As I stood in my kitchen, a light drizzle tapping softly against the window, I felt a craving for something warm and comforting. That’s when I decided to whip up an Easy Overnight Focaccia Pizza! This delightful twist on traditional pizza features a thick, fluffy crust that’s irresistibly soft on the inside and perfectly crispy on the outside. The best part? It’s loaded with cheese, pepperoni, and your favorite toppings, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for movie nights or casual gatherings. Plus, with the simple overnight dough recipe, you can enjoy that airy, bakery-style texture without the fuss of last-minute prep. Are you ready to make a pizza that’s not just easy but utterly delectable? Let’s dive in!
Why Is Focaccia Pizza a Must-Try?
Irresistible flavor: The incredible combination of cheese and toppings makes each bite a delightful explosion of taste.
Effortless prep: With an overnight dough, you can let the magic happen while you sleep, saving precious time during busy days!
Crowd-pleasing charm: Perfect for sharing with family and friends, this pizza is sure to impress at any gathering or cozy night in.
Unique texture: Enjoy a thick, soft crust that holds its shape while delivering a satisfying crunch on the outside—just like a traditional focaccia!
Flexible toppings: Customize to your heart’s desire, whether you prefer classic pepperoni or a vibrant veggie medley, the options are endless!
Comfort food redefined: This isn’t just pizza; it’s a warm hug on a plate, making it the ultimate comfort food choice for any occasion.
Focaccia Pizza Ingredients
For the Dough
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure for the dough; substitute with bread flour for a chewier result.
- Active Dry Yeast – Leavens the dough for a fluffy rise; there’s no need to bloom it—just mix it directly with dry ingredients.
- Fine Sea Salt – Enhances flavor; use as-is for the best result.
- Warm Water – Activates the yeast; make sure it’s warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil – Vital for flavor and texture; drizzle some in the pan before adding the dough.
For the Toppings
- Grated Mozzarella Cheese – Melts beautifully and adds that cheesy goodness; grating from a block yields the best results.
- Thick Sliced Pepperoni – A classic that adds richness; feel free to swap for your favorite protein or veggie.
- Jarred Pizza Sauce – Essential for flavor; RAO’s pizza sauce is highly recommended for the best taste.
- Ricotta Cheese – Optional, but adds a delightful creaminess in dollops.
- Dried Oregano, Crushed Red Pepper Flakes, and Sea Salt – For seasoning, enhancing and amplifying flavors.
Optional Toppings
- Roasted Garlic – Adds depth with a sweet, savory flavor.
- Fresh Basil – Provides a burst of freshness; sprinkle it on after baking.
- Caramelized Onions – Sweet and savory, they can transform any pizza.
- Browned Sausage – Hearty and filling, perfect for meat lovers.
- Pesto – A vibrant alternative to sauce for extra flavor.
- Roasted Tomatoes – Sweet and juicy; they make an elegant topping addition.
This Focaccia Pizza recipe embraces ease and flavor, making it the perfect contender for your next homemade pizza night!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Focaccia Pizza!
Step 1: Dough Preparation
In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, and fine sea salt, mixing well. In a separate measuring cup, combine warm water and extra-virgin olive oil. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring until a very soft, sticky dough forms. Aim for a slightly tacky texture, which will yield that delightful focaccia pizza crust!
Step 2: First Rise
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let the dough rest at room temperature for 30 minutes. This initial rise is essential for developing the dough’s texture. After 30 minutes, transfer the bowl to the refrigerator and allow the dough to chill for at least 12 hours, and up to 48 hours, letting the flavors deepen and improve.
Step 3: Baking Preparation
Once the dough has had its time to rise, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Meanwhile, grease a 9×13-inch pan generously with olive oil to prevent sticking. Gently flip the chilled dough onto the oiled pan, stretching it towards the corners without tearing it. This dough should be pliable and easily form into the shape of the pan.
Step 4: Second Rise
Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and allow it to rise at room temperature for another 30 to 45 minutes. During this time, the dough will expand and become airy, which is crucial for that thick, fluffy texture of the focaccia pizza crust. Look for the dough to puff up visibly before moving on.
Step 5: Topping & Baking
With the oven ready and the dough risen, use oiled fingers to dimple the surface of the dough gently. Start by sprinkling a layer of grated mozzarella cheese on top, followed by a light spread of jarred pizza sauce. Then, add your favorite toppings, including thick sliced pepperoni, and finish with more cheese for an extra gooey bite.
Step 6: Final Bake
Place the pan on the middle rack of the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes. Keep an eye on your focaccia pizza as it bakes, looking for a golden brown color on the edges and a bubbly cheese topping. The finished pizza should have a crispy exterior while remaining soft and airy on the inside.
Step 7: Cooling
Once baked to perfection, remove the pan from the oven and let the focaccia pizza cool for a few minutes. Gently lift the pizza out of the pan as a slab using a spatula, slice it into generous pieces, and prepare to share the deliciousness with family and friends!
What to Serve with Easy Overnight Focaccia Pizza?
Looking to create the perfect meal around your fluffy, cheesy focaccia pizza? Let’s explore some delicious options that will elevate your dining experience.
-
Fresh Garden Salad: A light, crisp salad loaded with greens and colorful veggies balances the richness of the pizza perfectly. Toss in a zesty dressing for extra brightness!
-
Garlic Breadsticks: Golden and buttery sticks that are heavenly for dipping in pizza sauce add a comforting side that everyone will adore. It’s an upscale twist on classic pizza night!
-
Roasted Vegetables: Sweet, caramelized veggies bring a burst of flavor and nutrition to your meal. Think bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots for a toast to seasonal cooking.
-
Creamy Tomato Soup: This classic comfort food offers a warm, soothing touch to every pizza slice, blending beautifully with the pizza’s flavors. Enjoy dipping each bite in a flavorful way!
-
Cheesy Bread: Melted cheese on soft bread is a match made in heaven with focaccia pizza. Serve them side by side for the ultimate cheesy indulgence.
-
Sparkling Wine: A crisp, bubbly wine enhances the flavor profile of your meal, making every bite feel like a special occasion. Its effervescence pairs wonderfully with the luscious cheese.
-
Tiramisu: For dessert, indulge in a classic Italian tiramisu that rounds out your meal with rich coffee flavors and creamy layers. It’s the perfect sweet finish after that savory pizza!
Embrace these pairings to create a delightful, complete dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Expert Tips for Focaccia Pizza
• Measure Accurately: Use a kitchen scale to weigh ingredients in grams for consistent results every time you make your focaccia pizza.
• Watch the Dough: If the dough feels overly sticky while shaping, sprinkle in a little extra flour to help manage the texture without overworking it.
• Mind the Moisture: Avoid adding too many wet toppings, as excess moisture can prevent the dough from baking properly, leading to a soggy pizza.
• Dimples Matter: When dimpling the dough, ensure they are deep enough to hold toppings but not too deep that they tear the surface, allowing for better melt and flavor distribution.
• Stay Alert While Baking: Keep an eye on the pizza as it bakes, especially toward the end, to prevent over-browning; covering with foil can help if necessary.
Focaccia Pizza Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to make this delightful focaccia pizza your own by experimenting with some tasty twists!
-
Vegetarian Delight: Swap out pepperoni for grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a colorful, healthy topping.
This gives your pizza a wholesome touch while still keeping that delicious comfort food essence. -
Cheese Medley: Use a blend of cheeses such as gouda, provolone, or cheddar for a uniquely flavorful pizza.
The combination can create an irresistible melty texture that will keep everyone coming back for seconds. -
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free focaccia pizza.
While it’s important to think about texture, many blends on the market have the potential to bring you fluffy results! -
Spice it Up: Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the dough or toppings for a flavorful kick.
This adds an exciting heat that can elevate your comfort food experience to new heights. -
Vegan Twist: Replace cheese with a cashew-based or plant-derived cheese alternative, and omit any animal products for a vegan delight.
You won’t miss the dairy while still enjoying the delicious, fluffy pizza base. -
Sweet & Savory: Experiment with adding caramelized onions and figs or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a sweet contrast to your savory pizza.
This pair brings an unexpected yet delightful flavor combination that surprises the palate. -
Pesto Twist: Spread a layer of pesto instead of pizza sauce for an aromatic and vibrant flavor infusion.
This simple swap takes your pizza from everyday to extraordinary, with fresh herby notes. -
Breadsticks Style: Instead of a conventional pizza, cut the dough into sticks before baking for yummy focaccia breadsticks.
Serve these with a side of marinara or garlic butter for the ultimate appetizer or snack.
Whatever variation you choose, your homemade focaccia pizza will surely be a hit! For more topping ideas, check out our optional toppings or read up on different cheese blends to elevate every bite.
How to Store and Freeze Focaccia Pizza
Fridge: Store leftover slices in an airtight container or wrap them in foil and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze slices by wrapping them securely in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer without losing flavor.
Reheating: To enjoy your focaccia pizza again, preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C) and reheat the slices wrapped in foil for about 10-15 minutes, ensuring they remain crispy.
Room Temperature: If you plan to consume your focaccia pizza within a day, you can leave it at room temperature, covered with a towel, but enjoy it within 24 hours for the best quality.
Make Ahead Options
These Easy Overnight Focaccia Pizza preparations are a dream for busy home cooks! You can mix the dough and let it rise for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to develop beautifully. For the best results, cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. If you’d like, you can also prep your toppings in advance; simply chop or slice them and store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, simply follow the second rise instructions and prepare to enjoy your delicious homemade focaccia pizza that tastes just as fresh as if it were made the same day!
Focaccia Pizza Recipe FAQs
What type of flour should I use for the Focaccia Pizza?
Absolutely! All-purpose flour is perfect for this recipe, but if you’re looking for a chewier texture, you can definitely substitute it with bread flour. Just remember that bread flour will give you a bit more lift and a heartier flavor to your crust.
How long can I store leftover Focaccia Pizza?
You can store your leftover slices in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil in the fridge for up to 3 days. This helps maintain that delightful freshness and flavor, so you can enjoy your homemade pizza again in no time!
Can I freeze Focaccia Pizza, and if so, how?
Very good question! Yes, you can freeze Focaccia Pizza. For best results, wrap the slices securely in plastic wrap first, then cover them with aluminum foil. You can freeze them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge again, simply thaw and reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes for that fresh-out-of-the-oven feel!
How do I prevent my Focaccia Pizza dough from being too sticky?
If you’re finding the dough a bit too sticky, it’s a good idea to sprinkle in small amounts of flour while you’re shaping it. Just be cautious not to overwork the dough; the goal is to maintain that soft, airy texture. Look for a slightly tacky, but not overly sticky, consistency for the best results.
Can I add healthier toppings for my Focaccia Pizza?
Absolutely! You can customize your Focaccia Pizza by adding healthier toppings. Swap out pepperoni for grilled vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. You could also go for a completely veggie medley or even add lean proteins like grilled chicken or turkey sausage. The more the merrier when it comes to toppings!
Is Focaccia Pizza suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, it can be! You can use gluten-free flour blends to make your Focaccia Pizza gluten-free. However, do note that the texture may vary slightly as gluten-free flours handle moisture differently. I recommend experimenting with different brands to find the one that works best for you!
Irresistible Focaccia Pizza You Can Make Overnight!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, and fine sea salt, mixing well. In a separate measuring cup, combine warm water and extra-virgin olive oil. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring until a very soft, sticky dough forms.
- Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let the dough rest at room temperature for 30 minutes. Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 12 hours.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a 9x13-inch pan generously with olive oil. Flip the chilled dough onto the oiled pan, stretching it towards the corners.
- Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and allow it to rise at room temperature for another 30 to 45 minutes.
- Dimple the surface of the dough gently. Sprinkle grated mozzarella cheese on top, followed by a layer of jarred pizza sauce and your favorite toppings.
- Bake for approximately 30 minutes, looking for a golden brown color on the edges and a bubbly cheese topping.
- Remove the pan from the oven and let the focaccia pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing.
Leave a Reply