Sourdough Focaccia Pizza: Simply Irresistible

Sourdough focaccia pizza is a delicious fusion of airy sourdough and classic pizza flavors. You’ll love the bubbly, puffy crust created using a robust sourdough starter.

Baked in a rectangular pan, it delivers crispy edges and a soft center. Just top it with homemade sauce, mozzarella, and your favorite toppings for a satisfying meal.

For the best results, pre-bake the dough and experiment with various toppings like roasted veggies or fresh herbs. Store leftovers properly to enjoy this treat later. Curious about perfecting your sourdough focaccia pizza? There’s so much more to explore.

Key Takeaways

• Sourdough focaccia pizza features a bubbly, puffy base baked in a rectangular sheet pan, resulting in a crispy edge and soft center.
• The dough is made with a mix of all-purpose and whole wheat flour, a robust sourdough starter, and requires proper fermentation techniques.
• Homemade pizza sauce enhances flavor, while mozzarella cheese is the primary topping, allowing for endless customization with additional toppings.
• Bake at high temperatures for a golden brown crust; pre-baking the dough helps avoid sogginess when adding toppings.
• Store in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days, or freeze for up to three months, ensuring quality and flavor retention.

Ingredients Required

To create a delicious sourdough focaccia pizza, you’ll need a well-balanced array of ingredients that come together to form the perfect dough and toppings.

Begin with 300g of all-purpose flour and 100g of whole wheat flour, which will provide structure and flavor. You’ll also need 12g of salt, 320g of water, and 80g of an active sourdough starter for ideal fermentation and flavor development in your focaccia dough.

Don’t forget the extra virgin olive oil! Use 5 tablespoons to grease your pan and enhance that crispy crust you crave.

The heart of your pizza is the homemade pizza sauce, made by sautéing garlic and oregano with crushed tomatoes for about 30 minutes—this adds a rich, savory base to your creation.

For toppings, go with 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, which melts beautifully and complements the sauce.

Feel free to get creative with additional toppings, like pepperoni or an assortment of vegetables, ensuring your pizza reflects your personal taste.

Dough Preparation Process

Now that you’ve gathered all the ingredients for your sourdough focaccia pizza, it’s time to bring them together in the dough preparation process. Start by combining 300g all-purpose flour, 100g whole wheat flour, and 12g salt in a large bowl.

In another bowl, mix 320g warm water with 80g active sourdough starter until it becomes frothy. Then, pour this mixture into the flour and salt, ensuring no dry flour remains. Maintaining an ideal dough temperature of 74 to 78°F (23 to 25°C) during this process is essential for yeast and bacteria activity, contributing to a flavorful and well-structured dough, as noted in bulk fermentation tips.

Here’s a quick outline of the steps you’ll follow:

1. Initial Rest: Let the dough rest at room temperature for 30 minutes. This allows for hydration and gluten development.
2. Bulk Fermentation: Perform stretch and folds 10-15 times during the bulk fermentation phase, which lasts about 4 hours or until the dough has doubled.
3. Transfer to Baking Pan: After bulk fermentation, gently place the dough into an oiled baking pan, stretching it to fit. Allow it to rise again until it’s noticeably puffy before baking.

Baking Techniques

Baking a perfect sourdough focaccia pizza requires attention to detail and a few key techniques that elevate your creation. Start by pre-baking the focaccia dough in your chosen pan for 5-10 minutes. This vital step prevents a soggy base and guarantees even cooking.

Don’t skimp on the olive oil; using 1/4 cup in the skillet adds flavor and contributes to a wonderfully crispy crust. Additionally, incorporating steam into your baking process can enhance the crust’s texture, resulting in a more delightful experience of steam’s role in baking.

Maintain a baking temperature of 450°F for the initial phase, then reduce it to 375°F. This method allows the dough to cook thoroughly without burning the toppings. After you’ve pulled your pizza from the oven, let it rest for about 10 minutes. This resting period is essential for letting the cheese set, making it much easier to slice.

Feel free to experiment with different pan sizes, such as a 9×13-inch or half-sheet pan, to achieve your desired thickness and crust texture.

Topping Options

When it comes to topping your sourdough focaccia pizza, the options are as diverse as your cravings. You can easily create a flavor masterpiece by mixing traditional and unique toppings. Here are three great combinations to inspire your culinary creativity:

1. Classic Delight: Start with a base of mozzarella cheese, add fresh vegetables like bell peppers and olives, and sprinkle some fresh herbs like basil for that aromatic finish.
2. Cheesy Indulgence: Combine mozzarella with Wisconsin brick cheese and a dollop of ricotta for a rich, creamy texture that elevates your pizza to a new level.
3. Sweet and Savory: Try drizzling honey over pepperoni, or add unexpected toppings like pineapple and roasted garlic. These unique toppings can transform your sourdough focaccia pizza into a personal favorite.

Don’t forget to finish with fresh herbs after baking to enhance the overall freshness.

Storage Tips

To keep your sourdough focaccia pizza fresh and delicious, proper storage is key. You can refrigerate it for a few days or freeze it for longer enjoyment, ensuring you follow the right techniques for each method.

Let’s explore how to effectively store, freeze, and reheat your pizza without losing that mouthwatering flavor and texture.

Proper Refrigeration Techniques

Storing your cooled sourdough focaccia pizza properly is essential for keeping it fresh and delicious. To maintain its flavor and texture, follow these refrigeration techniques:

1. Use an Airtight Container: Once your focaccia has cooled, place it in an airtight container. This keeps moisture in and prevents it from drying out. Proper storage can help reduce food waste and extend the life of your pizza.
2. Refrigerate for Shorter Storage: If you plan to keep the focaccia for longer than a few days, refrigerate it in the same airtight container. You’ll get about 4-5 days of freshness, but be aware that refrigeration may slightly alter the texture.
3. Consider Individual Slices for Longer Storage: If you think you won’t finish it soon, consider wrapping individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store them in a ziplock bag before freezing. This way, they can last for up to 3 months!

When you’re ready to enjoy your focaccia again, remember that ideal reheating involves preheating your oven to 350°F and warming the slices for 8-10 minutes.

Freezing and Reheating Methods

Maintaining the deliciousness of your sourdough focaccia pizza goes beyond just refrigeration; freezing can be a fantastic option for preserving its unique flavor and texture.

To freeze your focaccia pizza effectively, first, allow it to cool completely. Once cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Then, place it in an airtight container or a ziplock bag to prevent freezer burn.

You can safely freeze your sourdough focaccia for up to three months, making it a great option for quick meals later on. When you’re ready to enjoy it, be sure to thaw the pizza overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours.

To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the slices on a baking sheet, cover them with foil, and warm in the oven for 10-15 minutes.

Recipe Variations

Experimenting with recipe variations can truly elevate your sourdough focaccia pizza experience. By making a few simple tweaks, you can create a unique flavor and texture that suits your preferences perfectly. Here are some ideas to get you started:

1. Flour Combinations: Try mixing 50% all-purpose flour with 50% whole wheat flour. This will give your sourdough focaccia a nutty flavor and heartier texture.

Additionally, using bread flour’s higher protein content can enhance gluten development, resulting in an even chewier crust.

2. Olive Oil Adjustments: Adjust the amount of olive oil in your pan. More oil will lead to a crispier crust texture, while less will yield a softer base.

3. Custom Toppings: Let your creativity shine by choosing exciting toppings. Roasted vegetables, diverse cheese blends, or even unique sauces can transform your pizza into a culinary masterpiece.

Remember to use a pre-bake technique! Bake your focaccia for about 10 minutes before adding toppings to avoid a soggy bottom and enhance the overall texture.

You can also infuse your dough with herbs or spices, like garlic powder or dried oregano, for an extra burst of flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Focaccia Dough the Same as Pizza Dough?

Imagine a soft, fluffy cloud versus a sturdy bridge. Focaccia dough’s higher hydration and olive oil create a pillowy texture, while pizza dough’s lower hydration yields a chewier bite. They’re distinct, yet both delicious.

What’s the Difference Between Sourdough and Focaccia Bread?

Sourdough’s tangy flavor and chewy texture contrast with focaccia’s mild, airy softness. While sourdough’s crusty exterior defines its character, focaccia’s dimpled surface and higher hydration create a delightful, oil-rich experience that’s perfect for toppings.

Is Sourdough Good for Pizza Base?

Sourdough’s tangy flavor and airy texture make it an exceptional pizza base. You’ll enjoy its chewiness and crispiness while the natural fermentation enhances digestibility, creating a delicious, complex crust that elevates your pizza experience.

What’s the Difference Between Pizza Bianca and Focaccia?

Pizza Bianca is a thinner, crisper flatbread topped simply with olive oil and herbs, while focaccia is thicker, spongier, and often dimpled for oil and toppings. Both offer unique textures and flavors, delighting your taste buds differently.

Flavorful Fusion with Custom Creation

In the world of pizza, sourdough focaccia stands out for its fluffy texture and rich flavor. Whether experimenting with toppings, perfecting your baking technique, or savoring each bite, this pizza brings joy to your table.

Embrace the versatility, enjoy the crispy crust, and delight in the endless variations. So, roll up your sleeves, release your creativity, and plunge into the delightful experience of making your own sourdough focaccia pizza—your taste buds will thank you.