Sourdough Focaccia – The Easiest & Most Delicious Bread You’ll Ever Make

There’s something truly special about a loaf of homemade sourdough bread. The slow fermentation, the depth of flavor, the perfect chew—it’s an experience all on its own. But when you combine that magic with the rich, olive oil-infused goodness of focaccia, you get something next-level delicious.

Sourdough focaccia is crispy on the outside, airy and chewy on the inside, and infused with a deep, complex flavor from natural fermentation. It’s the easiest sourdough bread to make—no shaping, no complicated scoring, just mix, ferment, and bake. Plus, it’s an incredibly versatile bread that works for sandwiches, dipping, or simply enjoying with a drizzle of olive oil and flaky salt.

Let’s dive into how you can make this crispy, golden, bakery-style sourdough focaccia right at home.


Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ No Kneading Required – Just mix and let time do the work.
✔️ Crispy, Chewy, and Flavorful – Thanks to a long fermentation and generous olive oil.
✔️ Perfect for Meal Prep – Great for sandwiches, pizza bases, or dipping into soup.
✔️ Toppings Galore! – Customize with rosemary, garlic, cherry tomatoes, or even cheese.


Sourdough Focaccia Recipe

📌 Prep Time: 15 minutes ⏳ Rest & Rise Time: 12-24 hours 🔥 Bake Time: 25 minutes 🍞 Yield: 1 large focaccia (9×13-inch pan)

Ingredients
  

  • 500 g 4 cups bread flour
  • 100 g ½ cup active sourdough starter (100% hydration)
  • 375 g 1 ½ cups water, room temperature
  • 10 g 2 tsp salt
  • 30 g 2 tbsp olive oil (for dough)
  • 40 g 3 tbsp olive oil (for pan & drizzling)
  • Flaky salt for topping
  • Fresh rosemary garlic, cherry tomatoes, or any toppings of choice

Instructions
 

  • Mix the Dough
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine:
  • ✅ 500g bread flour
  • ✅ 100g active sourdough starter
  • ✅ 375g water
  • ✅ 10g salt
  • ✅ 30g olive oil
  • Mix with a spoon or your hands until a sticky, shaggy dough forms. Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes.
  • Strengthen the Dough
  • Perform three sets of stretch and folds, once every 30 minutes over the next 90 minutes.
  • This strengthens the dough without kneading.
  • Bulk Fermentation (8-12 Hours, Overnight Recommended)
  • Cover the dough and let it ferment at room temperature (70-75°F) until it doubles in size and becomes bubbly.
  • If your kitchen is cooler, it may take longer.
  • 💡 Pro Tip: If making ahead, you can cold-proof it in the fridge for up to 24 hours for even better flavor.
  • Shape & Second Rise (2-4 Hours)
  • Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with 2 tbsp olive oil.
  • Gently transfer the dough to the pan, stretching it slightly to fit.
  • Cover and let it rise again at room temp until puffy and airy (2-4 hours).
  • Dimple & Add Toppings
  • Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
  • Drizzle 2 tbsp olive oil over the dough.
  • Use your fingers to press deep dimples into the dough.
  • Sprinkle with flaky salt, fresh rosemary, garlic, cherry tomatoes, or any toppings you love.
  • Bake
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown and crisp.
  • Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
  • Slice & Enjoy
  • Serve warm or at room temperature with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, or as sandwich bread.

How to Store & Freeze Sourdough Focaccia

  • At Room Temp: Keep in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
  • In the Freezer: Slice and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or toaster.

Focaccia Flavor Ideas

One of the best things about focaccia is how versatile it is! Here are some delicious topping ideas:

🍃 Classic Rosemary & Sea Salt – The traditional, no-fail favorite.
🧄 Garlic & Parmesan – Roasted garlic and grated parmesan for extra depth.
🍅 Cherry Tomato & Basil – Juicy tomatoes and fresh basil for a Mediterranean twist.
🧀 Cheese Lover’s Focaccia – Mozzarella, goat cheese, or feta crumbles.
🌶 Spicy Chili & Honey – A drizzle of hot honey over chili flakes for a sweet-heat combo.


Ways to Use Sourdough Focaccia

Not only is this focaccia delicious on its own, but it’s also great for:

🥪 Sandwiches – Cut into squares and layer with meats, cheese, and greens.
🍲 Dipping Bread – Perfect for soups, stews, or olive oil and balsamic.
🍕 Easy Focaccia Pizza – Add toppings and bake for a quick pizza night.
🥖 Croutons – Cube and toast for homemade croutons on salads.

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Final Thoughts

Sourdough focaccia is one of those simple yet incredibly rewarding breads that anyone can make. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, this no-knead, hands-off method is foolproof.

So, what toppings will you try? Let me know in the comments or share your bake on Instagram @WillowAndMoose using #TheGoodLifeChronicles.

Happy baking! 🍞✨