Focaccia is a popular flatbread in Italian cuisine that can be enjoyed in many different ways. The basic focaccia is topped with olive oil, salt, and rosemary. However, there are countless variations that can make delicious meals or snacks when paired with other ingredients. Here is an in-depth look at what Italians typically eat with focaccia bread.
Meats
One of the most common pairings with focaccia in Italy is cured meats like salami, prosciutto, soppressata, and capicola. These salty, savory meats complement the flavor of the bread perfectly. Focaccia makes an ideal vehicle for tearing off pieces and creating little sandwiches with sliced meat, cheese, and vegetables.
Some of the most iconic Italian focaccia sandwiches are:
- Prosciutto e funghi – Prosciutto ham and sautéed mushrooms
- Salami e formaggio – Salami and provolone cheese
- Caprese – Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and olive oil
The cured meats add a lovely saltiness while the cheese provides creaminess and richness. Tomatoes and vegetables like arugula or roasted red peppers add freshness and acidity to balance the richness of the meats and cheese.
Cheeses
Besides using cheese as a topping for focaccia sandwiches, Italians also eat wedges of focaccia dipped into bowls of soft cheese. Some classic pairings are:
- Stracchino – A mild, creamy cow’s milk cheese
- Robiola – A soft, tangy, and slightly nutty cow/sheep milk cheese
- Mascarpone – An ulta-rich and spreadable cow’s milk cheese
- Gorgonzola dolce – A creamy, blue-veined cow’s milk cheese
The bread acts as the perfect vehicle for scooping up the soft cheese and seasoned oil. The combinations of flavors and textures make for a simple yet satisfying snack or light meal.
Vegetables
In addition to using veggies as sandwich toppings, Italians will also top focaccia bread with grilled, marinated, or roasted vegetables. Some examples include:
- Eggplant – Grilled or roasted slices layered on top
- Zucchini – Thin slices or ribbons roasted with olive oil and herbs
- Tomatoes – Sliced tomatoes marinated in olive oil and basil
- Bell peppers – Strips of roasted red, yellow or orange peppers
- Mushrooms – Sautéed or grilled mushrooms and onions
When vegetables are layered on top of focaccia before serving, the bread ends up absorbing some of those delicious pan juices. This makes for a wonderful medley of flavors in each bite.
Spreads and Pesto
Focaccia also shines when served alongside spreads like tapenades and bruschetta or vibrant basil pesto. Some popular options include:
- Olive tapenade – A spread of olives, capers, anchovies, garlic, and olive oil
- Sun-dried tomato tapenade – Sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, oregano, olive oil
- Bruschetta – Diced fresh tomatoes with olive oil, garlic, basil
- Pesto – Bright basil pesto made with pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, and parmesan
These zesty, flavor-packed spreads are delicious either slathered on top of the bread or used as a dip. The focaccia acts as the perfect delivery system for the intense olive, herb, and garlic flavors.
Soups and Stews
In Italy, it’s also very common for focaccia to accompany soups and stews. The bread can either be served on the side to dip into the broths and sauces, or diced up right into soups like ribollita or minestrone. Hearty stews with tomato-based sauces or olive oil broths work particularly well with focaccia for soaking and sopping up the incredible flavors.
Some great Italian soups and stews to enjoy with focaccia include:
- Ribollita – “Reboiled” Tuscan soup with beans, vegetables, and bread
- Pasta e fagioli – Pasta and bean soup
- Minestrone – Mixed vegetable and pasta soup
- Stracciatella – Eggy soup with parmesan and spinach
- Bolognese sauce – Hearty meat sauce for pasta
- Spezzatino di vitello – Beef stew braised in wine
- Braciole al sugo – Beef rolled with cheese and braised in tomato sauce
The focaccia soaks up the incredible sauces and broths while adding hearty texture and substance. It’s a match made in Italian heaven!
Seafood
In coastal regions of Italy, it’s also very popular to enjoy focaccia with seafood. The bread can either be served alongside seafood dishes, or top the focaccia with seafood as a tasty snack or light meal.
Some delicious ways Italians eat focaccia with seafood include:
- Mussels marinara – Dipping focaccia into a bowl of mussels cooked in a tomato, garlic and wine broth
- Shrimp caprese – Shrimp stacked with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes and basil
- Tuna tapenade – Olive tapenade made with tuna
- Swordfish involtini – Thin slices of swordfish rolled around capers, olives and herbs
- Anchovies – Salty anchovy fillets paired with fresh mozzarella or vegetables
The briny, savory seafood pairs perfectly with the chewy olive oil-kissed focaccia bread. It’s an iconic Italian flavor combination.
Desserts
While less common, focaccia can also be enjoyed for dessert in Italy by pairing it with something sweet. Some examples include:
- Fresh figs – Sweet ripe figs sliced atop rosemary focaccia
- Nutella – Chocolate-hazelnut spread slathered on plain or cinnamon-sugar coated focaccia
- Ricotta – Fresh soft ricotta cheese with honey drizzled on top
- Mascarpone – Dollops of mascarpone cream cheese
- Peaches – Grilled or roasted peach halves on focaccia
The contrast of the lightly sweet, rich toppings and the salty, olive oil-infused bread makes for a delightful dessert pairing. While not as common, it’s definitely a treat for those with a sweet tooth!
Dips and Condiments
In addition to all the wonderful foods mentioned above, there are also a variety of dips, drizzles, and condiments that Italians will use to add extra flavor to focaccia.
Some of these include:
- Balsamic glaze – Thick, syrupy glaze of reduced balsamic vinegar
- Balsamic vinegar – Splashed on or used as a dip
- Extra virgin olive oil – High quality olive oil for drizzling
- Pesto – See pesto combinations above
- Aioli – Garlic mayonnaise dip
- Hummus – Chickpea dip
- Romesco – Roasted red pepper and almond dip
Italians will often have these condiments on hand to add an extra punch of flavor and customize the focaccia eating experience.
The Italian Focaccia Experience
In Italy, focaccia is part of the local eating culture. It’s not merely an appetizer or side, but an essential component of the meal. Italians will take their time to slowly savor focaccia with its accompaniments, enjoying the medley of flavors and textures in every bite. Eating focaccia is relaxing, communal, and satisfying.
The range of ingredients and dishes enjoyed with focaccia reflects Italy’s regional diversity. Fresh produce, cured meats, cheeses, and seafood all have their place atop this olive oil-blessed bread. From light vegetable focaccia snacks to heartier sandwiches layered with meat, the combinations are endless.
Focaccia is emblematic of Italian cuisine – high quality ingredients combined in simple ways that let their excellence shine through. This humble flatbread captures the essence of Italy’s culinary ideals and culture.
| Food category | Popular Italian pairings with focaccia |
|---|---|
| Meats | Prosciutto, salami, soppressata |
| Cheeses | Mozzarella, stracchino, gorgonzola |
| Vegetables | Eggplant, zucchini, roasted peppers |
| Spreads/Pestos | Olive tapenade, basil pesto |
| Soups/Stews | Ribollita, Bolognese, braciole |
| Seafood | Mussels, shrimp, tuna, anchovies |
| Desserts | Fresh figs, Nutella, ricotta |
| Dips/Condiments | Balsamic glaze, olive oil, aioli |
How to Make Focaccia at Home
Interested in enjoying authentic Italian-style focaccia at home? Here is a simple recipe to try:
Ingredients:
- 4 cups (500g) all-purpose or bread flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 3/4 cups (350ml) warm water
- 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the flour and yeast. Add the warm water and olive oil. Using a wooden spoon, mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for about 10 minutes until smooth, elastic, and not sticky. Add more flour sparingly if needed.
- Grease a large bowl with olive oil. Add the dough, cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough to release air bubbles. On a lightly oiled baking sheet, stretch and push the dough out into a large rectangle about 1 inch thick.
- Use your fingertips to dimple the surface of the dough and stretch it out to the edges. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with chopped rosemary, sea salt, and black pepper.
- Let rise for another 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 450°F.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- Cut into pieces and serve warm with your favorite toppings and sides!
This easy homemade focaccia is delicious on its own but can also be topped with cheeses, cured meats, vegetables, spreads, and more. The possibilities are endless for Italian-inspired combinations.
Pair your homemade focaccia with prosciutto and mozzarella, bruschetta tomatoes, or peppery arugula for a taste of Italy. Dip into herb-flecked olive oil or let it soak up the juices of a hearty bolognese sauce. However you top it, enjoy this cozy, comforting Italian flatbread!
Conclusion
In Italy, focaccia is far more than just a bread – it is a beloved culinary and cultural icon. Its popularity stems from its incredible versatility to be paired with cheeses, cured meats, vegetables, seafood, spreads, soups, and more. Focaccia brings people together over beautiful simple food and embodies the laidback Italian way of life.
From light snacks to hearty sandwiches layered with ingredients, focaccia can be tailored to every meal and preference. The constant is the chewy, olive oil-kissed bread that soaks up and absorbs surrounding flavors. When paired with excellent Italian ingredients like ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, or thinly sliced prosciutto, the possibilities are endless.