What is the Best Way to Eat Focaccia Bread? Focaccia bread is a beloved Italian flatbread that has earned a spot in the hearts of bread lovers around the world. Known for its crispy crust, soft interior, and versatility, focaccia has become more than just an accompaniment to meals. It is a bread that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, whether as a standalone snack, a hearty sandwich, or a side dish to complement soups and main courses.
In this article, we will explore the different ways to enjoy focaccia bread, provide tips on how to store and reheat it, and answer some frequently asked questions to help you make the most out of this delicious bread. Let’s dive in and discover the best ways to eat focaccia!
The Basics of Focaccia Bread
Focaccia is an ancient Italian bread that is often referred to as the sibling of pizza. It is made with simple ingredients such as flour, water, olive oil, yeast, and salt, and typically flavored with rosemary, sea salt, and sometimes garlic or cheese. Focaccia is typically thicker than pizza dough and has a fluffier, airier interior, which makes it the perfect bread to serve with various dishes or enjoy on its own.
What sets focaccia apart from other breads is its versatility and its ability to be paired with a wide range of flavors. From traditional toppings like rosemary and sea salt to more creative variations involving tomatoes, cheese, and even olives, focaccia can be customized to suit your personal tastes. Whether you are making focaccia from scratch or buying it from a bakery, it’s a bread that offers endless possibilities for customization.
Focaccia bread is similar to other Italian flatbreads but stands out due to its distinctive texture. The dough is usually spread thickly onto a baking sheet, creating an airy, soft center and a crispy outer crust. The dough is often punctured with fingertips to create dimples on the surface, which helps the bread bake evenly and absorb the olive oil and herb flavors that make it so delicious.
If you want to explore more bread types or want to learn about the science of bread-making, check out these resources: high-protein bread recipes and the ultimate sourdough bread guide.
How to Serve Focaccia Bread
One of the best things about focaccia bread is its versatility—you can enjoy it as a snack, a sandwich, or a side dish. Focaccia pairs beautifully with a variety of foods, from savory stews to fresh salads, and its flavor and texture enhance any meal. Let’s explore some of the best ways to serve focaccia:
Focaccia as a Side Dish
Focaccia is commonly served as a side dish, and it’s perfect for soaking up the juices from soups and stews. Its soft, airy interior and crispy crust make it ideal for dipping. You can pair focaccia with almost any soup, but it goes particularly well with rich, hearty soups like tomato soup, minestrone, and vegetable soup.
The bread’s light texture allows it to absorb the flavors of the soup while still maintaining its integrity, making each bite a delicious combination of flavorful liquid and bread. Focaccia is also great with stews like beef stew, chicken cacciatore, or even roast vegetables, adding both texture and flavor to the meal.
If you want more ideas for pairing focaccia with different soups or stews, take a look at the Masalabox guide, where they explore many ways to serve focaccia alongside comforting dishes.
Focaccia is also excellent as a side for grilled meats, such as steaks, chicken, or lamb. The richness of the meats, combined with the herb-infused focaccia, creates a perfectly balanced meal. You can even serve it alongside a fresh green salad to create a well-rounded and satisfying dish.
Focaccia as Sandwich Bread
Focaccia is an excellent choice for making sandwiches due to its sturdy yet soft texture. Unlike other breads that may become soggy when filled with ingredients, focaccia holds up well, making it perfect for both light and hearty sandwiches. The bread’s texture allows it to contain a variety of fillings while still maintaining its fluffiness.
Some popular focaccia sandwich combinations include:
- Turkey, cheddar, and avocado—a classic combination that is both healthy and filling.
- Grilled chicken with pesto and mozzarella—a Mediterranean-inspired sandwich that packs a punch of flavor.
- Hummus, roasted vegetables, and arugula—a fantastic vegetarian sandwich full of texture and flavor.
For a truly delicious experience, toast the focaccia slightly before assembling your sandwich. This helps create a crispy exterior while keeping the interior soft and tender. If you want more ideas for focaccia sandwiches, check out Forks Corks and Brews, where they share creative sandwich ideas using focaccia as the base.
Dipping Focaccia
One of the most traditional and popular ways to enjoy focaccia is by dipping it in olive oil and balsamic vinegar. This is a classic Italian practice, where the focus is on the natural flavor of the focaccia itself, enhanced by the richness of the oil and the acidity of the vinegar. Simply pour a little extra virgin olive oil into a small dish, add a splash of balsamic vinegar, and dip your pieces of focaccia into the mixture.
For an extra burst of flavor, you can infuse your olive oil with garlic, rosemary, or chili flakes to create a dipping sauce with more complexity. If you want to explore more dipping ideas, you can check out Prepared Pantry’s article, which gives you various ideas for dipping sauces to complement focaccia.
In addition to oil and vinegar, focaccia can be dipped in other flavorful condiments, such as marinara sauce, garlic butter, or pesto. These dips pair well with the bread’s natural taste, allowing you to enjoy focaccia in a variety of ways.
Grilled Focaccia
Grilling focaccia is a great way to bring out its smoky flavor while adding a delicious crispiness to the outside. Grilled focaccia has a tender and soft interior but becomes perfectly crispy on the outside. The grilling process creates a delightful contrast of textures, making it an excellent addition to any meal.
You can grill focaccia on its own or enhance the flavor by adding toppings. Some delicious grilled focaccia ideas include:
- Mozzarella and tomatoes, drizzled with balsamic vinegar and sprinkled with fresh basil—a fresh, Italian-inspired dish.
- Cheese (e.g., Parmesan or fontina), rosemary, and a pinch of sea salt for a simple but flavorful grilled focaccia.
- Grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers, for a hearty and satisfying vegetarian option.
Grilled focaccia also makes an excellent base for creating bruschetta. Simply top your grilled focaccia with fresh tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil for an easy and delicious appetizer.
Storing and Reheating Focaccia Bread
While focaccia is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, sometimes you may have leftovers that need to be stored. The good news is that focaccia can be stored and reheated to maintain its flavor and texture.
Storing Focaccia
To store focaccia, place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Focaccia can stay fresh at room temperature for 1–2 days. If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze it. Wrap the focaccia tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat it, let it thaw at room temperature or reheat it.
Freezing focaccia is a great way to keep it fresh for future meals. It can last in the freezer for up to 3 months without losing its quality.
Reheating Focaccia
To reheat focaccia, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes. This will restore its crispy exterior while warming the soft interior. If you’re in a rush, you can microwave the focaccia for 15-30 seconds, but be aware that the bread will lose some of its crispy texture. For best results, reheating in the oven or on a skillet is recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Eat Focaccia the Next Day?
Yes, focaccia can be enjoyed the next day, although it is best when fresh. If you have leftovers, store them properly to maintain their flavor and texture. When reheating, you can restore some of its crispy texture by using the oven or a skillet.
How Do You Eat Focaccia Without It Getting Soggy?
To prevent sogginess, do not soak focaccia in excess liquid. Instead, dip it lightly in olive oil or sauces. If you are storing focaccia, make sure it is wrapped tightly and placed in an airtight container to prevent moisture from affecting the texture.
Can Focaccia Be Eaten Cold?
Yes, focaccia can be eaten cold, though it is generally more enjoyable when warm. If you want to enjoy it at its best, it is recommended to reheat it to restore its crispiness and fluffiness.
Is Focaccia Bread Healthy?
Focaccia is made with olive oil, which is a healthy fat, but it is still a carb-heavy bread. Like all bread, it should be eaten in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Can Focaccia Be Made Gluten-Free?
Yes, focaccia can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free flour alternatives. However, the texture may differ slightly from traditional focaccia, as gluten provides the bread with its chewy texture. Experiment with gluten-free options to find one that works best for you.
Focaccia is a versatile, delicious bread that can be enjoyed in countless ways. Whether as a side dish, a sandwich, or paired with a dipping sauce, focaccia adds flavor and texture to any meal. With its crispy crust, airy interior, and ability to be paired with both savory and sweet ingredients, focaccia is a true culinary delight.
By following the tips and ideas provided in this guide, you can enjoy focaccia at every meal. Don’t forget to experiment with different toppings, fillings, and dips to create your perfect focaccia experience.