Pizza Dough Focaccia Bread Recipe
If you love the satisfying crunch of a golden crust combined with the tender, airy crumb of classic Italian bread, then this Pizza Dough Focaccia Bread is about to become your new obsession. It transforms simple pizza dough into a rich, flavorful focaccia that’s perfect for everything from a casual snack to an elegant appetizer. With its dimpled surface swimming in fragrant olive oil and sprinkled with flaky sea salt, every bite bursts with delightful texture and mouthwatering aroma. This recipe is an effortless way to impress friends and family with a bread that’s as versatile as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but make all the difference in creating a focaccia bread that’s tender inside, crispy out, and bursting with flavor. Each one plays a vital role in texture, taste, or aroma, so quality matters here.
- 1 lb pizza dough: Choose homemade or store-bought; the dough is the foundation of this focaccia and sets the stage for its light, chewy texture.
- 6 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (divided): High-quality olive oil provides richness and helps achieve that perfectly crisp crust and moist crumb.
- 2 tsp flaky sea salt: Adds a subtle crunch and layers of savory flavor that contrast beautifully with the olive oil.
How to Make Pizza Dough Focaccia Bread
Step 1: Prep the Dough
If you’re working with homemade pizza dough, prepare it in advance with your favorite recipe. For store-bought dough, be patient and let it rest for 30 to 45 minutes at room temperature before stretching. This resting period relaxes the gluten, making the dough easier to handle and resulting in a tender crumb after baking.
Step 2: Mold Dough to the Pan
Begin by generously coating a 9×13 baking pan with 2 tablespoons of that stellar extra virgin olive oil. Placing the dough in the pan, gently stretch it toward the edges. If the dough resists, don’t rush—cover it with a damp towel and let it rest another 15 minutes or so to ease elasticity. This step ensures an even thickness and a beautiful shape.
Step 3: Create the Dimples
Now for the signature look and texture—using your fingertips, dip them in the remaining olive oil and press straight down into the dough repeatedly as if you’re playing the piano. This technique creates delightful dimples that trap olive oil and any toppings you add, enhancing every bite with bursts of flavor and crispness.
Step 4: Add Your Favorite Toppings
Keeping it simple with flaky sea salt and fresh rosemary is always a winning combo, but don’t hesitate to get creative! Scatter sliced red onions, black olives, cherry tomatoes, or herbs like thyme and oregano across those dimples. A sprinkle of shredded Parmesan or a few garlic cloves adds savory depth too. The toppings soak into the oil-filled pockets during baking, building layers of taste and texture.
Step 5: Bake the Focaccia
Slide your pan into a preheated oven at 450˚F and bake for 22 to 25 minutes, aiming for a rich golden crust. The high heat crisps the exterior while maintaining an airy interior—pure perfection. Once baked, transfer the focaccia to a wire rack and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This step allows the crumb to set, ensuring every piece holds together beautifully.
How to Serve Pizza Dough Focaccia Bread
Garnishes
Finishing touches can elevate the focaccia from great to unforgettable. Try a light drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before serving for added flair and depth. Fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley add a pop of color and freshness. For an extra indulgent touch, smear a bit of whipped ricotta or garlic butter alongside.
Side Dishes
Pizza Dough Focaccia Bread pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Serve alongside a crisp green salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness. It also complements hearty soups or stews, soaking up flavorful broths deliciously. For a Mediterranean spread, offer it with olives, marinated vegetables, and a selection of cheeses.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is half the fun. Slice the focaccia into thick rectangles and arrange on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of olive oil for dipping. Layer slices with thinly sliced cured meats and arugula to build mini sandwiches. You can even cube it and serve as part of a bread salad or panzanella for a vibrant summer meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover Pizza Dough Focaccia Bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep it from drying out. It keeps well at room temperature for up to two days, maintaining its texture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to save focaccia for longer, freezing is a fantastic option. Wrap cooled focaccia tightly in aluminum foil and then a freezer bag. It will stay fresh for up to two months, ready to be thawed and enjoyed whenever a craving strikes.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked crispiness, warm slices in a 375˚F oven for 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid microwaving, which can make the bread chewy or soggy. Reheating this way restores the delightful texture and flavor every time.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough works wonderfully and can save you time without sacrificing flavor or texture. Just be sure to let it rest before stretching to get the best results.
What if I don’t have flaky sea salt?
If flaky sea salt isn’t available, coarse kosher salt is a good substitute. The important thing is to add that burst of salty crunch in each bite, which balances the olive oil beautifully.
Can I make this focaccia gluten-free?
Traditional pizza dough contains gluten, which is key to its texture. However, you can try a gluten-free pizza dough alternative, but expect a different texture. Experimenting with gluten-free blends designed for bread baking will give the best outcome.
How do the dimples affect the focaccia?
The dimples aren’t just for looks—they hold the olive oil and toppings, creating moist pockets and giving the focaccia its characteristic texture and flavor. Don’t skip this fun step!
Can I add toppings after baking?
While focaccia is usually topped before baking, you can certainly add fresh herbs, grated cheese, or a drizzle of olive oil right after baking to enhance flavor and presentation.
Final Thoughts
Making Pizza Dough Focaccia Bread at home is a joyful experience that offers endless opportunities for creativity and indulgence. Whether you keep it simple or dress it up, this bread is guaranteed to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. So grab your olive oil and dough, and dive into the delicious world of focaccia—your taste buds will thank you!
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Pizza Dough Focaccia Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy and versatile Pizza Dough Focaccia Bread recipe uses simple ingredients to create a golden, crispy, and flavorful bread perfect as a side or base for your favorite toppings. Made from homemade or store-bought pizza dough, enriched with extra virgin olive oil and flaky sea salt, this focaccia features characteristic dimples for a classic texture and allows for creative toppings like rosemary, olives, or cherry tomatoes.
Ingredients
Basic Ingredients
- 1 lb pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
- 6 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (divided, use high quality for best results)
- 2 tsp flaky sea salt (or coarse sea salt)
Instructions
- Prep Dough: Prepare homemade pizza dough using your preferred recipe, or let store-bought dough rest at room temperature for 30-45 minutes to become pliable. Remove it from its packaging before proceeding.
- Mold dough to the Pan: Generously coat a 9×13 inch baking pan with 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Place the dough in the pan and gently stretch it towards the edges. If it resists stretching, cover and rest the dough for another 10-15 minutes, then try again. Once fully stretched, cover with a damp towel and allow the dough to rest for 45-60 minutes to rise slightly.
- Create the Dimples: Pour 4 tablespoons of olive oil over the dough surface. Using your fingertips, quickly poke straight down into the dough repeatedly like playing piano keys to create many dimples across its surface. This step helps give the focaccia its characteristic texture and holds pockets of olive oil.
- Add Toppings: Keep it simple by sprinkling flaky sea salt and fresh rosemary into the dimples. For variety, consider toppings such as sliced red onions, shallots, pitted olives, cherry tomatoes, fresh or roasted garlic cloves, assorted herbs, shredded Parmesan cheese, or sliced sweet or spicy peppers. Arrange toppings creatively to your liking.
- Bake the Focaccia: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Bake the focaccia for 22-25 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and crisp. For a crisper crust, bake for the full 25 minutes. Once baked, immediately transfer the bread to a wire rack and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Using really good quality extra virgin olive oil greatly enhances the flavor.
- Ensure proper resting times for the dough to achieve a light, airy texture inside.
- Dimples help trap olive oil and toppings, preventing sliding when baked.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze slices for longer storage.
- Warm the dough before shaping if using refrigerated store-bought dough to ease handling.
- For gluten-free variations, use gluten-free pizza dough alternatives but note texture differences.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/8 of focaccia)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Focaccia, Pizza Dough Bread, Italian Bread, Olive Oil Bread, Homemade Focaccia, Easy Bread Recipe, Rosemary Focaccia
