Focaccia pizza is a delightful and unique twist on traditional pizza. It combines the rich flavors of focaccia bread with the toppings of a classic pizza, creating a mouthwatering dish that is both comforting and versatile. Whether you’re a fan of traditional pizza or someone looking for a new pizza experience, focaccia pizza offers a delicious option that you won’t want to miss.
In this article, we will explore what focaccia pizza is, its origins, how it differs from regular pizza, how to make it at home, and various topping ideas that can make this dish even more exciting.
The Origins of Focaccia Pizza
To understand what focaccia pizza is, it’s important to know the background of its two key elements: focaccia and pizza.
Focaccia Bread
Focaccia is an Italian flatbread known for its rich, olive oil-infused flavor and soft yet slightly crispy texture. It is often seasoned with herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage, and it can be topped with a variety of ingredients such as olives, tomatoes, or onions. The bread is typically baked in a pan, and it is thick and airy with a golden-brown crust.
Focaccia has ancient roots in Italy, where it was initially prepared as a simple bread to accompany meals. Over time, it evolved, becoming more sophisticated with different regional variations. While the bread is often eaten on its own as a snack or appetizer, it is also used as a base for sandwiches and, more recently, for pizza.
Traditional Pizza
Pizza, on the other hand, originates from Naples, Italy, and is known for its thin, crisp crust topped with tomatoes, cheese, and various toppings. The classic pizza dough is typically made with flour, water, yeast, salt, and olive oil, and is rolled thin before being topped with ingredients.
While pizza has become a global sensation, with many variations around the world, the traditional Neapolitan pizza remains the standard for many pizza lovers.
The Concept of Focaccia Pizza
Focaccia pizza is simply a hybrid of focaccia bread and traditional pizza. Instead of the traditional pizza dough, which is thinner and crisper, focaccia pizza uses the soft, thick, and fluffy focaccia bread as the base. This gives the pizza a distinct texture—crispy on the outside but soft and airy on the inside. It also has a richer flavor thanks to the olive oil used in the focaccia dough, making it more indulgent than your typical pizza.
Focaccia pizza can be customized with all the usual pizza toppings, such as cheese, tomato sauce, vegetables, meats, and herbs. The focus, however, is on the bread itself, which provides a unique base that enhances the flavors of the toppings.
How Focaccia Pizza Differs from Traditional Pizza
The Dough
The main difference between focaccia pizza and traditional pizza lies in the dough. Traditional pizza dough is typically thinner and more elastic, resulting in a crispier, more cracker-like crust. It’s often baked at a high temperature for a short period of time to achieve that signature crunch.
In contrast, focaccia pizza dough is much thicker and softer. It is richer due to the olive oil used in the dough, which gives it a moist, tender crumb. The dough is also often baked at a lower temperature for a longer period, allowing the bread to rise and develop that characteristic softness.
The Texture
Because of its thicker dough, focaccia pizza has a softer, more pillowy texture than regular pizza. While the outside of the focaccia may be crisp, the inside remains airy and light, giving it a bread-like feel. Traditional pizza crusts, however, are usually crisp all the way through and have less of a spongy texture.
The Flavor
The flavor profile of focaccia pizza is also different from traditional pizza. The olive oil in the focaccia dough imparts a rich, savory taste to the crust that can stand up to hearty toppings. Traditional pizza crusts, while flavorful, don’t have the same depth of taste as the olive oil-infused focaccia dough.
The Size and Shape
Focaccia pizza is often larger and thicker than traditional pizza. It’s typically made in a rectangular or square shape, while regular pizza is usually round. The size and shape can vary depending on personal preference or regional variations.
How to Make Focaccia Pizza
Making focaccia pizza at home is relatively easy, and the results are highly rewarding. Below is a simple recipe to guide you through the process.
Ingredients for the Dough
3 cups of all-purpose flour
1 packet of active dry yeast
1 tablespoon of sugar
1 ½ cups of warm water
¼ cup of olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
1 teaspoon of salt
1 tablespoon of fresh rosemary (optional)
Toppings (Customizable to Your Preference)
Tomato sauce
Fresh mozzarella cheese
Sliced pepperoni or sausage
Sautéed mushrooms
Fresh basil leaves
Sliced onions
Cherry tomatoes
Olives
Parmesan cheese
Red pepper flakes
Method
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by activating the yeast. In a bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and olive oil. Gradually add the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring as you go.
Knead the dough for 5-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
Form the dough into a ball, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Step 2: Shape the Dough
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air bubbles.
Drizzle olive oil on a baking sheet or a rectangular baking pan, and then stretch the dough to fit the pan. If you like, you can also fold in fresh rosemary or other herbs for added flavor.
Cover the dough again and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
Step 3: Add Toppings
After the dough has risen, spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the base.
Add your toppings. You can stick with the classic combination of mozzarella and basil, or experiment with meats, veggies, and cheeses.
Drizzle a little more olive oil over the top and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Bake
Bake the focaccia pizza in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cheese has melted.
Once the pizza is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Customization Tips
One of the best things about focaccia pizza is its versatility. You can use virtually any topping you like. Here are a few ideas:
Vegetarian Focaccia Pizza: Top your pizza with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms for a fresh, healthy twist.
Meat Lover’s Focaccia Pizza: Add pepperoni, sausage, and bacon for a hearty, meaty option.
Herb Focaccia Pizza: Use fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage to enhance the flavor of the focaccia crust.
Why Try Focaccia Pizza?
There are many reasons to give focaccia pizza a try. It’s a great way to enjoy the comfort of pizza while indulging in the unique flavors of focaccia bread. The soft, fluffy texture makes it perfect for anyone who loves a thick crust, and the rich olive oil flavor adds a level of depth that traditional pizza dough can’t match.
Moreover, focaccia pizza is highly customizable. You can top it with your favorite pizza ingredients or experiment with new and exciting combinations. The dough itself is easy to make at home, and you can control the quality of the ingredients, making it a healthier, more satisfying option than ordering takeout.
Conclusion
Focaccia pizza is a wonderful alternative to traditional pizza. Its thick, soft dough and rich flavor profile make it a standout choice for anyone looking for something different. Whether you’re baking it at home or enjoying it at an Italian restaurant, focaccia pizza brings together the best of both worlds—the comforting qualities of focaccia bread and the fun, flavor-packed toppings of pizza. Try making it yourself and discover just how delicious this dish can be.
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