There’s something incredibly satisfying about the smell of warm, freshly baked focaccia wafting through your kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around the table. You might not believe it, but this Focaccia Pizza takes the classic pizza experience to a whole new level of flavor and texture. Imagine that crispy, airy focaccia crust, topped with gooey mozzarella, juicy cherry tomatoes, and briny olives, all drizzled with high-quality olive oil.
I stumbled upon this delightful creation one rainy afternoon, searching for a way to spice up a mundane weeknight dinner. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, I transformed the usual pizza into an elevated dish that left my family craving more. This isn’t just about satisfying hunger; it’s about the joy of turning everyday ingredients into a moment of culinary bliss. So, let’s dive into this simple yet impressive recipe that’s sure to impress even the pickiest eaters at your table!
Why is Focaccia Pizza a Must-Try?
Irresistible Crust: The airy focaccia base offers a delightful contrast to traditional pizza, creating that crave-worthy crispy-soft texture.
Quick Preparation: With minimal effort and fuss, you can whip up this gourmet dish in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of fresh mozzarella, juicy cherry tomatoes, and briny olives brings an explosion of flavor that will have your taste buds dancing.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a family gathering or game night, this Focaccia Pizza will impress your guests and leave them asking for seconds!
Versatile Toppings: Feel free to customize your toppings and add your favorite ingredients, making every pizza unique and tailored to your craving.
Don’t forget to check out tips on [], ensuring your homemade pizza nights are always a hit!
Focaccia Pizza Ingredients
Transform your pizza night with this delicious twist!
For the Dough
- 10″ or 12″ pizza dough – The base of your focaccia pizza; choose fresh or store-bought for ease.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – Use high-quality oil for brushing on the dough; it adds flavor and helps achieve a golden crust.
For the Toppings
- Mozzarella – 4 ounces, torn into small pieces – The gooey elegance that makes any pizza (including focaccia pizza) shine!
- Cherry tomatoes – ½ cup, halved – Their juiciness enhances the overall dish and provides a burst of freshness.
- Olives – 6, sliced – These add a briny kick that perfectly complements the other toppings.
Feel free to experiment with additional toppings like herbs or meats to make this Focaccia Pizza a true reflection of your culinary imagination!
How to Make Focaccia Pizza
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Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). This is the ideal temperature to achieve that crispy, bubbly crust we love.
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Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness, about ½ inch for a fluffy focaccia.
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Brush the rolled-out dough with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, ensuring an even coverage that adds flavor and helps prevent sticking.
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Spread the torn mozzarella evenly over the dough, allowing it to melt beautifully as it bakes, creating delightful pockets of cheesy goodness.
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Add the halved cherry tomatoes and sliced olives as toppings, distributing them evenly for a burst of flavor in every bite.
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Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over the toppings, enhancing the taste and ensuring a golden finish.
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Bake in the oven for about 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
Optional: Sprinkle with fresh herbs after baking for an extra aromatic touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Focaccia Pizza
- Dough Thickness: Roll your dough to about ½ inch thick for that perfect airy focaccia texture; too thin, and it may end up crispy rather than fluffy.
- Quality Olive Oil: Use high-quality olive oil for brushing; it not only adds rich flavor but also enhances the crust’s golden color.
- Even Toppings: Distribute toppings evenly over the pizza to ensure every bite is bursting with flavor; random placement can lead to some bites being overwhelmed or underwhelmed.
- Herb Toppins: Don’t hesitate to add fresh herbs after baking for an aromatic finish; basil or oregano pairs beautifully with focaccia pizza.
- Watch the Bake: Keep an eye on the pizza as it bakes; every oven is different, and you want that perfect golden-brown finish without burning.
What to Serve with Focaccia Pizza?
Set the stage for a delightful meal that pairs perfectly with your homemade creation, enhancing every bite of delicious focaccia.
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Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with fresh greens and a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the pizza.
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Garlic Bread: This classic side adds a warm, buttery crunch that complements the gooey cheese of the focaccia pizza.
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Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned and caramelized veggies provide a hearty, earthy contrast to the airy crust, adding vibrant color and flavor.
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Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil on skewers deliver a burst of flavors that echo the toppings of your pizza.
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Artisan Olives: A small dish of marinated olives offers a briny bite that ties in beautifully with the savory elements of the pizza.
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Sparkling Lemonade: A refreshing drink that illuminates the meal with a zesty, bright flavor, perfect for cleansing the palate.
Imagine enjoying these alongside your focaccia pizza, creating a feast that’s both comforting and delightful for family and friends.
Focaccia Pizza Variations
There are endless ways to elevate your Focaccia Pizza experience, and I encourage you to get creative with these delightful twists!
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Herb-Infused: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for an aromatic kick that transforms every bite. The earthy fragrance blends beautifully with the cheese and toppings.
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Spicy Kick: Incorporate red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños for a delightful heat that contrasts with the creamy mozzarella. Spice lovers will rejoice with every mouthful!
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Vegetarian Delight: Substitute olives with artichoke hearts or roasted red peppers for a veggie-packed option. It’s a colorful twist that adds depth to your pizza’s flavor profile.
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Cheesy Variation: Blend different cheeses like parmesan or goat cheese with the mozzarella for rich, complex flavors. Each bite bursts with a delightful cheesy surprise that’s utterly indulgent.
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Savory Meats: Top your pizza with cooked sausage or pepperoni for a hearty meat lover’s version. The savory elements complement the fresh toppings beautifully, bringing harmony to the dish.
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Sweet Spin: After baking, drizzle your focaccia pizza with a touch of balsamic glaze and sprinkle with arugula for a delightful sweet and peppery touch. It’s a refreshing detour from the traditional.
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Gluten-Free: Swap in a gluten-free pizza dough for a delicious alternative suitable for those with dietary restrictions. The flavors remain intact, ensuring everyone can enjoy this divine creation!
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Pesto Base: Spread a layer of pesto on the dough before adding toppings for a herby flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible. It adds a unique depth that complements the fresh ingredients beautifully.
Make Ahead Options
These Focaccia Pizza preparations are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the pizza dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply roll it out and store it tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator. The toppings, such as the torn mozzarella, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced olives, can also be prepped 1-2 days ahead. Keep them in airtight containers in the fridge to maintain freshness. When you’re ready to bake, just brush the dough with olive oil, top with the prepared ingredients, drizzle with oil, and bake according to the instructions. This way, you’ll enjoy delicious, gourmet results with minimal effort, even on the busiest of weeknights!
How to Store and Freeze Focaccia Pizza
Room Temperature: Allow the focaccia pizza to cool completely before covering it with foil or plastic wrap; it can stay fresh for up to 2 days on your kitchen counter.
Fridge: Keep leftover focaccia pizza in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to regain that crispy crust.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, sealing them well. You can freeze your focaccia pizza for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To reheat frozen slices, thaw them in the fridge overnight, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes until warm and crispy again. Enjoy the homemade goodness!
Focaccia Pizza Recipe FAQs
What type of pizza dough should I use for Focaccia Pizza?
Absolutely! You can use either fresh or store-bought pizza dough. A thicker dough works best for achieving that airy focaccia texture. If you prefer, consider experimenting with whole wheat or gluten-free dough options too!
How should I store leftover Focaccia Pizza?
After allowing your focaccia pizza to cool completely, cover it with foil or plastic wrap if storing at room temperature, which keeps it fresh for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, move it into an airtight container in the fridge where it’ll stay good for about 3 days.
Can I freeze Focaccia Pizza?
Yes, you can! To freeze, wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just ensure it’s wrapped snugly for the best results!
How can I reheat frozen Focaccia Pizza?
To reheat your frozen slices, start by thawing them overnight in the fridge. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then place the slices on a baking sheet and warm them for 10-12 minutes. This method will help restore that delightful crispy crust while ensuring the cheese melts perfectly.
Can I customize the toppings on my Focaccia Pizza?
Very much so! The beauty of Focaccia Pizza is in its versatility. Feel free to swap in your favorite toppings like pepperoni, spinach, or even roasted vegetables! Just be mindful to balance the moisture content to keep the crust from getting soggy.
Are there any dietary considerations for Focaccia Pizza?
If you’re preparing Focaccia Pizza for guests, always check for allergies, especially with ingredients like cheese and olives. For dairy-free options, you can use plant-based cheese or skip it entirely and pile on fresh veggies or herbs for flavor.
Focaccia Pizza: The Crispy-Soft Twist You’ve Been Craving
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness, about ½ inch for a fluffy focaccia.
- Brush the rolled-out dough with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, ensuring an even coverage.
- Spread the torn mozzarella evenly over the dough.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes and sliced olives as toppings, distributing them evenly.
- Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over the toppings.
- Bake in the oven for about 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.