Focaccia Pizza At Home

What is Focaccia Pizza?

Imagine if soft, pillowy focaccia bread and cheesy, flavorful pizza had a delicious baby—that’s focaccia pizza. It’s a thick, airy crust with crispy edges, infused with olive oil, herbs and layered with toppings that melt right into the dough as it bakes—pure magic.

Why Make It At Home?

Homemade focaccia pizza is cheaper, fresher, and frankly, better than most delivery options. You control the ingredients, the thickness, the toppings, and most importantly—the flavor. Plus, your kitchen will smell unreal.

Focaccia Pizza vs Traditional Pizza

Traditional pizza uses a thin, flexible crust that’s often crisped in a blazing hot oven. Focaccia pizza flips the script with a thicker, chewier base—imagine eating bread and pizza at the same time. It’s a comfort food double win.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dough

• 4 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour for more chew)
  
• 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
  
• 1¾ cups warm water
  
• 2 tsp salt
  
• 1 tbsp sugar
  
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
  

For the Toppings

• 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce
  
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella
  
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
  
• Fresh basil
  
• 1 tsp dried oregano
  

Optional Add-ins for Extra Flavor

• Crushed red pepper flakes
  
• Caramelized onions
  
• Garlic confit
  
• Kalamata olives
  
• Grated Parmesan

Kitchen Tools That Make It Easier

• Mixing bowls
  
• Measuring cups and spoons
  
• Dough scraper (optional but helpful)
  
• Large baking sheet or cast iron pan
  
• Parchment paper
  
• Stand mixer (if available)

Step-By-Step Guide To Making Focaccia Pizza

Step 1: Activating the Yeast

Mix warm water (not hot!) with sugar and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it gets foamy. If there’s no foam, your yeast is likely dead—start over.

Step 2: Mixing and Kneading the Dough

Add flour and salt into a large bowl. Pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until combined. Knead the dough by hand or with a mixer for about 10 minutes until smooth and slightly tacky.

Step 3: First Rise – Letting the Dough Rest

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Shaping and Second Rise

Transfer the dough to a generously oiled baking sheet. Stretch it gently to fit the pan. Cover and let it rise again for 30–45 minutes.

Step 5: Dimpling the Dough – The Signature Move

With oiled fingers, press dimples all over the surface of the dough. This gives focaccia its iconic texture and helps trap flavor pockets.

Step 6: Prepping Your Toppings

Spread sauce over the dough. Sprinkle cheese, tomatoes, oregano, and any other toppings you love.

Step 7: Baking to Golden Perfection

Bake in a preheated oven at 450°F (232°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until the bottom is golden and crispy. Let it cool slightly before slicing.

Tips For A Crispy, Flavorful Crust

• Don’t skimp on the olive oil—it’s key to a crisp bottom and rich flavor.
  
• Let the dough rise fully for a light, airy texture.
  
• Preheat the pan in the oven before adding the dough for extra crispiness.

Focaccia Pizza

Paul, AI Chef

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course, Snack

Cuisine Italian, Mediterranean

Servings 6 slices

Calories 310 kcal

Equipment

• 1 Mixing bowls
• 1 Measuring cups and spoons
• 1 Dough scraper (optional but helpful)
• 1 Large baking sheet or cast iron pan
• 1 Parchment paper
• 1 Stand mixer (if available)

Ingredients

  

For the Dough

• 4 cups all-purpose flour or bread flour for more chew
• 2¼ tsp active dry yeast 1 packet
• 1¾ cups warm water
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp sugar
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil plus more for drizzling

For the Toppings

• 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes halved
• Fresh basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano

Optional Add-ins for Extra Flavor

• Crushed red pepper flakes
• Caramelized onions
• Garlic confit
• Kalamata olives
• Grated Parmesan

Instructions

 

Step 1: Activating the Yeast

• Mix warm water (not hot!) with sugar and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it gets foamy. If there’s no foam, your yeast is likely dead—start over.

Step 2: Mixing and Kneading the Dough

• Add flour and salt into a large bowl. Pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until combined. Knead the dough by hand or with a mixer for about 10 minutes until smooth and slightly tacky.

Step 3: First Rise – Letting the Dough Rest

• Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Shaping and Second Rise

• Transfer the dough to a generously oiled baking sheet. Stretch it gently to fit the pan. Cover and let it rise again for 30–45 minutes.

Step 5: Dimpling the Dough – The Signature Move

• With oiled fingers, press dimples all over the surface of the dough. This gives focaccia its iconic texture and helps trap flavor pockets.

Step 6: Prepping Your Toppings

• Spread sauce over the dough. Sprinkle cheese, tomatoes, oregano, and any other toppings you love.

Step 7: Baking to Golden Perfection

• Bake in a preheated oven at 450°F (232°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until the bottom is golden and crispy. Let it cool slightly before slicing.

Notes

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Values are estimates and can vary based on toppings used.

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	310 kcal
Total Fat	12g
Saturated Fat	4g
Carbohydrates	38g
Fiber	2g
Sugars	3g
Protein	9g
Sodium	500mg
Cholesterol	15mg

Focaccia Pizza Topping Ideas

Classic Margherita Style

Just sauce, mozzarella, fresh basil, and a drizzle of olive oil. Simple and timeless.

Mediterranean Veggie Mix

Add sliced bell peppers, red onions, olives, spinach, and crumbled feta.

Meaty Favorites

Try pepperoni, crumbled sausage, or prosciutto. They balance beautifully with focaccia’s richness.

Mistakes To Avoid When Making Focaccia Pizza

• Under-proofing the dough: It’ll turn out dense and lifeless.
  
• Using cold water for yeast: It won’t activate properly.
  
• Skipping the oil: You’ll miss out on that iconic golden crust.
  
• Overloading with toppings: Too much weight can sink the dough.

How To Store and Reheat Focaccia Pizza

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temp for 1 day, or refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, pop slices in a 375°F oven for 5–7 minutes to revive the crisp edges.

Gluten-Free and Vegan Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and add 1 tsp of xanthan gum for structure.
  
• Vegan: Skip dairy cheese or use vegan alternatives. The dough itself is naturally vegan!
  

Pairing Suggestions – What to Serve With Focaccia Pizza

• Arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
  
• Roasted garlic soup
  
• Roasted veggies or antipasto platter
  

Why Homemade Focaccia Pizza Is Worth It

It’s cozy, customizable, and feels gourmet without being complicated. Making focaccia pizza at home turns a simple night into something special. Plus, once you try it, you’ll never go back to basic frozen pizza again.

Conclusion

Focaccia pizza is the ultimate homemade comfort food. With its soft, airy base and crisp golden edges, it offers everything we love about bread and pizza in one satisfying bite. Whether you’re a kitchen newbie or a seasoned cook, this recipe is easy to follow and endlessly adaptable. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself to a slice of homemade deliciousness.

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