Sourdough Focaccia Bread: Crispy, Chewy, and Irresistibly Golden

Few things in life are as satisfying as homemade sourdough focaccia bread. With its crispy golden crust, airy crumb, and slightly tangy flavor, this bread is heavenly on its own or as the perfect sidekick to soups, salads, and pastas. Whether you’re a sourdough enthusiast or just love great bread, focaccia is easy to make, endlessly customizable, and a crowd favorite every time.

Why You’ll Love This Sourdough Focaccia

✔️ No Knead, No Fuss – Just mix, stretch, and let time do the work.
✔️ Crispy Outside, Soft Inside – That signature crackle and chew.
✔️ Naturally Leavened – Made with your sourdough starter, no commercial yeast.
✔️ Perfect for Topping – From rosemary and sea salt to olives, tomatoes, or garlic—get creative!

Secrets to the Best Focaccia

1. Long Fermentation = Flavor

Letting the dough rest overnight in the fridge develops that signature sourdough tang and chew.

2. Olive Oil Magic

Generous olive oil in the pan and on top creates that crispy golden crust.

3. Dimple with Love

Pressing your fingers into the dough makes those classic dimples, perfect for catching oil and herbs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

500g (about 4 cups) bread flour
100g (about ½ cup) active sourdough starter
10g (about 2 tsp) sea salt
375g (about 1 ½ cups + 1 tbsp) water, lukewarm
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (plus more for drizzling)

Optional Toppings

Flaky sea salt
Fresh rosemary, thyme, or basil
Cherry tomatoes, olives, or roasted garlic

How to Make Sourdough Focaccia

Step 1: Mix the Dough

In a large bowl, mix sourdough starter, water, and flour until combined.
Add salt and mix until incorporated.
Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Stretch & Fold

Perform 3 sets of stretch and folds over 90 minutes (every 30 minutes).
After final fold, cover and refrigerate overnight (8–12 hours).

Step 3: Shape & Proof

Oil a baking pan generously.
Transfer dough to the pan and gently stretch it to fill.
Let dough proof at room temp for 4–5 hours, until puffy and bubbly.

Step 4: Dimple & Top

Drizzle dough with olive oil and use your fingers to make deep dimples.
Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and toppings of choice.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
Bake for 20–25 minutes until deep golden brown and crisp on the bottom.
Cool slightly before slicing and devouring.

Storage & Reheating

Storing Leftovers:

Wrap tightly and store at room temp for 2 days, or refrigerate up to 4.

Reheating Instructions:

Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5–10 minutes to restore crispness.

Freezing Instructions:

Freeze slices in a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thaw and toast as needed.

Topping Ideas for Every Mood

🌿 Herb Classic – Rosemary, thyme, garlic, olive oil.
🍅 Mediterranean – Cherry tomatoes, olives, feta, oregano.
🧀 Cheesy Delight – Shredded mozzarella, parmesan, red pepper flakes.
🍓 Sweet Twist – Sliced figs, honey drizzle, goat cheese.

What to Serve with Focaccia

🥗 Salads – Caesar, caprese, or arugula with lemon vinaigrette.
🍝 Pasta Dishes – Mop up sauces from your favorite spaghetti or lasagna.
🫒 Charcuterie Boards – Cut into strips for dipping in hummus, tapenade, or olive oil.
🍲 Soups – Tomato basil, minestrone, or creamy potato leek.

Final Thoughts: Bake, Share, Repeat

Sourdough Focaccia Bread is elegant yet rustic, simple yet impressive. With just a bit of time and love, you’ll have beautifully golden, bubbly bread that’s perfect for any meal or occasion.

Ready to bake your own? Tell me—what toppings do you love on focaccia?

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