A Simple Sourdough Focaccia Recipe — Stripes & Willows (2024)

Sourdough Focaccia Bread

My super simple sourdough focaccia recipe is one of my most prized recipes! I love the crunchy outside with the slightly tangy fluffy inside, it’s the perfect side dish or main for any meal (in my blatantly biased opinion).

My recipe is a same day sourdough focaccia, so I also add yeast to get it to rise within a couple of hours because of this you can either use your sourdough discard or active sourdough starter. It doesn’t impact the flavor and it just means this recipe is more versatile and practical for day-to-day life.

You will love having this recipe in your back pocket, it’s a real crowd-pleaser, looks impressive when served, and is perfect for when you’re hosting friends or want to make something a little extra yummy for your family.

What is sourdough focaccia bread?

Only the greatest thing to grace my mouth but if you want the real answer, sourdough focaccia bread is a flat-shaped bread from Italy that is naturally leavened with a sourdough starter.

The bread is then sprinkled with your favorite toppings and cooked in an oven until cooked to perfection.

My favorite sourdough focaccia toppings:

• Classic and simple extra virgin olive oil, crushed sea salt, and fresh rosemary.

• Caramelized onions and sharp cheddar cheese.

• Beautiful cherry tomatoes, olive oil, and thyme.

• Basil pesto and a sprinkle of your favorite cheese.

• Red onion, anchovies, and a generous drizzle of olive oil.

• Thinly sliced red and yellow peppers, crushed sea salt, and a sprinkle of smoked paprika.

• Pitted olives with a sprinkle of Gouda cheese.

You name it the possibilities are endless! I also think you could turn it sweet with some fresh peach slices and a drizzle of maple syrup! My mouth is almost watering.

Best ways to serve sourdough focaccia bread:

• I sometimes use this recipe for the base of a homemade pizza with all the trimmings.

• Serve with hummus and pickles.

• You can use this as a side dish, dipping in your yummy soups!

• Toasted with slices of beefsteak tomatoes, sea salt, and cracked pepper.

• The perfect partner for your morning eggs.

• A fragrant pate spread over a slice with fresh arugula.

• Sliced long ways and then toasted for extra delicious sandwiches.

• Cheddar cheese, savory and tangy fruit chutney, with a fried egg sandwich! Chefs kiss!

• Toasted lightly with a classic smear of butter when hot so it starts to melt and then a tiny sprinkle of salt.

• Thinly slice and add to your next fabulous charcuterie board.

As you can see there are so many tasty ways to serve this bread up! My son actually loves a sourdough slice which is great because he can be a picky eater and his personal favorite is plain with butter.

Tips for making sourdough focaccia bread:

• Do I need sourdough starter to make this recipe?

  Yes, you need a sourdough starter for leavening and that tasty sour flavor. But because of the added yeast you can use sourdough discard if you don’t want to wait for it to activate.

• Is this sourdough focaccia recipe quick?

  Yes! This is an eat the same day recipe. Your bread will be ready in approximately 3.5 hours.

More sourdough recipes to try:

• Easy Homemade Sourdough Starter

• Sourdough Discard Brownies

Enjoy! Paige x