What is Sourdough Focaccia?

Sourdough Focaccia is a type of Italian flatbread that celebrates simplicity and flavor, tracing its roots back to ancient culinary traditions. Known for its versatility, this bread can be topped with an array of ingredients, making it a favorite in many households. The beauty of this Simple Sourdough dish lies in its ease of preparation, as seen in our Recipe Using Sourdough Starter, showcasing how accessible it can be for home bakers.

Ingredients (with Servings)

This Sourdough Focaccia recipe serves 8, perfect for sharing or enjoying throughout the week. You can easily scale the recipe up or down to suit your needs. Heres what youll need:

• Main Ingredients:
  • 4 cups flour (all-purpose or bread flour)
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 cup sourdough starter or discard
• Seasoning Mixture:
  • Sea salt
  • Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, etc.)
• Optional Add-Ons:
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Olives
  • Cheese (feta, mozzarella)

Directions (Step-by-Step)

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes. Follow these steps to create your Sourdough Focaccia Bread Recipe:

1. Preheat your oven to 425F (220C) and prepare your baking pans by lightly greasing them with olive oil.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, water, salt, olive oil, and sourdough starter. Mix until well combined.
3. Let the dough rest for 30 minutes, covered with a damp cloth.
4. Transfer the dough to the prepared baking pans and stretch it gently to fit.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt and fresh herbs.
6. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on the outside. Enjoy!

Serving Size Adjustments (Scaling Table)

Whether you’re cooking for a small group or a crowd, here’s how to scale your Sourdough Focaccia recipe:

Recipe Variations

Get creative with your Sourdough Focaccia by trying these variations:

• Vegetarian: Enhance with seasonal vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour in your Foccacia Recipe.
• Low-Carb: Use cauliflower rice as a base for a healthier twist.

Consider serving it with soups or salads, and dont forget to incorporate fresh herbs during summer for a vibrant flavor profile.

Serving Tips

Pair your Sourdough Focaccia with a fresh salad or a flavorful olive tapenade for a delightful meal. For a beautiful presentation, slice the focaccia into squares and arrange them on a platter. A drizzle of balsamic glaze can elevate the dish, enhancing both flavor and appearance.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Utilizing Sourdough Starter Discard not only reduces waste but also adds a unique flavor to your bread. The adaptability of Sourdough Focaccia makes it suitable for any occasion, whether it’s a casual dinner or a festive gathering. Plus, this Simple Sourdough recipe is kid-friendly, ensuring everyone in the family will enjoy it.

Pro Tips

• Always preheat the oven for a perfect crust on your Sourdough Focaccia.
• For a crispy bottom, consider using a cast-iron skillet.
• Store leftovers in airtight containers to maintain freshness and flavor.

Customizations

Feel free to modify your Sourdough Focaccia with these themed customizations:

• Low-Carb Option: Substitute with zucchini noodles for a fresh twist.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour in the Sourdough Focaccia Bread Recipe.
• Kid-Friendly Option: Simplify toppings and reduce spice for younger palates.

Key Takeaways:

• Sourdough Focaccia is easy to make and absolutely delicious.
• It is perfect for using up Sourdough Starter Discard.
• Highly customizable to cater to various dietary needs and preferences.

FAQs

• What is the best way to store leftover focaccia? Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Can I freeze Sourdough Focaccia? Yes, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and it can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• How do I know when the focaccia is done baking? It should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
• What can I do with leftover Sourdough Starter Discard? Use it in pancakes, waffles, or as a base for other baked goods.
• How can I make a vegan version of this recipe? Substitute the olive oil with a plant-based alternative and omit any cheese toppings.