Focaccia Pizza
Description :
Focaccia Pizza is a delightful fusion of traditional Italian focaccia bread and classic pizza toppings. This dish features a thick, fluffy focaccia base, baked to golden perfection with a crispy exterior and a soft, airy interior. The dough is generously topped with olive oil, sea salt, and rosemary, creating a fragrant and flavorful foundation. For the pizza version, it is layered with rich tomato sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and a variety of toppings such as pepperoni, olives, mushrooms, or fresh basil. The result is a hearty, savory dish that combines the best of both worlds: the comforting texture of focaccia and the bold flavors of pizza. Focaccia Pizza is perfect for sharing at gatherings, serving as a main course, or even cut into smaller pieces for appetizers. Its versatility and crowd-pleasing appeal make it a favorite for both casual meals and special occasions.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Toppings: pepperoni, olives, mushrooms, fresh basil, etc.
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- Sea salt for sprinkling
How to Cook:
- In a bowl, consolidate warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mix. Ply until a smooth mixture structures. Allow it to ascend for 60 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Press the dough into a greased baking sheet, dimpling it with your fingers.
- Drizzle olive oil over the dough and sprinkle with rosemary and sea salt.
- Spread pureed tomatoes equally over the mixture, then add mozzarella cheddar and your ideal garnishes.
- Prepare for 20-25 minutes until the covering is brilliant and the cheddar is effervescent.
- Let cool slightly, then slice and serve.
History :
Focaccia Pizza is a modern twist on two iconic Italian dishes: focaccia bread and pizza. Focaccia, a flat oven-baked bread, has ancient origins dating back to the Etruscans and ancient Romans, who made simple flatbreads with olive oil and herbs. Over time, focaccia evolved into a staple of Italian cuisine, particularly in the Liguria region, where it is often enjoyed as a snack or accompaniment to meals.
Pizza, on the other hand, traces its roots to Naples, where it was popularized in the 18th century as a quick, affordable meal for the working class. The combination of these two culinary traditions—focaccia’s fluffy texture and pizza’s flavorful toppings—resulted in Focaccia Pizza, a dish that celebrates the best of Italian baking.
Focaccia Pizza gained popularity in the late 20th century as a versatile and customizable dish. Its thick, airy crust provides a satisfying base for a variety of toppings, making it a favorite for home cooks and restaurants alike. The dish’s simplicity and reliance on high-quality ingredients, such as olive oil, fresh herbs, and ripe tomatoes, reflect the core principles of Italian cooking.
Today, Focaccia Pizza is enjoyed worldwide, with countless variations to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Whether served as a casual meal or a party appetizer, it continues to bring people together, embodying the warmth and hospitality of Italian culinary traditions. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to combine comfort and creativity, making it a beloved dish for all occasions.
