Ah, the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through the house—there’s nothing quite like it, is there? There’s a special kind of magic that happens in the kitchen when you mix a little flour, water, and salt, and let the sourdough do its thing. One of my absolute favorites to whip up is this Simple Sourdough Focaccia. It takes me back to lazy Sunday afternoons in my grandma’s kitchen, where the family would gather, sharing stories and the warm, pillowy bread she made using her beloved sourdough starter.

This focaccia is perfect for so many occasions—whether it’s a quiet Friday night dinner or a festive gathering with loved ones. The crispy edges and the soft, airy interior create a delightful contrast that’s simply irresistible. Let me guide you through this delicious journey of baking focaccia, and I promise you’ll be hooked.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to make, even if you’re a beginner in bread-baking.
Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or laid-back brunch.
Budget-friendly ingredients you probably already have on hand.
Incredible texture and flavor that will impress your friends and family.
Versatile—toppings can be customized based on your mood!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this scrumptious focaccia:

1 cup active sourdough starter (make sure it’s bubbly!)
1 cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
3 cups all-purpose flour (plus a little extra for dusting)
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
Optional toppings: fresh herbs (like rosemary or thyme), sea salt, sliced olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or garlic.

Note: Using fresh garlic instead of powdered will give you a fragrant punch!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to dive into the process? Let’s get our hands a little messy!

Mix the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the active sourdough starter and warm water. Stir until the starter is dissolved. Gradually add the flour and salt, and mix with a wooden spoon or your hands until it comes together, forming a shaggy dough.
Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it gently for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Don’t worry if it feels a little sticky; that’s part of the charm of focaccia!
First rise: Lightly oil a clean bowl and place your kneaded dough inside, turning it around to coat it in oil. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Prepare the baking dish: About 30 minutes before the dough is ready, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Generously grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil. This will help the focaccia get that golden crispiness we adore!
Shape the dough: Once your dough has risen, gently punch it down to deflate it. Transfer the dough into your oiled baking dish, and using your fingers, stretch and press it into the corners without tearing it. If the dough resists, let it rest for a few minutes before continuing.
Second rise: Cover the dish with a towel and let the dough rise again for another 30-45 minutes until puffy. This step is crucial for that lovely texture.
Add toppings: Once the dough has risen, drizzle some more olive oil on top and sprinkle sea salt generously. If you’re using herbs or other toppings, now’s the time to get creative! Don’t be shy—load it up with your favorites!
Bake: Pop it in the oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and irresistibly fragrant. If you can’t keep yourself from stealing a peek (I totally understand!), you’ll likely see the edges crisping up perfectly!
Cool and serve: Once baked, let it cool for a few minutes in the pan, then lift it out and transfer it to a wire rack. Slice it at room temperature or serve warm with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping.

Pro Tips & Variations

Feeling adventurous? Here are a few fun ways to make this focaccia your own:

Herbed Delight: Mix in some dried Italian herbs into the dough for a fragrant twist.
Olive Lovers: Toss in some chopped Kalamata olives or marinated artichokes for an added burst of flavor.
Cheese Please: Sprinkle some grated parmesan or crumbled feta before baking for a cheesy treat!
Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of spice.

Remember, the beauty of focaccia is its versatility, so have fun with it! Just be cautious not to overload the toppings—too many can weigh it down.

Serving Suggestions

This focaccia can be enjoyed in so many ways! Here are a few of my favorite serving ideas:

As an appetizer: Serve warm with a side of olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping.
Pair with soup or salad: It’s the perfect companion to a hearty minestrone or a fresh arugula salad—so comforting!
For sandwiches: Use it as the base for a delicious sandwich. Just cut it in half and add your favorite fillings!
Anytime snack: Enjoy it plain, perhaps with a lovely cup of coffee or tea. It surprisingly makes for a lovely breakfast option too!

Storage Tips

Want to savor your focaccia a bit longer? Here’s how to store it:

Refrigerate: Wrap the cooled focaccia in plastic wrap or foil and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just pop it into the toaster or oven for a few minutes to crisp it up again!
Freeze: Cut the focaccia into slices and wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place in a zip-top bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat when you’re ready!
Reheat: To regain that fresh-baked feel, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. It’s like magic! You’ll never guess it was frozen!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of flour?

Absolutely! You can experiment with bread flour for a chewier texture or whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor. Just remember it might affect the hydration level, so adjust accordingly!

What if I don’t have sourdough starter?

No worries! You can use a simple yeast dough recipe instead. Just mix warm water, yeast, and flour (along with a bit of sugar) and let it rise the same way!

How can I tell when my focaccia is done baking?

It should be golden brown on top. You can also gently tap the bottom of the focaccia; if it sounds hollow, it’s perfectly baked!

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and place it in the fridge to slow down its rise. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before baking. This makes for a great make-ahead meal!

Conclusion

And there you have it—your very own Simple Sourdough Focaccia, made with love and a sprinkle of patience! I hope this recipe brings warmth to your kitchen and puts a smile on your face, just like it does for me every time I bake it. I’d love to hear how yours turns out or what unique toppings you experimented with! Feel free to drop a comment or tag me on social media. Happy baking, my friend!