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    Home » Italian Bread Recipes

    Ligurian Focaccia

    Published: Nov 17, 2020 · Modified: Jun 12, 2022 by Marcellina

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    Image with text. Text reads Homemade ligurian focaccia. Image is slices of focaccia stacked with white bowl of oil on the side.
    two images with text in between. Text reads "how to make ligurian focaccia". Top image is ingredients for ligurian focaccia. Bottom image is slices of focaccia stacked with white bowl of oil on the side

    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.

    slices of focaccia stacked with white bowl of oil on the side.

    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

    ingredients for ligurian focaccia.

    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

    6-step photo collage showing preparation of ligurian focaccia 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

    6-step photo collage showing folding and proofing of ligurian focaccia.
    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

    6-step photo collage showing shaping of ligurian focaccia dough.
    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.

    Why did my dough not rise?

    It could be that the yeast was not fresh. In that case, there's not a lot you can do but start again with fresh yeast. The unrisen dough can be rolled out very thin and baked as crackers.
    Another issue could be that your kitchen may be particularly chilly. The dough may be rising but VERY slowly. To fix this, move the dough to a warm place. Try putting it in the turned off oven with a bowl of hot water - the steam and warmth will active that yeast.

    What does the brine do?

    The brine creates a crunchy, golden exterior because the water evaporates leaving just the salt.

    Can I use my sourdough starter?

    While this is not a sourdough focaccia, it is easy to convert. Simply add 1 cup of sourdough starter to the initial dough and reduce the flour and water accordingly. Usually that would be reducing by ½ cup each of flour and water for a 50/50 sourdough starter.

    How can I store this focaccia?

    You can store this Ligurian focaccia in an airtight container for a day or two. Alternatively freeze by wrapping well in plastic wrap and then in a zip lock bag. Either way the crunch will be gone but see below for reheating and "recrunching".

    What is the best way to reheat?

    Reheat by toasting or in a preheated oven. It will never be the same but it will still be really good. Never reheat in the microwave!

    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.

    close up of ligurian focaccia slices stack one on top of the other.

    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?
    Let me know if you liked it by leaving a ★★★★★ star rating and a review below. Please share a photo of your creation by tagging me on Instagram @marcellina.in.cucina!

    slices of focaccia stacked with white bowl of oil on the side

    Ligurian Focaccia 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.
    5 from 18 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 30 minutes
    Cook Time: 27 minutes
    Rising time (not including overnight proofing): 1 hour 45 minutes
    Total Time: 2 hours 42 minutes
    Servings:15 slices
    Author: Marcellina

    Equipment

    • 15in x 10in (38cm x 25cm) heavy baking pan

    Ingredients

    For the dough

    • ½ teaspoons active dried yeast
    • 1¾ cups (375 grams) lukewarm water
    • 2 teaspoons honey
    • 4 cups (500 grams) all purpose (plain) flour
    • 2½ tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
    • 2 teaspoons pure salt flakes
    • 5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil extra - as needed
    • extra salt flakes for sprinkling on top

    For the brine

    • ¼ cup lukewarm water
    • 1 teaspoon pure salt flakes
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • In a jug or small bowl mix together warm water, honey and yeast. Stir until dissolved.
    • In a large bowl whisk together flour and salt then add the yeast mixture and the olive oil. Stir with a rubber spatula to combine all the ingredients. Scrape the side of the bowl clean.
    • Cover with plastic wrap and set aside at room temperature for 15 minutes.
    • After 15 minutes, uncover dough. Press the rubber spatula down between the dough and the side of the bowl. Using the spatula, lift the dough and fold it onto itself as if you are picking up the bottom of the dough and folding it over the top of the dough. Continue around the edge of the dough, lifting and folding. The dough become smooth.
    • Oil a work surface with a little extra virgin olive oil and gently tip out the dough scraping the bowl as best as you can.
    • Oil the bowl ready for the return of the dough.
    • Press out gently to flatten slightly to degas a little. Pick up one side of the dough stretch it and fold it over to the other side. Repeat on all sides.
    • Return the dough to the now oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside at room temperature for 12-14 hours or overnight.
    • The next day:- Spread 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil onto baking pan with sides.
    • Tip the dough gently onto the oiled 15in x 10in (38cm x 25cm) baking pan and repeat the folding as previously explained.
    • Gently stretch the dough to fit the pan. You will need to place your hands under the dough and stretch it. Don't worry if it doesn't fully stretch to fit. Set aside for 30 minutes. During the time you'll be able to stretch it out to fit.
    • After 30 minutes, make indentations with your fingers into the dough. Press in at an angle. Then mix together brine ingredients until salt is dissolved. Pour over dimpled dough. Allow to proof for 1 hour until puffy and bubbly.
    • In the meantime preheat oven to 450°F (235°C).
    • Sprinkle with flaky salt and bake on the centre rack for 20 minutes. Then move to the upper rack and bake for another 5-7 minutes until the top is golden brown.
    • Remove from the oven and immediately turn onto a wire rack. Drizzle or brush 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over the baked focaccia. Don't worry if it pools in the dimples, the oil will gradually soak into the bread.
    • Serve warm or at room temperature cut into large squares.

    Notes

    This recipe has been adapted from Samin Nosrat's Ligurian Focaccia  as seen in the Netflix series "Salt Fat Acid Heat".
    Tips for success
    • Use lots of good, mild tasting olive oil
    • Allow time to rise
    • Don't add more flour. Just stretch and fold as best as you can. Use plenty of oil on your hands to assist you. 
    How to convert to sourdough focaccia
    While this is not a sourdough focaccia, it is easy to convert. Simply add 1 cup of sourdough starter to the initial dough and reduce the flour and water accordingly. Usually that would be reducing by ½ cup each of flour and water for a 50/50 sourdough starter. Allow extra time for rising in the second and subsequent rises.
    Storing
    You can store this Ligurian focaccia in an airtight container for a day or two. Alternatively freeze by wrapping well in plastic wrap and then in a zip lock bag. Either way the crunch will be gone but see below for reheating and "recrunching".
    Reheating
    Reheat by toasting or in a preheated oven. It will never be the same but it will still be really good. Never reheat in the microwave!

    Nutritional Information Per Serving

    Calories: 163kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 429mg | Potassium: 39mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 2mg

    Nutritional Disclaimer

    Nutritional information is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. For accurate results, it is recommended that the nutritional information be calculated based on the ingredients and brands you use.

    Tried this recipe? I'd love to see!Mention @marcellina.in.cucina or tag #marcellinaincucina

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Mary

      July 03, 2022 at 10:19 pm

      Tried this four times with same results. The dough rises very nicely initially and then falls in the second half of the 12-14 hour rise. Then, it does not rise again in the pan. I've tested my yeast successfully, bought new yeast and tested it successfully, put the dough on counter with under-cabinet lighting on all night to keep it warm, but always the same result in the morning. I have used same yeast for other breads with no issues.

      Reply
      • Marcellina

        July 04, 2022 at 8:01 am

        Hi Mary, I'm so sorry that you're having trouble with this focaccia recipe. I have tested this recipe extensively and have never had a problem. It is based on Samin Nosrat's focaccia. If you haven't heard of her, just google and she comes up easily.
        This recipe only has a very small amount of yeast and will need that time to rise. Could it be that room temperature for you at the moment is quite warm? In that case, the dough may need to go into the fridge. I don't usually suggest that because normally it takes a long time to warm up the next day, in my experience. But that might be the solution for you.
        There is no need to use any type of warmth during the long overnight rise. It needs to be cool room temperature. This could be the problem. In any case, the rising and then the fall is normal. Once poured into the pan and folded, it will rise again.
        Have you tried my Focaccia Genovese? This might suit you better, especially during the warmer months.

        Reply
      • Cookie Dough

        July 21, 2022 at 3:22 am

        Most likely your dough gets overproofed (causing weakened gluten structure) so that it cannot hold as much gas anymore. Don't rely on a specific amount of time when rising the dough, it's only a ballpark measure. It will depend on the yeast, the flour, the temperature and so on. Instead, keep an eye on the dough during the first rise and proceed to the next step when it has doubled in size or so.

        Btw, you can always slow down the proofing (or even pause it completely, again depending on yeast/temperature and so on) by putting the dough in the fridge. The proofing will continue when when you take it out of the fridge, once the dough gets up to temperature.

        Don't give up, this bread is worth the extra effort! 🙂

        Reply
    2. Sandra

      June 04, 2022 at 6:27 pm

      5 stars
      Excellent

      Reply
    3. lyn lucasey-phares

      September 17, 2021 at 3:17 am

      5 stars
      delizioso. tante grazie!

      Reply
    4. Katie

      August 09, 2021 at 8:14 am

      Followed the directions to the T, but it didn't rise after being spread onto the pan. Not great.

      Reply
      • Marcellina

        August 09, 2021 at 3:18 pm

        Hi Katie, I'm sorry that happened to you. Was your yeast fresh? Did you leave the dough in a warm enough place? Is it particularly chilly in your kitchen? These could all be reason for why this happened. I hope you try again. Please let me know if I can help with more trouble shooting. Kind regards, Marcellina xx

        Reply
        • Sandra

          April 02, 2022 at 3:48 pm

          Hi, is half a teaspoon of yeast enough? Seems very little.

          Reply
          • Marcellina

            April 03, 2022 at 7:17 am

            Hi Sandra, yes that's right. Remember that in this particular focaccia recipe you'll be setting the dough aside at room temperature for 12-14 hours or overnight. Following that, you won't knock the air out of the dough, just gently tip it into the prepared pan. Then it's another slow rise of 1 1/2 hours. This long rise adds flavor to the dough and it's why you don't need a lot of yeast. If you'd prefer a quicker focaccia try my https://www.marcellinaincucina.com/focaccia-genovese/

            Reply
    5. Karen (Back Road Journal)

      November 30, 2020 at 4:40 am

      Love all your photos so that you can follow the recipe through each stage knowing you are doing it properly.

      Reply
      • Marcellina

        December 10, 2020 at 7:47 am

        Hope you get to make this Ligurian Focaccia, Karen - it really is worth it!

        Reply
    6. 2pots2cook

      November 19, 2020 at 2:51 am

      5 stars
      So true ! Hard to stop at one slice ! Thank you so much !

      Reply
      • Marcellina

        November 19, 2020 at 8:06 am

        I'm a bread fiend!! Thank you!

        Reply
    7. angiesrecipes

      November 17, 2020 at 6:51 pm

      I love the idea of pouring brine onto the surface before baking. The bread came out absolutely splendid, Marcellina.

      Reply
      • Marcellina

        November 17, 2020 at 7:33 pm

        Angie, I'm so in love with this focaccia - it's superbly crunchy and delicious!

        Reply
    8. Manal Obieda

      April 29, 2015 at 6:46 am

      MMMM...these looks so delicious...love the application and the pictures.

      Reply

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