The Ultimate Sourdough Focaccia Recipe

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Looking to bake the perfect sourdough focaccia recipe at home? This easy-to-follow guide will help you achieve a crispy, golden crust and a light, airy texture using a naturally fermented sourdough starter. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this homemade sourdough focaccia is a must-try!

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Freshly baked focaccia bread with rosemary and sea salt.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Sourdough Focaccia Recipe

  • No kneading required, making it perfect for beginners.
  • Naturally fermented for a rich and complex flavor.
  • Versatile—great as a snack, side dish, or sandwich bread.
  • A great way to use excess sourdough starter instead of discarding it.

Ingredients for the Best Sourdough Focaccia Bread

Essential Ingredients for a Perfect No-Knead Sourdough Focaccia

  • 500g bread flour (high-protein for a chewier texture)
  • 100g active sourdough starter (fed within 4-6 hours before use)
  • 400g water, lukewarm
  • 10g salt, fine sea salt
  • 30g olive oil, plus more for drizzling

Optional Toppings for Your Artisan Sourdough Focaccia

  • Fresh rosemary
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Flaky sea salt
  • Garlic cloves
  • Caramelized onions

Essential Equipment

Ensure you have the following tools:

  • Mixing bowl for dough preparation
  • Digital scale for precise measurements
  • 9×13-inch baking pan, preferably non-stick
  • Plastic wrap or a damp towel for covering the dough
  • Bench scraper to handle the dough

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Easy Sourdough Focaccia

1. Preparing Your Sourdough Starter for Focaccia

Your starter should be bubbly and active. If unsure, perform the float test by dropping a spoonful into water—if it floats, it’s ready to use.

2. Mixing the Dough for a Light and Airy Sourdough Focaccia

  1. In a large bowl, combine:
    • 100g sourdough starter
    • 400g lukewarm water
    • 500g bread flour
    • 10g salt
  2. Mix until the dough is shaggy and well-combined.
  3. Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes (autolyse step).

3. Bulk Fermentation: Achieving the Best Sourdough Focaccia Bread

  1. Allow the dough to ferment at room temperature for 12-18 hours, or until it doubles in size.
  2. Perform stretch and folds every 30 minutes during the first 2 hours.
Step-by-step process of making focaccia bread.

4. Shaping and Proofing Your Homemade Focaccia with Sourdough Starter

  1. Oil a 9×13-inch baking pan with olive oil.
  2. Gently transfer the dough, stretching it to fit the pan.
  3. Cover and proof for 4-6 hours, until puffy.

5. Dimpling and Topping for a Crispy Sourdough Focaccia Crust

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Use your fingertips to dimple the dough.
  3. Drizzle with olive oil and add toppings.

6. Baking Tips for the Perfect Golden Brown Focaccia with Sourdough

  1. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
  2. Allow it to cool before slicing to retain moisture.

How to Store and Reheat Artisan Sourdough Focaccia

  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
  • Freeze for up to 3 months, wrapped tightly.
  • Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.
Step-by-step process of making rustic bread from preparation to baking.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

  • Why is my dough sticky? Reduce hydration slightly in humid environments.
  • Why is my focaccia dense? Ensure proper proofing and avoid over-handling the dough.
  • Why isn’t my dough rising? Your starter might not be active enough.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Yes, but the texture will be softer and less chewy.

Can I refrigerate the dough overnight?
Yes, this enhances the flavor through slow fermentation.

How do I know when my dough is ready to bake?
It should look puffy and slightly jiggly when gently shaken.

Conclusion

Baking sourdough focaccia is a rewarding process that results in a crispy, airy, and flavorful bread perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it as a snack, appetizer, or main dish, this easy recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.

For more delicious recipes, explore the blog section of The Art of Recipes and discover exciting new dishes to try next!

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