If you are dreaming of a thick, fluffy pizza that is easy to make and packed with flavor, this focaccia pizza recipe will be your new favorite. The crispy bottom, the light and airy center, and the cheesy, savory toppings come together for a homemade meal that everyone will love. Whether it is a cozy family dinner or a casual weekend lunch, this recipe guarantees smiles all around.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Focaccia Pizza Recipe
- Super simple ingredients you already have at home
- Fluffy and soft inside with a crispy, golden crust
- Cheesy, savory, and bursting with pizza flavor
- Perfect for family dinners, parties, or casual lunches
- Easy to customize with your favorite toppings
Ingredients for Focaccia Pizza Recipe
Main Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Sugar
- Diamond Crystal kosher salt
- Instant yeast
- Warm water
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Unsalted tomato sauce
- Dried basil
- Dried oregano
- Garlic clove
- Low-moisture, whole milk mozzarella cheese
- Pepperoni
- Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh basil
- Extra grated Pecorino Romano
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Stand mixer with dough hook (optional but helpful)
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Plastic wrap or clean kitchen towel
- Oven
Utensils
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Grater for cheese
- Garlic press or fine grater
- Knife or pizza cutter
Variations
Not only is this focaccia pizza recipe delicious as written, but you can also change it up to suit your mood. For instance, you can swap pepperoni for cooked sausage, mushrooms, or even roasted veggies. If you like it spicy, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the sauce before baking. Moreover, you can use fresh mozzarella instead of low-moisture for a gooier finish. For a white pizza twist, skip the tomato sauce and brush the dough with garlic oil instead. The options are endless, and every version will taste amazing.
How to Make Focaccia Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
First, in a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, Diamond Crystal kosher salt, and instant yeast. Pour in the warm water and mix until a sticky dough forms. Drizzle in the olive oil and mix again until fully combined. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm spot for about 2 hours, or until it doubles in size and looks bubbly.
Step 2: Shape and Second Rise
Before starting the next step, grease a 9×13-inch baking pan generously with olive oil. Turn the risen dough into the pan, being careful not to deflate it too much. Gently stretch it toward the edges without tearing. If the dough pulls back, let it rest for 5-10 minutes and try again. Cover loosely and let it rise a second time for about 45 minutes, until puffy.
Step 3: Add Sauce and Toppings
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, stir together the unsalted tomato sauce, Diamond Crystal kosher salt, dried basil, dried oregano, and finely grated garlic. Preheat your oven to 500°F. Once the dough is ready, gently spread the pizza sauce over the top, leaving a small border around the edges. Scatter the shredded mozzarella evenly, then top with pepperoni slices. Sprinkle Pecorino Romano all over.
Step 4: Bake and Garnish
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-18 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden and the edges are deeply browned. After baking, let the focaccia pizza cool slightly in the pan. Finally, garnish with fresh basil leaves before slicing and serving.
Tips and Tricks
- Use high-quality olive oil to give the dough extra flavor and a crispier bottom.
- Make sure your yeast is fresh by checking the expiration date before starting.
- For a perfectly golden crust, bake on the lowest rack of your oven.
- If your kitchen is cold, you can speed up rising by placing the bowl in a slightly warmed (but turned off) oven.
How to Serve Focaccia Pizza Recipe
Serve this focaccia pizza piping hot, right from the oven. Pair it with a simple green salad for a complete meal. It is also perfect alongside a bowl of tomato soup or with a side of roasted veggies. If you are serving guests, slice it into squares for an easy finger food option.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can prepare the dough a day ahead and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator. Just take it out and let it warm up for about an hour before baking. Leftover focaccia pizza should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a 375°F oven for about 5-7 minutes to bring back the crispy edges.
FAQs
Can I freeze focaccia pizza dough?
Yes, you can freeze it after the first rise. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before using.
What if I do not have Diamond Crystal kosher salt?
If using a different brand, cut the amount of salt by half because other salts are usually saltier.
Can I make this without a stand mixer?
Definitely. Mixing by hand with a sturdy spoon works just fine; the dough will just be sticky, so use a little olive oil on your hands.
Conclusion
In summary, this focaccia pizza recipe brings together the best of both worlds: the airy texture of focaccia bread and the melty goodness of cheesy pizza. With just a few simple steps, you can make an unforgettable homemade meal that beats delivery every time. Get ready to enjoy the ultimate comfort food made right in your own kitchen.
If you loved this focaccia pizza recipe and are craving even more homemade comfort food, you have to try our White Chicken Enchilada Recipe next — it is creamy, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible. For a cozy breakfast treat, don’t miss the Sourdough French Toast, made with thick slices of tangy sourdough bread. And if you are a true pizza lover, you will definitely want to check out our Neapolitan Pizza Recipe, featuring a light, airy crust with the perfect char!
Focaccia pizza is a delicious fusion of two Italian classics. Traditional focaccia is a flat oven-baked bread that originated in ancient Rome and has become a beloved staple throughout Italy. Topping it with sauce and cheese transforms it into a comforting twist on classic pizza, a dish that dates back to Naples and has since captured hearts around the world. Using flavorful ingredients like mozzarella cheese ensures that every bite is melty, savory, and utterly satisfying.
Focaccia Pizza Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Diamond Crystal kosher salt
- 2/3 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (75°F to 90°F depending on kitchen temperature)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3/4 cup unsalted tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt (for sauce)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 garlic clove finely grated
- 6 ounces low-moisture, whole milk mozzarella cheese shredded
- 22 slices pepperoni
- 2 tablespoons Pecorino Romano cheese or Parmesan cheese, grated
Optional Garnishes
- 4 leaves fresh basil
- 1 tablespoon extra grated Pecorino Romano
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Add warm water and olive oil. Stir until a sticky dough forms. Cover and let rise for 2 hours until doubled in size and bubbly.
- Grease a 9×13-inch pan with olive oil. Turn dough into pan, stretch gently to fit. If the dough resists, let it rest 5-10 minutes. Cover and let rise again for 45 minutes until puffy.
- Mix tomato sauce, salt, basil, oregano, and grated garlic. Preheat oven to 500°F. Spread sauce over dough, sprinkle mozzarella, arrange pepperoni, and top with Pecorino Romano.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let cool slightly, then garnish with fresh basil before slicing and serving.