Sourdough Focaccia Recipe

5 from 1 vote

This sourdough focaccia recipe is easy, yeast-free, and packed with flavor! Learn how to make focaccia with starter for the perfect crispy, airy bread.

Prep Time15

Cook Time30

Proof Time6

Total Time6 45

Course: Bread, Sourdough

Cuisine: Italian, American

Servings: servings

Calories: 285kcal

Author: Renae Gerhardstein

Equipment

baking pan use a 9"x13" size
stand mixer
kitchen scale
cooling rack

Ingredients

Dough Ingredients

½ cup sourdough starter (115 grams) discard or fed 12-24 hours prior *see notes below
2 cups warm water (450 grams)
3¾ cups all-purpose flour (430 grams) unbleached
1½ cups bread flour (180 grams)
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil (14 grams) plus more for topping
2 teaspoons sea salt (12 grams)
cooking spray

Topping Ingredients

6 ounces sundried tomatoes in olive oil
3 sprigs fresh rosemary leaves separated from stems
1 jar Kalamata olives pitted & drained, I use Mezzetta
1 teaspoons coarse sea salt

Instructions

Prepare the dough

In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk the sourdough starter and warm water until mostly dissolved. Add both flours and salt, then mix on low with the dough hook until combined.
Increase to medium speed and knead for 5 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed. Reduce to low, slowly drizzle in the olive oil, then mix on medium for another 3 minutes.
Scrape down the bowl, cover, and let the dough rest for 2 hours in a warm, dry place.

Shape the Dough

Coat a 9"x13" pan generously with cooking spray on the bottom and sides.
Transfer the dough to the pan and, with damp hands, gently stretch and press it into a flattened shape without over-stretching.

Bulk Fermentation Long Rise

Cover with plastic wrap and proof at room temperature for 4 -6 hours.
Every 30 minutes, gently stretch the dough toward the pan’s edges with damp hands, allowing it to relax between stretches.
Once it reaches the corners, let it rest undisturbed.

Prepare and Bake

Preheat the oven to 450°F with the rack in the middle.
Dimple the top of the dough with wet fingers, pressing almost to the bottom. Drizzle with olive oil, add sundried tomatoes, olives, and rosemary, pressing them about ¼ inch in, and sprinkle with coarse salt.
Bake for 30-40 minutes until lightly golden.
Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Recipe FAQs:

How long should I let the dough ferment? Bulk fermentation typically takes 4–6 hours at room temperature, depending on the ambient temperature. Cold-proofing in the fridge can be done overnight for more flavor.
Can I use other toppings for my focaccia? Popular toppings include rosemary, cherry tomatoes, olives, garlic, sea salt, red onions, and caramelized onions. Sweet variations like grapes or figs with honey also work.
Why is my sourdough focaccia dense instead of airy? This could be due to under-proofing, over-proofing, or insufficient hydration in the dough. Ensure your starter is active and follow proofing guidelines.
How do I get those signature focaccia dimples? Gently press your fingers into the proofed dough, creating deep dimples. Be careful not to deflate the dough.
Is focaccia sourdough? Traditional focaccia is often made with yeast, but this recipe uses a sourdough starter, which provides a deeper, tangy flavor.
Is mature starter same with active sourdough starter? A mature starter and an active sourdough starter are very closely related, but not always exactly the same. A mature starter refers to a sourdough starter that has been consistently fed over time (usually at least 5–7 days) and has developed a strong, stable colony of wild yeast and beneficial bacteria—it’s well-established and ready to use for baking. An active starter, on the other hand, means the starter is currently bubbly, well-fed, and at its peak—typically within 4–6 hours of a feeding. So while a starter can be mature, it’s only active and ready to bake with when it’s at that bubbly, domed stage. In other words, you want your starter to be both mature and active for best baking results!

Recipe Variations:

Garlic herb focaccia: Add roasted garlic and mixed Italian herbs for an aromatic flavor.
Cheesy focaccia: Sprinkle shredded Parmesan or mozzarella on top before baking.
Caramelized onion and thyme focaccia: A sweet and savory variation.
Simple sea salt focaccia: No toppings, just olive oil and flaky sea salt for a minimalist version.

TFN Pro Tip:

Refrigerate for more flavor – For an even deeper sour taste, let the dough rest overnight in the fridge before baking.
Use damp hands – When handling the dough, slightly wet your hands to prevent sticking and make stretching easier.

This recipe uses a discard or unfed sourdough starter, which means one that was fed 12-24 hours before starting the recipe. Our recipe does not use a starter that's at its peak when mixing the dough. A 100% hydration sourdough starter works best for this recipe.

Bulk fermentation sourdough typically takes 4–6 hours at room temperature, depending on the ambient temperature.

Cold-proofing in the fridge can be done overnight for more flavor

Proofing: The dough should look puffy and hold dimples when gently pressed with your fingers if it is fully proofed.

Storing, Reheating, & Make-Ahead Tips

Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Freezing: Slice, wrap tightly, and freeze in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Make-ahead: After bulk fermentation, refrigerate the dough overnight. Bring to room temperature before baking.

Nutrition