Focaccia Pizza
Focaccia Pizza is a comforting and versatile dish combining the crispy edges and airy interior of traditional focaccia bread with flavorful pizza toppings. Perfect for a cozy meal or a shareable appetizer, it balances a golden, crunchy crust with rich, customizable toppings to delight every palate.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes - 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Dough Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups bread flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 1/4 cups lukewarm water
- 1/4 cup olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- Fresh rosemary or thyme (about 1-2 tbsp)
Toppings
- Mozzarella or parmesan cheese (1-2 cups, shredded or sliced)
- Tomato sauce or fresh tomatoes (as desired)
- Optional toppings: basil leaves, olives, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, artichokes, pepperoni, sausage, prosciutto, or dairy-free cheese for vegan option
- Prepare the Dough: Dissolve yeast in lukewarm water until bubbly. In a large bowl, mix the yeast mixture with bread flour, olive oil, and salt. Knead until smooth and elastic. Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Shape and Rest: Transfer the risen dough to an oiled baking sheet or pan. Gently stretch it to fit the surface, then use your fingers to dimple the dough lightly, creating classic indentations. Let it rest again for 20–30 minutes to increase fluffiness.
- Add Toppings: Drizzle extra olive oil over the dough. Sprinkle fresh herbs and layer with your chosen cheese, tomato sauce or fresh tomatoes, and any additional toppings. Be balanced to prevent sogginess.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the focaccia pizza for 20–25 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the toppings are melted and slightly caramelized.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the focaccia pizza to cool slightly to set the texture. Slice into squares or strips and serve warm with optional garnishes such as fresh herbs or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Notes
- Use high-quality olive oil for enhanced flavor and a crisp crust.
- Do not skip the dough rest periods to achieve a light, airy texture.
- Finger dimpling helps trap olive oil and toppings, enriching flavor.
- Layer toppings mindfully to avoid a soggy crust.
- Bake at a high temperature and monitor carefully to prevent burning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of focaccia pizza)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: focaccia pizza, comfort food, crispy crust, fluffy texture, Italian appetizer, homemade pizza, bread dough