These focaccia toppings take the already delightful and fluffy bread to a whole new level of deliciousness.
There is nothing I love more than baking focaccia.
I’ve been making focaccia since I was young, watching my nonna in the kitchen.
But focaccia is so much more than something I grew up with—it’s become a culinary passion of mine because of its incredible versatility.
The beauty of focaccia lies in how easy it is to customize and experiment with different focaccia toppings. I am always eager to see what new combinations I can come up with.
What is focaccia
Focaccia is a traditional Italian bread renowned for its light and airy texture, golden crust, and aromatic flavors. It is believed to have originated in the Liguria region of Italy.
Focaccia has simple ingredients like flour, water, yeast, salt, and olive oil.
Before being baked, The dough is topped with various ingredients, such as herbs, vegetables, cheese, or even fruits.
HOW TO MAKE FOCACCIA
Making focaccia at home is surprisingly easy. T
he process begins by mixing the dough’s ingredients – flour, water, yeast, and salt- together. Knead the dough until it is elastic and let it rise until it is doubled.
Then, press or roll it out into your baking vessel and dimple the surface with your fingers. Drizzle generously with olive oil and add any toppings.
Let it rise once more before baking until lightly golden. The key is keeping the dough tender on the inside while developing a crisp crust on the outside.
Best tips when Making focaccia
Here are some valuable tips to keep in mind:
- Since olive oil plays a prominent role in the flavor of focaccia, opt for a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best results.
- Proper kneading develops the gluten structure.
- Let the dough rise until it has doubled in size before baking. This will make it light and airy inside.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH FOCACCIA
Focaccia is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some ideas for serving your freshly baked focaccia:
Serve it as an appetizer: Cut the focaccia into bite-sized pieces and serve with a selection of dips, such as hummus and tzatziki.
You can also create a simple dipping sauce by combining balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil.
Make a sandwich: Slice the focaccia horizontally and fill it with your favorite sandwich ingredients.
I must say, I really enjoy making Italian chicken cutlet sandwiches with focaccia.
Pair it with soups and stews: Focaccia is perfect with a bowl of warm soup or a hearty stew.
Its soft texture soaks up all the delicious flavors.
Enjoy it alone: Sometimes, a simple slice of focaccia is all you need to satisfy your cravings.
Its flavorful crust and fluffy interior are a delight on their own.
FOCACCIA TOPPINGS
#1 focaccia with olive and tomato
This is a classic Mediterranean combination.
Top the risen dough with halved cherry tomatoes, torn basil leaves, and pitted kalamata olives.
Drizzle with fruity extra virgin olive oil before baking until the tomatoes are softened. Perfect for warm-weather meals.
#2 Sage Focaccia
Sage focaccia bread is so easy ~ no kneading!
And makes a beautiful presentation on your table.
#3 Miso Mushroom Focaccia
This version of Miso Mushroom Focaccia is easy to make.
Its airy dough is adorned with crunchy, flavorful mushrooms infused with the rich tastes of miso and maple.
#4 Focaccia with Pickled Grapes and Speck
A deliciously crusty and chewy flatbread with pickled grapes, speck, and thyme.
This focaccia has a light crumb and big bursts of flavor from the bold toppings.
#5 PESTO FOCACCIA BREAD
Crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, this no-knead focaccia bread has herbaceous, garlicky basil pesto pressed into the dough.
#6 Burrata and Prosciutto Focaccia
Top with thinly sliced prosciutto and a grinding of black pepper.
The creamy burrata combined with salty prosciutto is indulgence at its best.
#7 BLUEBERRY AND THYME FOCACCIA
Try adding a sweetness to your focaccia for a unique twist.
The juicy bursts of blueberries combined with the earthy aroma of thyme create a delightful balance of flavors.
#8 SARDINE AND OLIVES FOCACCIA
Not for the faint of heart, but oh so delicious.
Layer sardine fillets atop pitted kalamata olives, anchovies, and oregano.
Salty, briny flavors that pair perfectly with a glass of white wine.
#9 TOMATO & CHEESE FOCACCIA BREAD
This is a classic you can’t go wrong with. Top with diced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella pearls, and ribbons of basil.
Perfect for picnic lunches or snacking.
#10 Chilli Cheese Focaccia
Give your bread some kick! Spread garlicky chili over the dough, then sprinkle with cheddar cheese shreds.
It’s spicy and satisfying.
#11 cherry honey goat cheese focaccia
Sweet meets savory in this elegant focaccia, which combines goat cheese, honey-roasted cherries, and fresh thyme.
An unusual but super delicious focaccia toppings.
#12 Rosemary Focaccia Bread
Keep it simple yet flavorful with a classic rosemary focaccia.
The fragrant herb adds a delightful aroma and a hint of earthiness to your bread.
It’s one of my favorite focaccia toppings.
#13 Olive & Sun Dried Tomato Focaccia Recipe
Combine the intense flavors of olives and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired focaccia.
The concentrated sweetness of the tomatoes and the briny notes of the olives create a harmonious blend.
#14 Focaccia with Parmesan, Rosemary and Roasted Garlic
A more rustic topping combination is perfect for hunks of this bread with soup.
#15 Focaccia with Bell Pepper
Add a pop of color to your focaccia with vibrant bell peppers.
#16 Cranberry Focaccia
The slight tanginess of the cranberries adds a refreshing twist to the bread, making it a delightful choice for both savory and sweet toppings.
#17 ZA’ATAR & OLIVE FOCACCIA
Focaccia is a traditional Italian bread, but,, it’s given a Mediterranean twist with Za’atar and black olives here.
It’s perfect for dipping in extra virgin olive oil!
#18 LIGURIAN FOCACCIA
#19 FOCACCIA BARESE
What sets it apart from other types of focaccia is that it is made with a potato-based dough, which gives it a soft and pillowy texture
#20 Sweet Focaccia With Dried Fruits
The natural sweetness of the fruits pairs perfectly with the soft and pillowy bread.
Faq’s
Can I freeze focaccia?
Yes, you can freeze focaccia. Once cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer bag.
When ready to enjoy it, thaw it at room temperature or reheat it in a preheated oven for a few minutes.
Can I make focaccia ahead of time?
Yes, you can make focaccia in advance.
Once baked, let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.