Introduction:
Forget ordinary pizza night! Have you tried the airy, olive-oil-infused delight of focaccia pizza? This fusion of soft, pillowy focaccia and crispy, flavor-packed pizza is taking the culinary world by storm. With its rich texture and endless topping possibilities, focaccia pizza offers a gourmet twist on traditional pizza night. From home kitchens to trendy eateries, it’s easier than ever to find focaccia pizza near me and experience its delicious charm.
For more delicious recipes, check out our Detailed Guide to Sardine Pizza!
What is Focaccia Pizza?
Focaccia pizza begins with focaccia bread, an Italian classic that boasts a light, airy crumb and a crisp, olive-oil-kissed crust. Unlike regular pizza dough, focaccia is thick, chewy and enriched with olive oil for a profoundly satisfying bite. This dough forms a strong and flavorful base for toppings as humble as Margherita and as sophisticated as gourmet.
Historically, focaccia predates pizza and has roots in ancient Roman cuisine. Focaccia was then used over the years as a pizza base by chefs, and combined the two aspects together the simplicity of focaccia with the indulgent flavors that could be spread on top.
Focaccia Pizza Ingredients
To achieve the perfect focaccia pizza, high-quality ingredients are essential:
- all-purpose flour (although this is a wonderful recipe to use bread flour, if you have it)
- active dry yeast
- fine sea salt or kosher salt
- warm water
- extra-virgin olive oil (It wouldn’t be focaccia without some!)
- grated mozzarella cheese (Buy the blocks of cheese and grate it yourself, makes for a much more melty pizza cheese.)
- thick sliced pepperoni (Thick is my favorite but any pepperoni works.)
- jarred pizza sauce (My favorite is RAO’s pizza sauce.)
- Ricotta cheese (Optional, but I’m all for this extra dollops of cheese.)
- dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and sea salt
Other topping ideas: roasted garlic, fresh basil, caramelized onions, browned sausage bits, fresh mozzarella, pesto, roasted tomato slices
Chef’s Tips: Allow for a slow, overnight fermentation to develop a more complex flavor and improve the dough’s texture.
Quick Focaccia Pizza Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more as needed
- 3 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- 1 1/2 teaspoons instant or active dry yeast
- 1 3/4 cups lukewarm water
- 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 (14-ounce) can whole tomatoes, or 1/2 (28-ounce) can
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
- Red pepper flakes
- 8 ounces low-moisture mozzarella cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)
- 8 ounces whole-milk ricotta cheese (about 1 cup)
- 1 ounce Parmesan cheese, finely grated (about 1/2 firmly packed cup grated on a Microplane or 1/3 cup store-bought)
- 4 large fresh basil leaves
Instructions:
- Oven at 425°F Oiling a 11.5 x 17.5 inch rectangular baking sheet with 2 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Dump dough on the baking sheet then using your hands, gently tug, pull and push the pizza dough until filling the baking sheet.
- If the dough springs back, let it rest for 10 minutes, then go back to stretching it. Then let rise on baking sheet for another 30 minutes – 1 hour.
- Press your fingers into the pizza dough to make indents.
- Drizzle olive oil on the pizza dough, letting it pool in the indents.
- Season with salt and rosemary.
- Bake until focaccia is golden brown, about 30 minutes.
- Let cool, slice and serve.
Variations: Try a thin focaccia pizza recipe by stretching the dough thinner before baking. For a flavorful twist, opt for a “garlic focaccia pizza” by mixing minced garlic into the dough.
Focaccia Pizza Toppings Galore
Focaccia pizza toppings are incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas:
- Classic Italian: Tomato, mozzarella, basil.
- Gourmet Creations: Prosciutto, fig, and gorgonzola.
- Vegetarian & Vegan: Grilled vegetables, dairy-free cheese, pesto.
- Garlic Focaccia Pizza: Roasted garlic, caramelized onions, ricotta.
Layer toppings strategically start with sauce, then cheese, followed by vegetables and proteins to maintain balance and crispiness.
Finding Your Next Meal: Focaccia Pizza Near Me and Focaccia Pizza Restaurant
As focaccia pizza gains popularity, more restaurants are adding it to their menus. To find the best focaccia pizza near me:
- Check online reviews for authentic Italian bakeries and pizzerias.
- Look for places specializing in artisanal bread and sourdough pizzas.
- Ask for recommendations from local food communities.
Making the Most of Leftovers: Leftover Focaccia Pizza Ideas
Storage Tips: Keep leftover focaccia pizza in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or refrigerate for up to three days.
Reheating Methods: Reheat in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes for best results.
Creative Uses:
- Sandwiches: Use slices as a hearty sandwich base.
- Croutons: Cube and toast for salads.
- Frittatas: Chop and mix into egg bakes.
Conclusion:
Anyone who enjoys bold flavors, crisp-yet-pillowy textures and a spectrum of toppings should experience focaccia pizza. Whether it’s homemade or from one of the best focaccia pizza restaurants, this dish is a culinary experience you won’t forget.
Try the recipe, top however you’d like and tell us all about your focaccia pizza adventures in the comments. Happy baking!
