This Best-Ever Focaccia Pizza combines the fluffiness of focaccia bread with the irresistible flavors of classic pizza. Topped with a rich tomato sauce, a mix of cheeses, and fresh basil, this recipe is perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. Its crispy edges, tender interior, and gooey cheese make every bite unforgettable.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
- 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more as needed
- 3 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- 1 ½ teaspoons instant or active dry yeast
- 1 ¾ cups lukewarm water
- 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 (14-ounce) can whole tomatoes, or ½ (28-ounce) can
- 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated
- 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
- 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 ½ packed cup)
- 4 large fresh basil leaves
Directions
1. Mix the Dough:
Combine flour, 2 ½ teaspoons kosher salt, and yeast in a large bowl. Stir in water and 3 tablespoons olive oil until a shaggy dough forms. Knead briefly in the bowl, adding flour if sticky, until a rough ball forms. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and let rise at room temperature for 2 hours.
2. Chill the Dough:
Refrigerate the dough for at least 8 hours or up to 24 hours.
3. Prepare the Dough:
Drizzle 2 tablespoons olive oil onto a 13×18-inch baking sheet. Transfer the dough to the sheet, coat in oil, and gently press until about 1 inch thick. Cover with plastic wrap and let rest for 10 minutes.
4. Strain the Tomatoes:
Pour the tomatoes into a fine-mesh strainer over a bowl. Reserve the solids and discard the tomato water.
5. Stretch and Shape the Dough:
Stretch the dough to the edges of the pan, resting as needed if it shrinks back. Cover and let it rise until puffed, about 25 minutes.
6. Preheat the Oven:
Position a rack in the lower third and preheat the oven to 475°F.
7. Make the Sauce:
Crush the strained tomatoes in a bowl. Add garlic, 1 tablespoon olive oil, red wine vinegar, remaining ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
8. Assemble the Pizza:
Dimple the dough with your fingertips. Sprinkle 1 cup mozzarella over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border. Spoon on the sauce, spread gently, then top with remaining mozzarella. Add dollops of ricotta.
9. Bake the Pizza:
Bake for 17–20 minutes, until golden-brown and bubbling.
10. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle with Parmesan and fresh basil. Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing into 12 squares. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrients (Per Serving – Based on 6 Servings)
- Calories: 853
- Fat: 42.8 g
- Saturated Fat: 19.7 g
- Carbohydrates: 80.4 g
- Fiber: 5.3 g
- Sugars: 4.7 g
- Protein: 36.3 g
- Sodium: 1033.9 mg
This focaccia pizza is a crowd-pleaser and a perfect blend of textures and flavors. Great for any occasion!
The Perfect Marriage of Focaccia and Pizza
Focaccia bread is known for its soft interior, golden crust, and signature dimpled surface. These dimples are not just decorative; they create pockets that capture olive oil and flavors, adding depth to every bite. Combining this with classic pizza toppings creates a dish that’s robust, satisfying, and utterly delicious.
Unlike traditional thin-crust or deep-dish pizzas, focaccia pizza provides a unique texture. It’s thick and fluffy yet not overly dense, making it ideal for holding generous layers of sauce, cheese, and toppings.
Flavors That Make Every Bite Special
The combination of tomato sauce, cheeses, and fresh basil brings together the classic flavors of Italian cuisine.
- Tomato Sauce: The rich and tangy tomato sauce is the star of the dish, made from crushed whole tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and a hint of red wine vinegar for acidity. Red pepper flakes add a subtle heat, while fresh garlic enhances the sauce’s savory depth.
- Cheeses: A mix of mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan creates a creamy, gooey, and slightly nutty blend of flavors. The low-moisture mozzarella ensures the pizza doesn’t become watery, while ricotta adds a luxurious creaminess, and Parmesan provides a salty, umami kick.
- Basil: Fresh basil leaves add a burst of herbaceous aroma and flavor, perfectly complementing the richness of the cheese and the tanginess of the tomato sauce.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
This focaccia pizza recipe is a step above ordinary pizzas for several reasons:
- Homemade Dough: The recipe starts with a homemade dough that’s simple yet yields bakery-quality results. The long refrigeration process enhances the flavor, allowing the yeast to develop complex, slightly tangy notes.
- Crispy Yet Tender Crust: Baking the pizza at a high temperature of 475°F creates a crust that’s golden and crispy on the outside while remaining tender and airy on the inside.
- Customizable Toppings: While the recipe sticks to classic pizza flavors, you can easily adapt it to include your favorite toppings like pepperoni, roasted vegetables, or caramelized onions.
The Texture That Sets It Apart
The beauty of focaccia pizza lies in its texture. The dough is enriched with olive oil, which ensures a soft crumb and a crisp, golden crust. The dimpled surface allows the olive oil and toppings to seep into the dough, creating a pizza that’s bursting with flavor in every bite.
The cheese melts into a bubbly, gooey layer, while the tomato sauce seeps slightly into the crust, adding moisture and tang without making it soggy. Together, these elements create a perfect balance of textures—soft, crispy, creamy, and chewy.
A Versatile Dish for Any Occasion
Focaccia pizza is incredibly versatile and suits various occasions:
- Casual Dinners: Serve it as a main course alongside a crisp salad or a bowl of soup for a comforting meal.
- Party Pleaser: Cut it into smaller squares for an easy-to-share appetizer or finger food.
- Meal Prep: Make the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours, then assemble and bake when ready to serve.
Its adaptability also extends to dietary preferences. Use gluten-free flour to make it celiac-friendly, or experiment with vegan cheeses and plant-based toppings for a dairy-free or vegan version.
Tips for Perfect Focaccia Pizza
- Use High-Quality Olive Oil: The olive oil you use plays a crucial role in the flavor and texture of the crust. Choose a good-quality extra-virgin olive oil for the best results.
- Let the Dough Rest: Allowing the dough to rest and rise ensures it develops its characteristic airy texture. Don’t rush this step for the sake of convenience.
- Preheat the Oven: A properly preheated oven ensures even cooking and a perfectly crispy crust.
- Dimple the Dough: Pressing your fingers into the dough creates the signature dimples that hold the olive oil and sauce, enhancing the flavor and texture.
- Don’t Overload with Toppings: While it’s tempting to pile on ingredients, keeping a balance ensures the crust cooks evenly and doesn’t become soggy.
The Joy of Making Focaccia Pizza at Home
Making focaccia pizza from scratch is a rewarding experience. There’s something deeply satisfying about working with dough, shaping it, and watching it transform in the oven. The aroma of freshly baked bread, mingled with bubbling cheese and tomato sauce, fills the kitchen, creating an inviting atmosphere that enhances the overall dining experience.
Homemade focaccia pizza is also a healthier alternative to store-bought or takeout options. You have complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to avoid preservatives and tailor the recipe to your nutritional preferences.
Conclusion
The Best-Ever Focaccia Pizza is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. Its thick, airy crust, rich tomato sauce, gooey cheese, and fresh basil come together to create a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated. This recipe celebrates the artistry of baking, transforming simple ingredients into a masterpiece of flavor and texture.
Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, enjoying a cozy night in, or impressing guests with your culinary skills, this focaccia pizza is guaranteed to be a hit. Its versatility, ease of preparation, and irresistible taste make it a must-try recipe for anyone who loves good food. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe time and time again.