cozy environment.
4. Stretch and fold technique. Every 30 minutes for 2 hours, perform gentle stretch and folds. Grab one side, stretch up, and fold over. Rotate and repeat. This builds strength without overworking the dough.
5. Pan preparation. Oil your 13×9-inch pan generously. Transfer the dough gently – those bubbles are precious! Stretch it toward the corners every 30 minutes for 2 hours. Be patient; it’ll get there.
6. Final proof. Let the dough rest undisturbed for another 2 hours. This is when it develops those beautiful air pockets that make artisan focaccia so special.
7. Dimple and top. Drizzle with olive oil and use your fingertips to create those characteristic dimples. Add your favorite toppings – this is where you make it yours!
8. Bake to golden perfection. Into a 400°F oven for about 30 minutes, rotating halfway through. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s gorgeously golden and sounds hollow when tapped.
9. Cool and enjoy. Let it rest for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. The hardest part? Waiting to slice into it!

Serving Suggestions

This Italian sourdough focaccia is incredibly versatile. Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy it:

• Classic antipasto style – Slice and serve with olive tapenade, fresh mozzarella, and prosciutto
• Sandwich heaven – Split horizontally for the most amazing sandwiches you’ve ever had
• Soup companion – There’s nothing better alongside a bowl of minestrone or tomato soup
• Party appetizer – Cut into squares and watch them disappear at your next gathering

Make It Your Own

The beauty of this Easy sourdough focaccia recipe is how adaptable it is:

• Mediterranean twist – Top with sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and fresh oregano
• Caramelized onion version – Add slowly cooked onions with fresh thyme for something special
• Seasonal variations – Try roasted grapes with rosemary in fall, or fresh zucchini in summer
• Cheese lovers’ dream – Finish with grated Parmesan or crumbled feta

Sourdough Focaccia : Kitchen Tips & Tricks

Let me share some wisdom I’ve gathered from my bread making adventures:

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

This homemade Sourdough Focaccia keeps beautifully when stored properly:

• Room temperature storage – Wrap in a clean kitchen towel for up to 3 days
• Freezing option – Slice and freeze for up to 3 months; toast straight from frozen
• Reheating magic – A quick warm in a 350°F oven brings back that fresh-baked texture
• Make-ahead tip – You can prepare the dough the night before and finish baking in the morning

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Recipes You’ll Love

• Easy Moist Pumpkin Bread Recipe
• Easy Pumpkin Roll Recipe
• Pumpkin Streusel Bread Recipe
• Moist Pumpkin Bread Recipe
• Ultimate Chocolate Layer Cake Recipe

Final Thoughts

This sourdough focaccia recipe has become one of my absolute favorites to share because it perfectly captures the joy of home baking. There’s something so satisfying about creating this beautiful, golden bread from simple ingredients and a little patience. The way it brings people together, the incredible aroma that fills your kitchen, and that first bite of warm, pillowy bread – it’s pure magic.

I hope this sourdough focaccia recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has to mine. Don’t be afraid to experiment with toppings and make it uniquely yours. After all, the best bread is made with love, not just precision.

Thanks for baking with me today! I’d love to hear how your focaccia turns out – share your creations and let me know what toppings became your favorites.

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