Sourdough Discard Focaccia Recipe

Tender, spongy, and full of flavor, this Sourdough Discard Focaccia Recipe is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet evening at home, this focaccia will impress with its delightful texture and taste. It’s an excellent way to use up sourdough discard while creating a versatile bread that pairs well with various toppings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This focaccia recipe is beginner-friendly, making it accessible for anyone who wants to start baking.
• Flavorful: Infused with olive oil and topped with your favorite ingredients, every bite bursts with deliciousness.
• Versatile: Customize your focaccia with various toppings like herbs, vegetables, or cheese to suit your palate.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 12 servings, this focaccia is ideal for parties, picnics, or family meals.
• Great Texture: The unique method of folding and resting the dough creates an airy and tender crumb.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the preparation of your Sourdough Discard Focaccia Recipe, gather the necessary tools. Having the right equipment ensures a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or hands for mixing
• Plastic wrap
• Baking sheets (9 x 13 inches)
• Parchment paper or aluminum foil
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows ample space for mixing and kneading the dough without mess.
• Baking sheets: Essential for shaping and baking your focaccia evenly.
• Cooling rack: Helps maintain the bread’s texture by allowing airflow after baking.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you’ll need for this Sourdough Discard Focaccia Recipe:

• 452 grams water
• 7 grams instant yeast (1 packet)
• 42 grams honey (or cane sugar)
• 170 grams sourdough discard
• 540 grams bread flour
• 90 grams whole wheat flour
• 12 grams salt
• 56 grams olive oil
• 7 grams flaky sea salt
• tomatoes (sliced)
• fresh rosemary
• onions (sliced)
• ground pistachios
• lemons (sliced)
• olives
• ground pepper
• garlic
• grapes

How to Make Sourdough Discard Focaccia Recipe

Step 1: Make the Dough

Mix together the water, instant yeast, honey, and sourdough discard in a large bowl until no traces of discard remain.

Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients

Fold in the bread flour, whole wheat flour, and salt. Mix using a wooden spoon or your hands until all flour is hydrated.

Step 3: Incorporate Olive Oil

Knead in the olive oil until absorbed. The dough will feel less greasy as it incorporates the oil.

Step 4: First Rest Period

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rest in a warm place for about 15 minutes.

Step 5: Stretch and Fold Technique

After resting, perform one set of stretch and folds:
1. With dough in the bowl, pick up one side using your fingertips.
2. Stretch it out gently without tearing.
3. Fold it over itself.
4. Rotate the bowl 90 degrees and repeat three more times.

Step 6: Second Rest Period

Cover again with plastic wrap and allow to rest in a warm place for another 15 minutes.

Step 7: Repeat Stretching Process

Complete another set of stretch and folds before covering once more.

Step 8: First Rise

Let the dough rise at room temperature until it doubles in volume—about 30 to 45 minutes—until bubbly.

Step 9: Prepare Baking Sheets

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Coat pans with about one tablespoon of olive oil each. Preheat your oven to 425°F.

Step 10: Second Rise

Divide the dough into two portions. Transfer each portion to prepared pans. Cover with plastic wrap and let rest for another 15 minutes.

Step 11: Shape Dough

After resting, stretch each portion of dough out to fit the edges of their respective pans. Cover again and let rise for an additional 20 minutes until bubbly.

Step 12: Assemble Toppings

For each portion of dough:
1. Pour about one tablespoon of olive oil over it.
2. Spread oil using your palm.
3. Dimple all over with your fingertips until flat.
4. Sprinkle sea salt and arrange toppings as desired.

Step 13: Bake

Transfer baking sheets into preheated oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown.

Step 14: Cool Down

Move focaccias to a cooling rack. Allow them to cool for at least ten minutes before slicing—more if using them for sandwiches.

Step 15: Storage

This focaccia tastes best on the day it’s baked but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you used toppings, refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container.

Enjoy your delicious Sourdough Discard Focaccia!

How to Serve Sourdough Discard Focaccia Recipe

Sourdough Discard Focaccia is versatile and pairs well with many dishes. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or a side, there are countless ways to enjoy this delicious bread.

As an Appetizer

• Dipping Oils: Serve with a variety of flavored olive oils for dipping. Infuse oils with garlic, herbs, or chili for an extra kick.
• Cheese Platter: Pair focaccia with a selection of cheeses like brie, goat cheese, or aged cheddar. The soft texture complements the creaminess of the cheese perfectly.

For Sandwiches

• Classic Italian Sandwiches: Use slices of focaccia to make hearty sandwiches filled with cured meats, fresh vegetables, and pesto.
• Veggie Delight: Layer roasted vegetables and hummus between two slices for a delightful vegetarian option.

With Salads

• Mixed Green Salad: Serve focaccia alongside a fresh salad drizzled with vinaigrette for a light meal.
• Caprese Salad: Enjoy it with slices of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic reduction.

As a Side Dish

• Soup Companion: This focaccia is great served alongside soups like minestrone or tomato basil.
• Brunch Item: Pair it with eggs and bacon for a delicious brunch spread.

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How to Perfect Sourdough Discard Focaccia Recipe

To get the best results from your Sourdough Discard Focaccia Recipe, consider these helpful tips.

• Use High-Quality Flour: Investing in good bread flour enhances the texture and flavor of your focaccia.
• Control the Temperature: Ensure your dough rises in a warm area. A consistent temperature helps it rise properly.
• Don’t Rush the Rise: Allow the dough to double in size fully before baking. This step develops flavor and texture.
• Experiment with Toppings: Get creative by adding toppings like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or different herbs to customize your focaccia.
• Preheat Your Oven Properly: Make sure your oven is fully preheated to achieve that perfect golden crust.
• Let It Rest Before Cutting: Allow the focaccia to cool slightly after baking. This ensures cleaner cuts and better texture.

Best Side Dishes for Sourdough Discard Focaccia Recipe

Sourdough Discard Focaccia pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that can enhance your meal experience.

1. Italian Salad: A refreshing mix of greens, cherry tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese dressed in balsamic vinaigrette.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies tossed in olive oil and herbs make a flavorful side that complements focaccia well.
3. Grilled Shrimp Skewers: Marinated shrimp grilled to perfection add protein and flavor that contrast beautifully with the bread’s softness.
4. Bruschetta: Top toasted bread slices with diced tomatoes, basil, and garlic. It’s a classic Italian starter that pairs well with focaccia.
5. Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes: Crispy potatoes seasoned with garlic and parmesan are hearty companions to any meal featuring focaccia.
6. Creamy Tomato Soup: A warm bowl of creamy tomato soup paired with focaccia makes for a comforting lunch or dinner option.
7. Antipasto Platter: A selection of cured meats, cheeses, pickled vegetables, and nuts provides an elegant touch when serving focaccia.
8. Spinach Artichoke Dip: This creamy dip served warm is perfect for scooping up pieces of focaccia during gatherings or parties.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making focaccia can be a delightful experience, but it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Improper Dough Hydration: Using too little or too much water can lead to a dry or overly sticky dough. Always measure your ingredients accurately.

• Skipping the Stretch and Fold: Neglecting this crucial step can cause dense bread. Be sure to perform stretch and folds to develop gluten properly.

• Not Allowing Enough Rise Time: Rushing the fermentation process results in flat focaccia. Ensure the dough doubles in size during the first rise for optimal flavor and texture.

• Overloading on Toppings: Too many toppings can weigh down the dough. Choose a few favorite toppings and distribute them evenly for best results.

• Baking at Incorrect Temperature: Baking at too low of a temperature may yield undercooked bread. Preheat your oven thoroughly to achieve that golden-brown crust.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
• It will stay good for up to 3 days when refrigerated.

Freezing Sourdough Discard Focaccia Recipe

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• The focaccia can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating Sourdough Discard Focaccia Recipe

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 20 seconds, checking for warmth.
• Stovetop: Heat on medium in a skillet with a splash of water covered by a lid for about 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re new to making focaccia or using sourdough discard, you might have some questions. Here are answers to common queries:

What is a Sourdough Discard Focaccia Recipe?

A sourdough discard focaccia recipe utilizes leftover sourdough starter, creating delicious bread while reducing waste.

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, you can substitute active dry yeast; just remember to activate it in warm water before adding it to the mixture.

How do I know when my dough has risen enough?

The dough should double in size and appear bubbly on the surface when it has risen adequately during fermentation.

What toppings work best on focaccia?

Popular toppings include rosemary, olives, tomatoes, and garlic. Feel free to experiment with your favorites!

Is this recipe suitable for beginners?

Absolutely! This sourdough discard focaccia recipe is simple and forgiving, making it perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.

Final Thoughts

This Sourdough Discard Focaccia Recipe offers a wonderful blend of flavors and textures that appeal to many palates. It’s versatile enough for any occasion—whether as an appetizer, side dish, or even as sandwich bread. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite toppings or herbs. Try this recipe today and enjoy its delightful taste!