The Easiest Most Delicious Focaccia Pizza Recipe

Let me tell you about The Easiest Most Delicious Focaccia Pizza Recipe—this one has truly become a staple in my kitchen. It hits that perfect balance between a fluffy, olive-oily focaccia bread and all the deliciousness of your favorite pizza toppings. What makes this recipe so special is just how approachable it is without skimping on flavor or texture. Whether you’re whipping it up for a casual weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a weekend hangout, it’s surprisingly simple and the results absolutely wow.

Over time, I’ve found that this recipe works wonders when you want something less traditional but equally comforting. The thick, airy focaccia base soaks up the flavors beautifully, and using high-quality olive oil and a lightly sweetened yeast dough gives it just the right depth. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this one on repeat once you taste it—it’s truly The Easiest Most Delicious Focaccia Pizza Recipe out there.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this recipe comes from combining simple pantry staples that bring out the best in each other. Choosing the right flour and olive oil makes the world of difference, and I’ve included a few tips to help you shop smarter and get the best result every time.

• All-purpose flour: Using all-purpose flour helps you get that chewy, airy texture that focaccia is famous for. No need for fancy bread flour here.
• Fine sea salt: It dissolves evenly into the dough, enhancing flavor without any gritty surprises.
• Active dry yeast: This little packet is your secret weapon for that perfect rise—make sure it’s fresh and proof it in warm water for the best results.
• Warm water: Temperature matters! About 100-110°F is ideal to wake up the yeast without killing it.
• Olive oil: A quality extra-virgin olive oil gives the dough its signature richness. Don’t be stingy here; it’s worth every drop.
• Honey: Just a touch for sweetness that balances the salt and promotes a lovely golden crust.
• Pizza sauce: I love using RAO’s brand—it’s fresh-tasting and not overly acidic, a perfect match for this focaccia base.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Go for a good melting mozzarella to get that gooey blanket of cheese.
• Thick-sliced pepperoni: Choose thick slices so they crisp up nicely without drying out.
• Whole milk ricotta cheese: I season mine with salt, red pepper flakes, and dried oregano for bursts of creaminess and a little kick on top.

Variations

I like to keep the core of The Easiest Most Delicious Focaccia Pizza Recipe intact but rarely resist switching toppings depending on my mood—and you should totally do the same! It’s a recipe that invites personalization, so play around with your favorites and find what makes you happiest.

• Vegetarian version: I’ve swapped pepperoni for colorful roasted veggies like bell peppers and zucchini—it’s just as satisfying and super vibrant.
• Herb-infused dough: Adding fresh rosemary or thyme to the dough gives an herbal aroma that takes the focaccia to another level.
• Gluten-free adaptation: While I haven’t tried it myself, people swear by using gluten-free all-purpose flour blends and adjusting hydration slightly.
• Spicy kick: Toss in some sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of chili oil on top before baking for a fiery twist.

How to Make The Easiest Most Delicious Focaccia Pizza Recipe

Step 1: Mix and Rise Your Dough Like a Pro

Start by activating your yeast in the warm water with the honey—this little proofing step ensures that your dough will rise beautifully. While waiting for the yeast to bubble up (usually about 5-10 minutes), mix together the flour and salt in a large bowl. Once the yeast is bubbly, pour it along with olive oil into the flour and stir until everything just comes together. You’ll want to knead lightly until the dough feels smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes. Don’t worry if the dough is sticky at first—that’s normal. Cover your bowl with a clean towel and let it rise somewhere warm until doubled in size, about 1 ½ to 2 hours. This patience pays off with that airy crumb you’re after!

Step 2: Shape It Out and Prep Your Pizza Base

Once your dough has doubled, transfer it to a generously oiled baking sheet or pan—this part is crucial because the olive oil not only prevents sticking but helps create that crisp golden bottom. Gently press and stretch the dough into a rough rectangle or circle, depending on your pan, about ½-inch thick. Don’t stress about perfect edges; the rustic look is part of the charm here. If the dough resists stretching, let it rest a few minutes and try again—it’s all about that gentle coaxing.

Step 3: The Signature Dimple and First Oil Drizzle

Now comes the fun part: use your fingertips (like you’re playing a little piano!) to create those classic focaccia dimples all over the dough. This step isn’t just pretty—it traps olive oil and sauce, giving every bite amazing pockets of flavor. Drizzle a tablespoon or two of olive oil across the top so it seeps into those dimples, then pop your pan into a warm spot for about 20 minutes to let the dough relax and puff up slightly again.

Step 4: Layer On Sauce, Cheese, and Toppings

Spread your favorite pizza sauce evenly over the dough—don’t go too thick, a light layer is perfect here. Next, blanket the sauce with shredded mozzarella, and scatter thick-sliced pepperoni to your liking. Last but not least, dollop spoonfuls of seasoned ricotta cheese around the pizza; these creamy bites add a wonderful contrast in texture and flavor. I love how the ricotta browns slightly during baking, adding a lovely rustic touch.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide your focaccia pizza into a preheated oven at 475°F (245°C). Bake for around 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and the crust edges are golden and crisp. Keep an eye toward the end—ovens vary, and you don’t want it too dark but you do want that signature crunch. Once out, let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing; this resting time helps the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to cut and enjoy.

How to Serve The Easiest Most Delicious Focaccia Pizza Recipe

Garnishes

I’m all about fresh herbs like torn basil or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper right after baking—these take the flavors up a notch. Sometimes, a drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes adds that final punch I crave.

Side Dishes

This focaccia pizza pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil, or for heartier occasions, a warm bowl of tomato soup. I’ve also enjoyed it alongside roasted garlic Brussels sprouts for a nice seasonal twist.

Creative Ways to Present

For fun gatherings, I’ve cut the focaccia pizza into bite-sized squares for easy sharing. Another favorite is making individual focaccia pizzas in smaller pans or even using cast iron skillets—it’s impressive and perfect for customizing toppings per person.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually wrap leftover focaccia pizza tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3 days, and I find the flavors actually meld wonderfully overnight. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before reheating.

Freezing

If you want to freeze, slice the focaccia pizza first and freeze pieces in a single layer on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. This stopped them from sticking together, and I can pull out just what I need for a quick snack or meal.

Reheating

To reheat, I recommend warming your focaccia pizza slices in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes, or until the crust crisps back up and the cheese melts. Microwaving works in a pinch, but you’ll lose that fabulous crisp texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This recipe has been a real game changer for me when it comes to homemade pizza—it’s simple enough to do on a busy evening but special enough to share with guests without feeling like you’ve slaved away. The Easiest Most Delicious Focaccia Pizza Recipe is really a testament to how great things come from simple ingredients and a little bit of patience. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own—I’m pretty sure it’ll become one of your favorites too!

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