Focaccia is a popular Italian flatbread that can be used in a variety of ways. With its crispy crust, soft interior, and rich olive oil flavor, focaccia makes a fantastic base or accompaniment for both savory and sweet dishes. But what are the best ways to enjoy this versatile bread?
As a base for pizza
One of the most common uses for focaccia is as a base for pizza. Focaccia makes a delicious, crispy crust that can take on any pizza toppings you desire. It’s a great alternative to traditional pizza dough and is easier to work with since it doesn’t require kneading or rising time. Simply top your focaccia with tomato sauce, cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings before baking until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The focaccia will emerge from the oven with a golden crust and will hold up well, even with loaded down with toppings.
As a sandwich bread
Focaccia also shines when used as a sandwich bread. Because it’s thicker and heartier than regular sandwich bread, focaccia allows for ample filling while providing a sturdy base that won’t fall apart. To make focaccia sandwiches, simply slice the bread horizontally through the middle and fill with ingredients like sliced meats, cheeses, roasted vegetables, spreads, and more. Focaccia keeps sandwich fillings nicely cradled without getting soggy. It brings a wonderful flavor and texture to both cold sandwiches and paninis.
As a base for bruschetta
Bruschetta makes a simple yet impressive appetizer, and focaccia is the perfect vehicle for serving it. To make bruschetta on focaccia, first slice the focaccia into rounds. Top the bread with your bruschetta mixture, which typically contains diced tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, basil, and seasoning. You can also add cheese, artichokes, or olives. Serve the bruschetta rounds warm, at room temperature, or chilled. The crispiness of the focaccia paired with the bright tomato topping makes a tasty combination.
As a dipping bread
The generous amount of olive oil used in focaccia gives it an ultra-rich flavor that makes it ideal for dipping. For an antipasto platter, cut focaccia into wedges and serve alongside olive tapenade, hummus, marinated artichokes, roasted peppers, and other dips. It can also be paired with herb-infused olive oils and aged balsamic vinegar. The bread’s sturdy texture allows it to stand up to dunking without falling apart. Serve it at room temperature to allow the flavors to shine.
As a base for open-faced sandwiches
Open-faced sandwiches served on slices of focaccia bread make an easy light meal or appetizer. Try topping pieces of focaccia with ingredients like sliced hard cheeses, cured meats, marinated or grilled vegetables, greens, or smoked fish. The abundance of olive oil in the bread keeps it from getting too dry or hard when exposed to heat. Focaccia’s salty, savory flavor profile perfectly complements the sandwich toppings without overpowering them.
As a breakfast or brunch base
Focaccia can be used in place of traditional breads and English muffins at breakfast or brunch. Top slices of focaccia with eggs any style, sliced avocado, smoked salmon, or bacon and cheese for a hearty breakfast sandwich. Or spread with chocolaty Nutella or fruit jam for a sweet treat. Focaccia’s sturdy structure and crispy edges make it perfect for holding runny egg yolks without falling apart. Its neutral flavor works with both savory and sweet toppings.
As a base for crostini
Crostini make an easy appetizer or snack, and focaccia is a natural fit for making them. Simply brush slices of focaccia with olive oil or butter and toast them until crisp. Then top with ingredients like ricotta, goat cheese, tapenade, roasted peppers, basil pesto, tomatoes, or grilled vegetables. The crunch of the focaccia contrasted with the creamy toppings makes a mouthwatering combination. Feel free to get creative with your crostini toppings.
In soups and salads
Focaccia also works nicely as a crunchy, flavorful crouton in soups and salads. Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes, toss with olive oil and desired seasonings, and bake until crisp. Then add them to salads for texture and to soak up dressing. They can also be used as a garnish for brothy soups, where they add some welcome chewiness. Herb-infused or garlic-rosemary focaccia croutons pair especially well with Mediterranean-style soups and salads.
As a dessert base
While not as common, sweet focaccia can also be prepared to serve as a base for desserts. Try brushing focaccia with honey before baking, or sprinkle it with cinnamon sugar. Sliced sweet focaccia pairs nicely with whipped cream and fresh berries. Or try using it in place of cake for a unique shortcake dessert. Top sweet focaccia with grilled peaches, ice cream, chocolate ganache, or lemon curd for a delicious sweet treat after dinner.
As a snack
Sometimes the simplicity of olive oil and salt is all you need to enjoy focaccia, no toppings required. Its crispy texture and savory flavor make focaccia a fantastic snack on its own. Simply tear off pieces from a whole loaf and enjoy. Focaccia also holds up well, so it’s easy to pack in lunches for school or work. For a fun snack, cut focaccia into shapes using cookie cutters before baking. Kids will love the whimsical appeal of star, heart, or animal-shaped focaccia bread.
In recipes
In addition to enjoying focaccia as-is, it can also be incorporated into recipes. Cubed focaccia substitutes nicely for croutons in recipes for stuffing, casseroles, or bread puddings. Focaccia crumbs also make a flavorful coating for chicken, pork chops, or fish before pan-frying or baking. For a tasty savory bread pudding, layer torn focaccia with sauteed spinach, cheese, and roasted vegetables in a baking dish, then pour over a custard mixture before baking.
As a side dish
A whole focaccia or sliced wedges served alongside meals add fantastic flavor and texture as a side dish. Serve focaccia with Italian or Mediterranean-style main courses like pasta Bolognese, chicken parmesan, or grilled salmon. The olive oil richness pairs perfectly with these dishes. Focaccia also accompanies heavier comfort foods like meatloaf, sausage and peppers, or pot roasts well. It makes a nice alternative to rolls or bread basket offerings.
Conclusion
With its crispy golden crust, fluffy interior, and rich olive oil flavor, focaccia is one of the most versatile breads. It serves as an ideal base for everything from pizza and sandwiches to bruschetta and crostini. Focaccia also shines when used as a vehicle for dips, in soups and salads, or simply enjoyed plain as a snack. Both savory and sweet versions can provide a foundation for delicious open-faced toppings and desserts. However you choose to use it, focaccia’s blend of texture and taste makes it a go-to bread for all occasions.