If you’ve never tried a focaccia sandwich, you’re in for a treat. This hearty, soft bread, rich with olive oil and topped with herbs, makes the ideal base for any sandwich. Picture it: the warmth of freshly baked focaccia enveloping your favorite fillings, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Whether you’re preparing lunch for yourself or entertaining guests, a focaccia sandwich is the kind of dish that feels both cozy and elegant. Let’s dive into making this sandwich and elevate your cooking game!
Why You’ll Love This Focaccia Sandwich
There’s a reason the focaccia sandwich has gained such popularity. Here are just a few reasons why you’ll love making it at home:
- Delicious Flavor – Focaccia’s savory, olive oil-infused flavor complements almost any filling, from meats to veggies.
- Easy to Make – The steps are simple, perfect for beginners or busy cooks looking for a quick meal.
- Versatile – Swap out ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs. It’s endlessly customizable.
- Affordable – With a few basic ingredients, you can whip up a sandwich that feels luxurious yet is kind on your budget.
History or Fun Facts About Focaccia Sandwiches
Focaccia bread has a rich history, especially in Italy, where it’s been enjoyed for centuries. Here are a few fun facts:
- Ancient Origins – Focaccia dates back to ancient Rome, where it was often baked over hot stones and used as a form of early flatbread.
- A Staple in Italy – In many regions of Italy, focaccia is more than just bread; it’s a breakfast item, a snack, or even a meal on its own.
- A Versatile Bread – Focaccia is the perfect base for sandwiches because of its soft yet hearty texture, and it can be topped with anything from rosemary to olives.
Ingredients for Focaccia Sandwich
For the Focaccia Bread:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 cup warm water
- ¼ cup olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tbsp sea salt, for topping
For the Sandwich Filling:
- 1 tbsp pesto sauce
- 4 slices prosciutto
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella, sliced
- ¼ cup arugula
- 1 medium tomato, sliced
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Sweet balsamic glaze (optional)
How to Make a Focaccia Sandwich
Making your own focaccia bread is simple and totally worth the effort. Follow these steps for a perfect focaccia sandwich:
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, mix the flour, yeast, salt, and sugar. Add warm water and olive oil, and mix until the dough comes together. Knead for about 5 minutes until smooth.
- First Rise: Cover the dough with a damp towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Focaccia: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Punch down the dough and transfer it to a greased baking sheet. Press it out into a rectangle, about ½ inch thick.
- Add Toppings: Drizzle olive oil on top of the dough. Sprinkle with rosemary and sea salt. Use your fingers to make little dimples all over the surface.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Let it cool slightly before slicing.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Spread pesto sauce on one side of the focaccia slices. Layer with prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, arugula, and tomato. Sprinkle with kosher salt, drizzle with sweet balsamic glaze (optional), and serve.
Want to Make Focaccia Bread from Scratch?
If you’re in the mood for an even more hands-on approach, why not try making your focaccia bread from scratch? In our detailed guide, How to Make Focaccia Bread, you’ll find step-by-step instructions on creating this wonderfully fluffy, olive-oil infused bread from the comfort of your own kitchen. It’s the perfect base for your focaccia sandwich, and once you’ve mastered the basics, you can experiment with different herbs, toppings, and fillings to create your ultimate sandwich masterpiece.
Focaccia Sandwich Tips and Twists
Tips:
- Don’t skimp on the olive oil – It’s key to getting that crispy, flavorful crust on your focaccia.
- Rest the dough – Be patient and let it rise properly for the best texture.
- Use fresh herbs – Fresh rosemary adds the perfect aromatic touch to your bread.
- Use a pizza stone – For an even better crust, try baking your focaccia on a pizza stone.
- Slice it evenly – For a well-balanced sandwich, cut the focaccia into even slices, ensuring each bite has a bit of everything.
Twists:
- Veggie Focaccia Sandwich – Swap the prosciutto for grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and peppers for a lighter, vegetarian version.
- Pesto Focaccia – Spread a thin layer of pesto on the bread before adding your fillings for an extra burst of flavor.
- Chicken and Avocado Focaccia – Add grilled chicken and creamy avocado for a rich, filling twist.
Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips
Storage:
- Store leftover focaccia bread in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. It stays fresh for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- Reheat focaccia by wrapping it in foil and placing it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warm.
Make-Ahead:
- You can prepare the focaccia dough in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Let it rise before baking the next day for a fresher taste.
Serving Suggestions
A focaccia sandwich is a meal that stands on its own, but you can elevate it with these pairings:
- Crispy Potato Wedges – The perfect crunchy side to complement the soft bread.
- A Crisp Green Salad – Serve with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the sandwich.
- Iced Lemonade – For a refreshing, slightly sweet drink that contrasts beautifully with the savory flavors.
FAQ About Focaccia Sandwiches
- Can I make focaccia with whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but the texture might be denser. - Can I freeze focaccia?
Yes, focaccia can be frozen. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months. - Can I use different fillings for the sandwich?
Absolutely! Try using grilled chicken, ham, or even a vegan option like hummus and roasted vegetables. - Can I make focaccia without yeast?
You can try a quick focaccia recipe using baking powder, but the texture will be different. - What other herbs can I use in focaccia?
Thyme, basil, and oregano are all great options for flavor variations.
Enjoy Your Focaccia Sandwich!
Congratulations on making your very own focaccia sandwich! You’ve just created a dish that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a casual gathering. With that crispy, golden crust and soft, flavorful interior, it’s a true winner. Enjoy every bite, and remember – there’s always room for creativity in your next sandwich!
Easy Focaccia Sandwich Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 cup warm water
- ¼ cup olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tbsp sea salt, for topping
- 1 tbsp pesto sauce
- 4 slices prosciutto
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella, sliced
- ¼ cup arugula
- 1 medium tomato, sliced
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Sweet balsamic glaze optional
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix flour, yeast, salt, and sugar. Add warm water and olive oil, and knead into dough.
- Let dough rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Press dough into a rectangle on a greased baking sheet.
- Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle rosemary and sea salt on top, and press dimples into the dough.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden. Let cool, then slice.
- Spread pesto sauce on one side of the focaccia slices. Assemble sandwiches with prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, arugula, tomato, and a sprinkle of kosher salt.
- Drizzle sweet balsamic glaze (optional) and serve.
Notes
Explore More Recipes
Pair your focaccia sandwich with one of these delicious dishes:
- Quick Cheddar Bay Biscuits in 30 Minutes
- Grilled Chicken Wraps Recipe: Easy and Tasty Ideas
- How to Make Blackened Chicken Alfredo from Scratch
- Best Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe for Beginners
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: A Smoky-Sweet Summer Delight
Happy eating! 🥖🍅