Focaccia bread is a delightfully airy, olive oil-infused Italian bread that offers a chewy texture, a crisp golden crust, and an aromatic blend of flavors. Whether enjoyed on its own, as part of a meal, or transformed into a gourmet sandwich, focaccia offers endless possibilities for culinary enjoyment.
1. Eating Focaccia Bread on Its Own
One of the simplest yet most satisfying ways to enjoy focaccia is to eat it as it is. Freshly baked focaccia, warm from the oven, needs no accompaniment to be enjoyed.
a. Enjoying Freshly Baked Focaccia
Slice a piece and enjoy the crispy crust and soft interior.
If your focaccia is seasoned with rosemary, sea salt, or garlic, savor the aromatic flavors.
Let the olive oil and herbs infuse your taste buds with their rich, deep flavors.
b. Toasted Focaccia for Extra Crispness
Toasting a slice of focaccia enhances its texture, creating a crispier exterior while maintaining a chewy center.
Use a toaster oven, grill, or skillet to achieve the perfect golden-brown finish.
Try rubbing a bit of garlic on the toasted surface for an extra burst of flavor.
c. Dipping into Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar
One of the best ways to enjoy focaccia is by dipping it into high-quality extra virgin olive oil.
Enhance the dipping experience by adding balsamic vinegar, crushed red pepper, or freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the oil.
Experiment with infused oils, such as truffle oil or basil-infused olive oil, for an even more gourmet touch.
2. Focaccia as an Appetizer
Focaccia makes an excellent starter for a meal. Whether served in small squares or alongside other appetizers, it can set the stage for a delicious dining experience.
a. Focaccia with Cheese and Charcuterie
Pair focaccia with an assortment of cheeses such as mozzarella, brie, blue cheese, or aged Parmesan.
Serve it with cured meats like prosciutto, salami, or soppressata for a well-rounded charcuterie board.
Add olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and marinated artichokes to complement the flavors.
b. Focaccia Bruschetta
Use focaccia as a base for bruschetta by topping slices with diced tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Try variations like roasted red peppers, goat cheese, or avocado for unique flavors.
c. Focaccia with Dips
Serve focaccia with a variety of dips, such as hummus, tzatziki, or whipped ricotta.
Pesto and tapenade (olive-based spread) also work wonderfully as flavorful accompaniments.
3. Using Focaccia for Sandwiches
Focaccia makes an excellent bread for sandwiches thanks to its sturdy yet soft texture.
a. Classic Italian Focaccia Sandwich
Slice focaccia horizontally and fill it with ingredients such as:
Prosciutto, mozzarella, and arugula
Roasted turkey, brie, and fig jam
Fresh tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze
b. Grilled Focaccia Panini
Use focaccia as the base for a panini. The bread crisps up beautifully on a panini press.
Try combinations like chicken pesto, grilled vegetables with feta, or tuna melt.
c. Breakfast Focaccia Sandwich
Layer scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and melted cheese between focaccia slices for a delicious morning sandwich.
Add avocado and a drizzle of hot sauce for extra flavor.
4. Focaccia as a Side Dish
Focaccia pairs well with many dishes, making it an excellent choice for a side.
a. Focaccia with Soup
Serve warm focaccia with tomato soup, minestrone, or a hearty lentil soup.
Use it for dipping into creamy soups like butternut squash or clam chowder.
b. Focaccia with Salad
A fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and vinaigrette pairs well with focaccia.
Try a Caesar salad with garlic-rosemary focaccia on the side.
c. Focaccia with Pasta
Enjoy focaccia with classic pasta dishes like spaghetti marinara, fettuccine Alfredo, or lasagna.
Use it to soak up rich sauces and enhance your meal.
5. Focaccia for Dessert
While traditionally a savory bread, focaccia can also be enjoyed as a dessert.
a. Sweet Focaccia with Honey and Nuts
Drizzle warm focaccia with honey and top it with toasted almonds or walnuts.
A sprinkle of cinnamon can add an extra layer of warmth.
b. Chocolate-Stuffed Focaccia
Slice focaccia and fill it with chocolate hazelnut spread for a delightful treat.
Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar.
c. Fruit-Topped Focaccia
Top focaccia with sliced apples, pears, or berries before baking for a fruity dessert variation.
Sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon for extra sweetness.
6. Unique Ways to Enjoy Focaccia
a. Focaccia Pizza
Use focaccia as a pizza base by adding tomato sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings.
Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly for a delicious alternative to traditional pizza.
b. Focaccia Croutons
Cube leftover focaccia and toast it to make crispy croutons for soups and salads.
Toss croutons in olive oil, garlic, and herbs before baking for added flavor.
c. Focaccia Bread Pudding
Use focaccia as a base for a savory or sweet bread pudding.
Combine it with eggs, milk, and cheese for a rich, baked dish.