Name: Sourdough Discard Focaccia
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 3 h 45 min
Ingredients: 6 ounces (170 grams) sourdough starter discard, active or inactive; 1 teaspoon instant yeast (can omit this if you are using an active starter discard); 1 cup (120 grams) all-purpose flour (can use white whole wheat; note: you may need up to an additional 1 cup of flour if your dough is too wet); 1 and ¾ cups (225 grams) bread flour (can use all-purpose); 1 and ¼ cups (285 milliliters) lukewarm water; 2 teaspoons salt; ¼ cup (55 milliliters) extra virgin olive oil (I did not use as much – I used closer to 4 Tablespoons); ¼ teaspoon flaky sea salt

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Sourdough Discard Focaccia is a delightful bread made with leftover sourdough starter , resulting in a fluffy, golden, and flavorful loaf. This easy Sourdough Discard Focaccia recipe comes together in just over an hour, making it the perfect choice for weeknight dinners or a fun, fuss-free weekend bake.

I remember baking focaccia with my mom on lazy Sunday afternoons, the warm aroma of bread filling our kitchen and our hearts. Those moments sparked my lifelong love for baking. Now, I pass on those traditions to my daughters as we bond over recipes like Gluten-Free Sourdough Banana Bread — and of course, our favorite: Sourdough Discard Focaccia.

Why you’ll love Sourdough Discard Focaccia

Flavorful This focaccia bursts with rich, savory notes that elevate any meal and bring warmth to your kitchen.
Soft Texture With a light and airy crumb, each bite feels like a gentle hug, making it perfect for dipping or enjoying alone.
Easy to Make Simple instructions mean you don’t have to be a master baker to whip this up, fitting seamlessly into your busy routine.
Versatile Ingredients Customize with your favorite herbs and toppings, allowing you to create a personal touch for every occasion.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by mixing together your sourdough discard, warm water, flour, and salt until a shaggy dough forms. This is the foundation of your focaccia, so make sure all ingredients are well combined, giving you a satisfying blend.
Step 2: Initial Rise
Let the dough sit cover for about 30 minutes. This brief period allows the gluten to relax and makes your focaccia easier to handle later on.
Step 3: Stretch and Fold
Perform several stretches and folds every 30 minutes for a few hours. This technique develops strength in the dough and enhances its airy texture. Enjoy feeling the dough transform under your hands as it rises.
Step 4: Prepare the Baking Dish
Generously oil a baking dish to ensure your focaccia doesn’t stick. The oil not only helps with preventing sticking but also contributes to a beautifully crispy crust.
Step 5: Shape the Dough
Transfer the dough to the prepared baking dish and use your fingers to spread it out gently, ensuring it fills the corners. This shaping promotes an even thickness throughout the focaccia.
Step 6: Final Rise
Allow your shaped dough to rise again for about an hour until it has puffed up noticeably. This final rise is crucial for achieving that light and airy texture that focaccia is known for.
Step 7: Create Dents
Once risen, use your fingers to gently create dimples all over the surface of the dough. This not only lends that signature focaccia look but also holds the toppings and oils in beautifully.
Step 8: Add Toppings
Drizzle olive oil over the dough and sprinkle with salt, herbs, or your choice of toppings. This step allows you to get creative and customize the flavor to your liking.
Step 9: Bake
Bake the focaccia in a preheated oven until golden brown. The aroma that fills your kitchen while it bakes is nothing short of delightful, signaling that deliciousness is on the way!
Step 10: Cool and Serve
Once out of the oven, allow the focaccia to cool slightly before slicing. This is the moment you’ve been waiting for—gather friends and family to enjoy your fresh-baked focaccia together!

Notes

Tip 1: Use Cold Discard
A chilled sourdough discard can be used in this recipe, making it a great way to utilize what you have on hand.
Tip 2: Experiment with Toppings
Feel free to experiment with various toppings like olives, cherry tomatoes, or different herbs to create your unique flavor profile.
Tip 3: Store for Freshness
To keep leftover focaccia fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days or freeze for longer storage.

Sourdough Discard Focaccia – A Closer Look

The charm of Sourdough Discard Focaccia lies in its beautiful texture and the delightful aroma that wafts through your home as it bakes. When you pull it from the oven, the crust is golden brown and crispy, while the inside remains soft and chewy. The dimpled surface not only adds character but also creates perfect pockets for drizzles of olive oil or a sprinkle of sea salt. Each bite offers a beautiful balance between the crispy exterior and the fluffy, airy interior, making it a comforting treat to savor.

Bringing It to Your Kitchen

Imagine gathering around the table with friends or family, sharing warm slices of Sourdough Discard Focaccia straight from the oven. This easy recipe is perfect for casual dinners or festive gatherings. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or a warm bowl of soup, and watch as it disappears quickly. It’s a dish that brings people together, encouraging laughter and conversation, making it an ideal addition to your mealtime moments.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Sourdough Discard Focaccia turns out perfectly every time, avoid overworking the dough during the mixing stage, as this can make it tough. Additionally, pay attention to the rising times; under or over-proofing can affect the final texture. Don’t forget to preheat your oven adequately, as a hot oven is crucial for achieving that beautiful rise and crispy crust. Following these tips will lead you to a successful focaccia that you’ll be proud to share.

Cook Techniques

Mixing the Dough

Start by combining your sourdough discard, water, flour, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Use a sturdy spatula or your hands to mix until no dry flour remains. The dough should feel sticky but cohesive as it forms. Aim for a shaggy texture that’s not too wet, about 2-3 minutes of mixing should suffice.

First Rise

Cover the bowl with a damp kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise at room temperature for 4-6 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the dough has doubled in size and shows bubbles on the surface. This slow fermentation enhances the flavor, making it rich and delightful.

Folding Technique

Every 30 minutes during the first rise, gently stretch and fold the dough over itself. This helps build strength and texture. To do this, wet your hands to prevent sticking, lift one side of the dough, and fold it over the center. Repeat for all four sides. This step enhances the dough’s elasticity, leading to a tender focaccia.

Baking

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Transfer the dough to an oiled baking pan, stretching it out gently. Let it rest for another 30 minutes, then dimple the surface with your fingers. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. You’re looking for a crispy, golden crust and a soft, airy interior. The aroma will fill your kitchen, promising deliciousness!

Serving and Presentation Ideas

Simple Olive Oil Drizzle

After baking, drizzle olive oil on top while it’s still warm for added flavor. Serve on a rustic wooden board for a homey touch, garnished with flaky sea salt and fresh herbs for a pop of color.

Pairing with Dips

Pair your Sourdough Discard Focaccia with a selection of dips like balsamic vinegar and olive oil or a zesty herbed hummus. Serve in small bowls alongside the focaccia to encourage sharing and tasting. It’s perfect for gatherings!

Herb and Cheese Delight

Sprinkle fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme on top of your focaccia before baking. For a delightful finish, add crumbles of feta cheese on the crust just before it comes out of the oven. This adds a savory twist and makes for an impressive presentation.

Conclusion

When it comes to home baking, few things are as comforting as Sourdough Discard Focaccia. Its pillowy texture and rich flavors make it ideal for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings. This dish truly shines during the holidays, bringing warmth to any table.

With simple prep and straightforward steps, your focaccia can look and smell like it came from a fancy restaurant. It’s a fun recipe to share with family, creating delicious moments that are rooted in tradition and love.

For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, follow me on Facebook and Pinterest!

Sourdough Discard Focaccia

Author: Eleanor
Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x

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Description

Unlock the secret to heavenly homemade bread with our Sourdough Discard Focaccia recipe. Perfectly golden and irresistibly fluffy, this delicious focaccia is an ideal way to make the most of your sourdough discard. Simple ingredients and easy steps make this recipe great, even for beginners. Elevate your family meals or impress guests with this delightful treat. Curious to try it at home? Click through to get the full recipe and start baking a warm focaccia masterpiece today!

Ingredients

Scale

6 ounces (170 grams) sourdough starter discard, active or inactive
1 teaspoon instant yeast (can omit this if you are using an active starter discard)
1 cup (120 grams) all-purpose flour (can use white whole wheat; note: you may need up to an additional 1 cup of flour if your dough is too wet)
1 and ¾ cups (225 grams) bread flour (can use all-purpose)
1 and ¼ cups (285 milliliters) lukewarm water
2 teaspoons salt
¼ cup (55 milliliters) extra virgin olive oil (I did not use as much – I used closer to 4 Tablespoons)
¼ teaspoon flaky sea salt

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by mixing together your sourdough discard, warm water, flour, and salt until a shaggy dough forms. This is the foundation of your focaccia, so make sure all ingredients are well combined, giving you a satisfying blend.

Step 2: Initial Rise

Let the dough sit cover for about 30 minutes. This brief period allows the gluten to relax and makes your focaccia easier to handle later on.

Step 3: Stretch and Fold

Perform several stretches and folds every 30 minutes for a few hours. This technique develops strength in the dough and enhances its airy texture. Enjoy feeling the dough transform under your hands as it rises.

Step 4: Prepare the Baking Dish

Generously oil a baking dish to ensure your focaccia doesn’t stick. The oil not only helps with preventing sticking but also contributes to a beautifully crispy crust.

Step 5: Shape the Dough

Transfer the dough to the prepared baking dish and use your fingers to spread it out gently, ensuring it fills the corners. This shaping promotes an even thickness throughout the focaccia.

Step 6: Final Rise

Allow your shaped dough to rise again for about an hour until it has puffed up noticeably. This final rise is crucial for achieving that light and airy texture that focaccia is known for.

Step 7: Create Dents

Once risen, use your fingers to gently create dimples all over the surface of the dough. This not only lends that signature focaccia look but also holds the toppings and oils in beautifully.

Step 8: Add Toppings

Drizzle olive oil over the dough and sprinkle with salt, herbs, or your choice of toppings. This step allows you to get creative and customize the flavor to your liking.

Step 9: Bake

Bake the focaccia in a preheated oven until golden brown. The aroma that fills your kitchen while it bakes is nothing short of delightful, signaling that deliciousness is on the way!

Step 10: Cool and Serve

Once out of the oven, allow the focaccia to cool slightly before slicing. This is the moment you’ve been waiting for—gather friends and family to enjoy your fresh-baked focaccia together!

Notes

Tip 1: Use Cold Discard

A chilled sourdough discard can be used in this recipe, making it a great way to utilize what you have on hand.

Tip 2: Experiment with Toppings

Feel free to experiment with various toppings like olives, cherry tomatoes, or different herbs to create your unique flavor profile.

Tip 3: Store for Freshness

To keep leftover focaccia fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days or freeze for longer storage.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes

Nutrition

Calories: 1500kcal
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 7784mg
Fat: 59g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Fiber: 14g
Protein: 63g

Keywords: Sourdough Discard Focaccia Bread, Simple Sourdough Focaccia

Contents show

Sourdough Discard Focaccia

Why you’ll love Sourdough Discard Focaccia

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Notes

Sourdough Discard Focaccia – A Closer Look

Bringing It to Your Kitchen

Common Mistakes to Avoid