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Light Fluffy Sourdough Focaccia

Light Fluffy Sourdough Focaccia


  • Author: Amelia
  • Total Time: 6-8 hours (including fermentation and proofing)
  • Yield: 1 focaccia loaf (approximately 8 servings) 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Light Fluffy Sourdough Focaccia recipe delivers irresistibly soft, airy bread with a natural sourdough tang. Perfect for sandwiches, dipping, or enjoying on its own, this focaccia uses simple pantry ingredients and easy steps to create a pillowy texture with a golden, crispy crust. Naturally leavened and versatile, it’s ideal for bakers of all levels seeking an artisan-style bread rich in flavor and light in crumb.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 150g active sourdough starter
  • 500g all-purpose flour
  • 400ml water
  • 60ml olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
  • 10g salt

Optional Toppings

  • Coarse sea salt
  • Fresh rosemary
  • Fresh thyme, oregano, or basil (herb infusion)
  • Caramelized onions
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Olives
  • Grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese
  • Roasted garlic or garlic-infused olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Starter: Ensure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly by feeding it 4-6 hours before mixing your dough. This activates the starter for optimal rise and flavor development.
  2. Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the active starter, all-purpose flour, and water until just mixed. Let the dough rest for about 30 minutes for autolyse. Then add salt and olive oil, gently incorporating them into the dough.
  3. Bulk Fermentation and Stretch & Folds: Allow the dough to ferment at room temperature for 4-6 hours. During the first half of this time, perform a series of stretch and folds every 30-45 minutes to build gluten structure and trap air.
  4. Shape and Proof: Transfer the dough to a well-oiled pan, gently spreading it out to your desired thickness. Cover and proof the dough for 1-2 hours until it noticeably puffs up.
  5. Add Toppings and Bake: Drizzle olive oil over the surface, dimple the dough gently with your fingertips, then sprinkle coarse sea salt and any desired herbs or toppings. Bake in a preheated oven at 450°F (230°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy on the edges.

Notes

  • Use a high hydration dough (around 80%) to ensure an open, airy crumb.
  • Ferment dough in a warm spot for consistent starter activity.
  • Handle dough gently to preserve air bubbles when transferring and shaping.
  • Use good quality extra virgin olive oil for enhanced flavor and crust texture.
  • Dimpling the dough before baking is key for authentic focaccia texture.
  • Preheat the oven thoroughly to achieve a quick rise and perfect crispy crust.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus starter feeding time)
  • Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of loaf)
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 0.2g
  • Sodium: 230mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: sourdough focaccia, light focaccia, fluffy bread, artisan sourdough, homemade bread, sourdough recipe, easy focaccia