Are you craving pizza night but want something a little more special than your usual takeout? Then look no further! This sourdough focaccia pizza recipe is the perfect solution. It combines the airy, tangy goodness of sourdough with the satisfying comfort of pizza, all while being surprisingly easy to make. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend project, offering a delicious and healthy meal the whole family will love. Get ready to elevate your pizza game!
Ingredients:
For the Sourdough Focaccia:
- 200g active sourdough starter (fed 4-6 hours prior)
- 300g lukewarm water
- 500g strong bread flour, plus extra for dusting
- 10g salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Pizza Topping:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Your favorite pizza toppings (e.g., tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, mushrooms, olives)
Instructions:
Making the Sourdough Focaccia:
- Mix the dough: In a large bowl, combine the sourdough starter and lukewarm water. Stir until the starter is dissolved. Add the flour and salt, and mix with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. Add a tablespoon of olive oil during kneading for extra flavor and softness.
- First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 4-6 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the focaccia: Lightly oil a baking sheet (approximately 9x13 inches). Gently transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet and stretch it to fit the pan. Use your fingers to create dimples all over the surface of the dough.
- Second rise: Drizzle the focaccia with olive oil, sprinkle with oregano, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes.
Baking the Focaccia Pizza:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Add toppings: Add your favorite pizza toppings over the focaccia.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and serve: Let the focaccia pizza cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Tips for the Best Sourdough Focaccia Pizza:
- Use a good quality sourdough starter: A strong, active starter is key to a flavorful and airy focaccia.
- Don't overwork the dough: Overkneading can result in a tough crust.
- Let the dough rise properly: Adequate rising time is crucial for a light and airy texture.
- Experiment with toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Try different cheeses, vegetables, meats, or even fruit.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Focaccia: Load up on your favorite vegetables like roasted peppers, zucchini, spinach, and artichoke hearts.
- Spicy Focaccia: Add some chili flakes to the dough or sprinkle some fresh jalapeños on top.
- Herb Focaccia: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, basil, or parsley.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the toppings used. A basic cheese and tomato focaccia will contain approximately:
- Calories: 300-400
- Protein: 10-15g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
This easy sourdough focaccia pizza recipe provides a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional pizza. Enjoy the homemade goodness! It’s a fantastic recipe for beginner bakers and seasoned pizza lovers alike. The incredible flavor and satisfying texture make this a perfect addition to your weekly meal rotation. Happy cooking!