Print

Light Fluffy Sourdough Focaccia

Light Fluffy Sourdough Focaccia
Print Recipe

This Light Fluffy Sourdough Focaccia recipe delivers a perfect balance of a golden, crispy crust and a delicate, airy crumb inside. Using natural sourdough fermentation, it creates a bread with rich, complex flavors and a light, fluffy texture. Easy to make with simple pantry staples, it serves as a versatile base for a variety of toppings and is ideal for both beginner and experienced bakers.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • Sourdough Starter: 150g active and bubbly, refreshed 4-6 hours prior
  • All-Purpose Flour: 400g
  • Water: 320ml lukewarm
  • Olive Oil: 60ml (plus extra for drizzling and greasing)
  • Sea Salt: 1 teaspoon for dough, plus more for topping
  • Sugar or Honey: 1 teaspoon

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Starter: Begin with an active, bubbly sourdough starter refreshed 4-6 hours before use. This starter is essential for fermentation that creates the focaccia’s light texture and tangy flavor.
  2. Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the sourdough starter, lukewarm water, and all-purpose flour. Stir until just combined. Add olive oil, sea salt, and sugar or honey, then mix gently to avoid overworking the dough and preserve fluffiness.
  3. Bulk Fermentation: Let the dough rest at room temperature for 4-6 hours, folding gently every hour to help develop the gluten and trap air, leading to a light crumb structure.
  4. Shape and Second Rest: Transfer the dough into a well-oiled baking pan. Spread it out with your fingers, creating dimples in the surface for the classic focaccia texture. Cover and let rise again for 1-2 hours until the dough is puffed.
  5. Add Toppings and Bake: Drizzle generously with olive oil and sprinkle chosen toppings and sea salt. Bake in a preheated oven at 450°F (230°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden and crisp on the edges.

Notes

  • Use a high hydration dough (around 80%) to achieve a lighter crumb with big air pockets.
  • Allow sufficient fermentation time for better flavor and texture; rushing will result in dense bread.
  • Press dimples gently to avoid deflating the dough and hold the olive oil in place.
  • Use high-quality olive oil for enhanced flavor and a signature crispy crust.
  • Preheat the oven properly to ensure good oven spring and a crispy finish.

Nutrition

Keywords: sourdough focaccia, light focaccia, fluffy bread, fermented bread, homemade focaccia, sourdough bread, Italian bread

Find it online: https://mealsbymary.com/light-fluffy-sourdough-focaccia/