Focaccia Pizza

Experience the perfect fusion of Italian comfort food with Focaccia Pizza! This delightful dish features a fluffy, golden-brown focaccia base topped with your favorite pizza ingredients, including tangy marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil. It’s an irresistible treat that’s perfect for sharing on game nights, family gatherings, or casual dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This Focaccia Pizza is simple enough for beginners but impressive enough to serve at gatherings.
• Customizable Toppings: Use any toppings you love—from pepperoni to veggies—making it a versatile choice for everyone.
• Perfect Texture: The fluffy focaccia base provides a delightful chewiness that pairs perfectly with gooey cheese and savory sauce.
• Quick Preparation: With a total time of just 35 minutes, it’s a quick dinner idea that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
• Great for Sharing: Ideal for parties and family meals, this recipe serves four people comfortably.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes preparing Focaccia Pizza an enjoyable experience. Gathering these essential items will ensure your cooking process is smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Kitchen towel
• Baking sheet
• Rolling pin (optional)
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large mixing bowl: Provides enough space for mixing dough without spilling.
• Baking sheet: A good-quality baking sheet ensures even cooking and easy transfer in and out of the oven.

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup warm water (110°F)
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for drizzling)

For the Toppings

• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish
• Coarse sea salt for sprinkling

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How to Make Focaccia Pizza

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.

Step 2: Mix Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the frothy yeast mixture and olive oil, stirring to form a dough.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 4: First Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 5: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

Step 6: Shape the Focaccia

Once risen, punch down the dough and transfer it to a greased baking sheet. Press and stretch it out gently into an even rectangle or circle.

Step 7: Add Toppings

Spread marinara sauce over the top of the dough, leaving a small border. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and oregano. Drizzle olive oil over the cheese and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.

Step 8: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and the focaccia is golden brown.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Top with fresh basil leaves, slice, and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious Focaccia Pizza!

How to Serve Focaccia Pizza

Focaccia Pizza is not only delicious but also versatile, making it a great choice for various occasions. Here are some creative ways to serve this delightful dish that will impress your guests.

As a Shareable Appetizer

• Cut your Focaccia Pizza into small squares or triangles for easy sharing at parties. Guests can grab a slice and enjoy it with their favorite dipping sauces.

Paired with Salads

• Serve warm slices of Focaccia Pizza alongside a fresh mixed salad. The crisp greens complement the fluffy bread, creating a balanced meal.

With Dipping Sauces

• Offer a selection of dipping sauces like marinara, garlic butter, or pesto. This adds an interactive element to the dining experience.

As a Main Course

• Enjoy it as the centerpiece of your meal. Pair it with roasted vegetables or sliced meats for a hearty dinner option.

For Game Day

• Make Focaccia Pizza the star of your game day spread! Slice it into bite-sized pieces and serve with drinks for an easy and satisfying snack.

With Wine Pairings

• Enhance your dining experience by pairing Focaccia Pizza with a glass of red or white wine. A Chianti or Sauvignon Blanc would complement the flavors wonderfully.

How to Perfect Focaccia Pizza

To achieve the ultimate Focaccia Pizza, consider these tips to enhance your cooking process and flavor.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh mozzarella and high-quality marinara sauce. This elevates the overall taste of your pizza.
• Let Dough Rise Properly: Allowing the dough enough time to rise is crucial for achieving that light and airy texture.
• Preheat Your Oven: Ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking. A hot oven helps create that perfect golden crust.
• Experiment with Toppings: Don’t hesitate to try different toppings! Vegetables, meats, or even gourmet cheeses can make your Focaccia Pizza unique.
• Drizzle Olive Oil Generously: Adding extra olive oil before baking not only enhances flavor but also helps achieve a crispy crust.
• Serve Immediately: For the best experience, serve your Focaccia Pizza right out of the oven while it’s warm and fresh.

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Best Side Dishes for Focaccia Pizza

Focaccia Pizza pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its flavors and textures. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Caprese Salad: A refreshing mix of tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, drizzled with balsamic glaze—perfect alongside pizza.
2. Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread is a classic choice that adds an extra layer of flavor to your meal.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until tender provide a healthy balance to the richness of pizza.
4. Antipasto Platter: A variety of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables makes for an exciting starter.
5. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with creamy dressing pairs nicely with the soft texture of Focaccia Pizza.
6. Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms add a gourmet touch that complements the Italian theme beautifully.
7. Zucchini Fries: Crispy baked zucchini fries offer a healthy yet indulgent side that everyone will love.
8. Pasta Salad: A light pasta salad can be served cold, providing a refreshing contrast to hot pizza slices.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Focaccia Pizza can be simple, but there are common mistakes that might affect your final dish. Here are some tips to ensure your pizza turns out perfectly.

• Ignoring Dough Temperature: If your water is too hot or cold, it can kill the yeast or prevent it from activating. Always check the temperature for best results.
• Skipping the Kneading Step: Kneading develops gluten, which gives the focaccia its fluffy texture. Don’t skip this step; knead for at least 5 minutes.
• Overloading on Toppings: It’s tempting to add a lot of toppings, but this can make the pizza soggy. Stick to a few key toppings for better flavor and texture.
• Not Letting Dough Rise Enough: Allowing the dough enough time to rise is crucial. Ensure it doubles in size for a light and airy crust.
• Inaccurate Measurements: Baking is a science. Be precise with your ingredient measurements to avoid inconsistencies in your focaccia pizza.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store leftover focaccia pizza in an airtight container.
• item It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Focaccia Pizza

• item Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• item Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Focaccia Pizza

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pizza directly on the rack or on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat for 30 seconds to 1 minute until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place a slice in the skillet and cover it with a lid. Cook for about 5 minutes or until heated through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Focaccia Pizza?

Focaccia Pizza is a delightful combination of traditional focaccia bread topped with classic pizza ingredients like marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.

How do I make my Focaccia Pizza extra crispy?

To achieve an extra crispy crust, try preheating your baking sheet in the oven before placing the focaccia dough on it.

Can I customize my Focaccia Pizza toppings?

Absolutely! You can add any of your favorite toppings, such as pepperoni, bell peppers, or olives, to make it uniquely yours.

How do I store leftover Focaccia Pizza?

Store leftover focaccia pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for longer storage.

Is Focaccia Pizza suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This dish is great for meal prep since you can make multiple servings at once and enjoy them throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

Focaccia Pizza is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with various toppings to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re enjoying it during a cozy family dinner or sharing it at a gathering, this recipe is sure to impress everyone. Give it a try and discover how delightful homemade focaccia pizza can be!