This simple sourdough focaccia bread recipe is easy to pull together - the most important ingredient is patience. But your patience will be rewarded with the most delightful bread you've ever had!
400gWatercan increase or decrease by 30g if desired
500gBread Flour
10gSaltfine salt
30gOlive Oilextra virgin
10gSea Saltflaky sea salt
1tbspRosemary Leavesfresh or dried
Instructions
Weigh out your sourdough starter and water into a large bowl. Mix briefly, then add flour and salt. Mix until all dry flour is incorporated into a sticky dough.
Cover the bowl with cling film or a damp tea towel and let it sit for about 1 hour (autolyse).
Strengthen the dough by stretching and folding it around 10–15 times until it starts to tighten. It doesn’t need to be perfectly smooth.
Cover the bowl again and allow the dough to bulk ferment at room temperature until nearly doubled in size.
Once the dough has doubled, gently transfer it into your chosen baking pan, using a dough scraper. Rub your hands with olive oil and gently stretch the dough to fill the pan.
Let the dough rise again until it is puffy and has spread to fill the tray.
Drizzle olive oil over the dough. Dimple the dough with your fingertips and sprinkle with flaky sea salt and rosemary.
Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F). Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cool the focaccia on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
For best results, use a well-oiled cast iron skillet or baking tray lined with parchment. You can reduce hydration slightly if you're new to high-hydration doughs. Try different herbs or toppings for variety.