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Simple Sourdough Focaccia First Image

Sourdough Focaccia


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  • Author: Chef John
  • Total Time: 14 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 1 large focaccia 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This delicious sourdough focaccia is light, airy, and perfect for dipping or as a sandwich base.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 500g all-purpose flour (about 3 1/3 cups)
  • 10g fine sea salt (about 1 1/2 tsp)
  • 100g active sourdough starter (about 1/3 cup)
  • 350g water (about 1 1/2 cups), room temperature
  • Olive oil (for coating and finishing)
  • Flaky sea salt (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Mix the dough (evening before): In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the sourdough starter and water. Stir until no dry bits remain. The dough will be shaggy and sticky—don’t worry, that’s perfect. Cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let rest for 30 minutes.
  2. Stretch and fold: After the rest, perform one round of stretch and folds right in the bowl. Grab a section of dough, stretch it upward, then fold it over. Rotate the bowl and repeat 4 times. Cover again and let rest overnight at room temperature for 12–14 hours.
  3. Morning shaping and second rise: The next morning, your dough should be jiggly, bubbly, and roughly doubled in size. Generously oil a quarter or half sheet pan (depending on thickness preference) and gently ease the dough into it. Let it rest for about 4 hours until it spreads toward the edges and gets puffy.
  4. Dimple and top: Drizzle olive oil generously over the top. Use your fingertips to gently dimple the dough, pressing down to create those signature focaccia pockets. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and any other toppings you love—rosemary, cherry tomatoes, sliced red onions, or olives work beautifully.
  5. Bake: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the focaccia for 25–30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the edges are crisp and caramelized.
  6. Cool and serve: Let the focaccia cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature with a little dipping oil or alongside your favorite dish.

Notes

  • Make sure to use a digital scale for accurate measurements of ingredients.
  • Experiment with different toppings to find your favorite combination.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice