Ligurian Focaccia

Ligurian focaccia is crunchy on the outside and soft inside with a satisfying amount of salt and olive oil! You'll find it's hard to stop at just one slice!

Don't be put off by the time required to make this recipe. The majority is resting and rising time. Actual hands on time is just 30 minutes.

Why you'll love this recipe

Ligurian focaccia is salty and moist with olive oil but not oily. In fact, this recipe is buttery, soft and crunchy all at the same time.

When you put a knife through this bread and hear the crunch of the crust, you'll know you've done the right thing making this recipe. But once you bite into the crispy crust and then into the tender bread inside, only then will you really understand what it is to eat Ligurian focaccia.

This recipe uses a high hydration dough. That means higher water ratio to flour. It can be hard to handle because is it quite wet. However the benefits of this dough the moist, light and soft crumb.

This dough is not kneaded but stretched and folded instead. A new technique perhaps, but it takes the hard work of kneading out of bread making.

What is Ligurian focaccia?

Focaccia is an Italian bread with minimal toppings and is often served as part of a meal. This focaccia is from the north western region of Italy called Liguria. While the region is well known for nut free pesto, this bread is eaten by locals all day long.

The key flavor in Ligurian focaccia is olive oil. Liguria produces some of the best olive oil in Italy - a delicate olive oil. So for an ideal Ligurian focaccia be sure to use fresh, mild tasting oil.

But the biggest difference with this focaccia from Liguria is the brine which is poured over the dough before the final rise. This brine settles into the dimples and around the edges creating salty pops of flavor and a golden, crunchy exterior.

Ligurian focaccia is known as fugassa in the local dialect and is enjoyed dipped in coffee for breakfast, as a snack and alongside lunch and dinner. Usually around ¾ inch or 2 cm in thickness, this special bread that is becoming popular everywhere.

While the long fermentation produces excellent flavor, if you don't have that much time try my Focaccia Genovese.

For complete ingredient quantities and full instructions, please scroll to the printable recipe card bottom of the page.

Ingredient notes

The ingredients needed for Ligurian focaccia are similar to many bread recipes with just a few of exceptions.

• All purpose flour - usually I would use strong bread flour however this recipe works perfectly with the softness of all purpose (plain) unbleached flour.
• Extra virgin olive oil - olive oil is one of the key flavors and is used in almost all the steps in this recipe so it is important to choose a good olive oil that is not too bitter. Don't be worried about using so much oil. A mild tasting oil is perfect and the result is almost buttery.
• Salt - pure salt flakes are my choice for this recipe. If you use a fine salt, reduce the amount of salt in this recipe slightly.

Instructions

Begin this recipe the night before baking.

Prepare the dough

1. Dissolve yeast in warm water and honey.
2. Whisk flour and salt to combine well.
3. Add yeast mixture and oil to flour.
4. Combine ingredients then rest the dough for 15 minutes.
5. Scrap and fold dough to strengthen.
6. Turn out onto work surface.

Fold and rise overnight

1. Stretch and fold dough across from side to side
2. Fold dough up and over itself
3. Then fold down and over itself
4. Place the folded dough ball into large, oiled bowl
5. Rise at room temperature for 12-14 hours
6. Gently scrape out onto well oiled pan and repeat folding

Prepare to bake

1. Lift and stretch to fit pan
2. It may not completely stretch
3. Allow to rest, stretching dough if it has shrunk back
4. Make deep dimples with fingers
5. Pour over brine and rise again before baking
6. After baking brush with abundant extra virgin olive oil

Tips for success and FAQ's

For the best Ligurian focaccia it is important use good, mild tasting olive oil and not to skimp on it. Use it liberally!

Also, the dough will be wet and you may not be used to that. Don't add more flour. Just stretch and fold as best as you can. Use plenty of oil on your hands to assist you. It's actually lots of fun!!

Be sure to choose the correct pan. Use the measurement provided to make a perfect focaccia that is just the right thickness. If you haven't got the correct size pan, look for something slightly smaller.

After baking, it is crucial to remove the focaccia from the pan and onto a wire rack to cool. This prevents the bottom becoming soggy and losing it's crunch.

Serving suggestions

Ligurian focaccia is such a versatile bread.

• cut it into fingers and serve with a dip or spread
• add it to your charcuterie board
• include this bread on your buffet table
• slice it in half and toast for a delicious breakfast
• fill with salami and cheese

Eat this bread with meals or slice in half and fill as a sandwich. Which ever way you use it, you will be making this your go-to focaccia recipe.

Recipes that go with this focaccia

Braised Chicken Italian style
Butterfly Roast Chicken
Minestrone Soup
Chicken and Vegetable Soup

Garlic Butter Sauce

Made this recipe?
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