Focaccia Pizza: A Delicious Twist on a Classic
Are you looking for a unique and flavorful pizza experience? Look no further than focaccia pizza! This recipe combines the airy texture of focaccia bread with the customizable toppings of your favorite pizza. It's a crowd-pleaser that's surprisingly easy to make. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this elevated take on pizza night!
What is Focaccia Pizza?
Focaccia pizza is essentially a focaccia bread base topped with your choice of pizza ingredients. Unlike traditional pizza dough, focaccia boasts a slightly thicker, more textured crust with a characteristic dimpled surface. This texture adds a delightful chewiness and absorbs the flavors of your toppings beautifully.
Why Choose Focaccia Pizza?
- Unique Texture: The airy, slightly chewy texture of focaccia offers a delightful contrast to the familiar thin crust of traditional pizzas.
- Flavorful Base: The focaccia itself provides a subtle olive oil flavor that complements a wide array of toppings.
- Easy to Customize: Just like regular pizza, focaccia pizza allows for endless customization with your favorite vegetables, cheeses, and meats.
- Impressive Presentation: The dimpled surface of the focaccia creates a visually appealing pizza that's perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients You'll Need:
For the Focaccia Dough:
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup olive oil, plus more for drizzling
For the Toppings: (Choose your favorites!)
- Pizza sauce
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil
- Sliced mushrooms
- Sliced bell peppers
- Onions
- Sausage
- Pepperoni
Instructions:
Making the Focaccia Dough:
- Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the yeast mixture, mixing with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky.
- First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Shaping and Topping the Focaccia:
- Preheat oven & prepare pan: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or pizza pan.
- Shape the focaccia: Gently punch down the dough and transfer it to the prepared pan. Stretch and press the dough to fill the pan, creating an even layer.
- Dimpling: Use your fingers to create dimples all over the surface of the dough.
- Drizzle with oil: Drizzle the focaccia with olive oil.
- Add toppings: Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough, then add your desired toppings. Start with cheese, then add other toppings.
Baking and Serving:
- Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool slightly: Let the focaccia pizza cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Tips for the Best Focaccia Pizza:
- Use good quality olive oil: The flavor of the olive oil will greatly affect the taste of the 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 crust.
- Get creative with toppings: Don't be afraid to experiment with different flavor combinations!
Enjoy your homemade focaccia pizza! This recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a delicious and customizable pizza with a delightful twist. Remember to share your creations and tag us! Happy baking!
