Easy Shakshouka Focaccia Recipe to Try Now

If you love the vibrant, bold flavors of Mediterranean cuisine and crave a dish that’s both comforting and packed with personality, then the Shakshouka Focaccia is your new go-to. This recipe beautifully combines the rich, spiced tomato sauce and eggs typical of Shakshouka with the soft, airy texture of focaccia bread, creating a unique and irresistible dish that’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Easy to make and bursting with colorful ingredients, Shakshouka Focaccia brings a touch of sunshine to your table anytime you want a flavorful, nourishing meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold Mediterranean Flavors: This recipe is infused with vibrant spices and fresh herbs that transport your taste buds straight to the Mediterranean coast.
• Simple Ingredients: It uses basic pantry staples that come together effortlessly, making it ideal for any skill level in the kitchen.
• Versatile Meal Option: Whether for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, it fits seamlessly into your weekly menu.
• Impressively Unique: Combining shakshouka and focaccia is a fun twist that will wow your friends and family.
• Great for Sharing: The focaccia base makes it easy to slice and serve, perfect for gatherings or casual meals.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Shakshouka Focaccia lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in developing the dish’s exciting flavor, appealing texture, and vibrant color. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of your focaccia, providing structure and a tender crumb.
• Yeast: Essential for making the dough rise and giving it that light, fluffy texture.
• Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps keep the focaccia moist with a lovely golden crust.
• Tomatoes: Fresh or canned, they create the deep, savory base typical of shakshouka sauce.
• Bell Peppers: Offer sweetness and a pop of color, balancing the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Garlic and Onions: Provide aromatic depth and enhance the Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Eggs: The crowning glory that cooks right into the sauce, making each bite satisfying.
• Spices: Ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili flakes, and black pepper bring warmth and a subtle kick.
• Fresh Herbs: Parsley or cilantro add brightness and freshness in the final garnish.
• Salt and Sugar: Balance the flavors and deepen the saucy goodness.

Variations for Shakshouka Focaccia

This Shakshouka Focaccia is incredibly easy to tweak according to your preferences and dietary needs. Whether you want to add more veggies, keep it vegan, or spice things up, there’s a simple adaptation for you.

• Vegan Version: Skip the eggs and sprinkle with sautéed mushrooms or crumbled tofu for texture.
• Cheese Lovers: Add crumbled feta or mozzarella on top before baking for a melty, savory touch.
• Extra Heat: Toss in finely chopped fresh chili or cayenne pepper to crank up the spice.
• More Veggies: Add zucchini, eggplant, or spinach into the tomato sauce to boost nutrition and volume.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make a focaccia that everyone can enjoy.

How to Make Shakshouka Focaccia

Step 1: Prepare the Focaccia Dough

Start by mixing warm water, yeast, and a pinch of sugar to activate the yeast. Once bubbly, combine with flour, salt, and olive oil to form a soft dough. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

Step 2: Make the Shakshouka Sauce

While the dough rises, heat olive oil in a skillet. Sauté chopped onions and garlic until fragrant. Add diced bell peppers and cook until softened. Stir in tomatoes, ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili flakes, salt, and a pinch of sugar. Let the sauce simmer until thick and flavorful, about 15-20 minutes.

Step 3: Assemble the Shakshouka Focaccia

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Press the risen dough into an oiled baking pan, spreading evenly with fingers to create dimples. Pour the shakshouka sauce over the dough, gently pressing it into the surface. Make small wells in the sauce and carefully crack eggs into each well.

Step 4: Bake and Garnish

Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until eggs are cooked to your desired doneness and the focaccia is golden brown around the edges. Remove from the oven and sprinkle fresh parsley or cilantro on top for a burst of color and freshness.

Pro Tips for Making Shakshouka Focaccia

• Activate Your Yeast Properly: Ensure water is warm, not hot, to wake up the yeast without killing it.
• Don’t Skip the Dimples: Pressing your fingers into the dough helps keep the focaccia airy and traps pockets of sauce.
• Use Ripe Tomatoes: Fresh, ripe or good quality canned tomatoes create the best shakshouka flavor.
• Watch the Eggs: Baking time varies based on your egg preference, so keep an eye to avoid over or undercooking.
• Olive Oil Drizzle: A drizzle of good quality olive oil just before serving adds a rich finish.

How to Serve Shakshouka Focaccia

Garnishes

Brighten your Shakshouka Focaccia with fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or even mint. A sprinkle of crumbled feta or a dollop of labneh complements the spicy sauce beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair it with a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced, colorful meal. A side of olives and pickled vegetables also works wonderfully to enhance the Mediterranean vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the focaccia into squares or wedges for casual sharing at brunch or dinner parties. Serve it on wooden boards with small bowls of extra olive oil, chili flakes, or za’atar to encourage personalized flavor adjustments.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Shakshouka Focaccia covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even more delicious the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze baked focaccia for up to 2 months by wrapping it well in plastic wrap and then foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the crust is crisp again, about 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving to keep the focaccia’s texture perfect.

FAQs

Can I make Shakshouka Focaccia without yeast?

While yeast is key for the focaccia’s texture, you can try a quick bread variation using baking powder or soda, but the result won’t be quite as airy or traditional.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has a mild warmth from paprika and chili flakes, but you can easily adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili to suit your taste.

Can I prepare the shakshouka sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! Making the sauce ahead saves time and allows flavors to deepen—just heat it up before assembling the focaccia.

What’s the best way to crack the eggs without breaking the yolk?

Crack each egg into a small bowl before gently sliding it into the sauce wells—this helps maintain whole yolks and prevents shells from dropping in.

Can I use other breads instead of focaccia?

While focaccia’s texture complements shakshouka beautifully, you can serve the sauce over pita, crusty bread, or even toast if you’re in a pinch.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a vibrant, comforting dish that’s easy to prepare and packed with rich Mediterranean flavors, the Shakshouka Focaccia is an absolute must-try. Its unique combination of saucy, spiced shakshouka and fluffy, golden focaccia bread will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy making this delightful recipe that’s as fun to eat as it is to share.

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