Focaccia Bread Pairings: Delicious Ideas To Try

Focaccia bread, with its crispy crust, soft interior, and generous drizzle of olive oil, is a culinary delight. But what should you serve with it? Let's dive into some fantastic focaccia pairings that will elevate your meal.

The Allure of Focaccia Bread

Before we explore the myriad of pairings, let's appreciate the charm of focaccia itself. Originating from Italy, focaccia is often compared to pizza dough but is typically thicker and richer due to the olive oil incorporated into the dough. The dimples on its surface aren't just for show; they're perfect little pools that hold olive oil and herbs, infusing every bite with flavor. Focaccia's versatility makes it an excellent accompaniment to various dishes, or even a star on its own.

When thinking about what goes well with focaccia bread, consider its texture and flavor profile. The slight saltiness and herbaceous notes make it a great canvas for both savory and somewhat sweet companions. The olive oil contributes a richness that pairs beautifully with lighter, fresher ingredients as well as more robust, hearty fare. You might be surprised at how many different ways you can enjoy this Italian staple!

Delicious Appetizers to Serve with Focaccia

When serving focaccia as an appetizer, the goal is to complement its flavors without overpowering the palate. Light and fresh options work best to whet the appetite and prepare the taste buds for the meal ahead. Focaccia, with its unique texture and flavor, can be elevated by pairing it with complementary appetizers that enhance its qualities.

Olive Tapenade

Olive tapenade, a spread made from finely chopped olives, capers, anchovies, and olive oil, is a classic Mediterranean pairing. The saltiness of the tapenade complements the subtle flavors of the focaccia, creating a harmonious blend of tastes. The briny notes of the olives enhance the herbaceousness of the bread, while the olive oil in both components ties them together seamlessly. To prepare, simply blend the ingredients in a food processor until you achieve a coarse paste. Spread it generously on slices of focaccia for an appetizer that's both simple and sophisticated. This pairing works particularly well if your focaccia is seasoned with rosemary or other Mediterranean herbs.

Bruschetta

Bruschetta, typically served on grilled bread, is equally delightful on focaccia. Topping focaccia with fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze creates a vibrant and flavorful appetizer. The soft, airy texture of focaccia provides a pleasant contrast to the juicy tomatoes, while the garlic and basil add a fresh, aromatic element. For a more complex flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or a few shavings of prosciutto. The key to a great bruschetta is using high-quality ingredients – ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and good olive oil.

Charcuterie Board

A charcuterie board featuring a selection of cured meats, cheeses, and olives is an excellent appetizer to serve with focaccia. The variety of flavors and textures on the board allows guests to customize their bites, creating endless combinations. Pair the focaccia with prosciutto, salami, and mortadella, along with cheeses like mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan. Add some olives, roasted peppers, and artichoke hearts for extra variety. The focaccia serves as a neutral base that complements the rich, savory flavors of the meats and cheeses. Arrange the ingredients artfully on a wooden board for an impressive presentation.

Main Course Pairings That Complement Focaccia

Focaccia isn't just for appetizers; it can also be a fantastic accompaniment to main courses. Its hearty texture and rich flavor make it a versatile addition to various meals. When choosing a main course to pair with focaccia, consider dishes that benefit from a soft, flavorful bread to soak up sauces and complement the overall taste profile.

Soups and Stews

Focaccia is an ideal accompaniment to soups and stews. Its absorbent texture makes it perfect for soaking up flavorful broths and sauces. Pair it with hearty soups like minestrone, tomato soup, or lentil soup. The bread adds a comforting element to the meal, making it more satisfying and complete. For stews, consider pairing focaccia with a classic beef stew, a creamy chicken stew, or a vegetable-rich ratatouille. The focaccia can be used to scoop up the stew, ensuring that every last drop of flavor is enjoyed.

Salads

Adding focaccia to a salad can transform a light meal into a more substantial and satisfying one. Pair it with a classic Caprese salad, a Greek salad, or a Caesar salad. The bread provides a textural contrast to the fresh vegetables and adds a comforting element to the dish. For a more substantial salad, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. The focaccia can be served on the side or torn into croutons and sprinkled over the salad for added crunch and flavor. A warm focaccia alongside a vibrant salad is a delightful combination that's perfect for lunch or a light dinner.

Pasta Dishes

Focaccia is a wonderful accompaniment to pasta dishes, especially those with rich sauces. Pair it with classics like spaghetti Bolognese, lasagna, or creamy pesto pasta. The bread is perfect for soaking up the sauce, ensuring that no flavor goes to waste. For a simple yet satisfying meal, serve focaccia with a bowl of pasta tossed with olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. The focaccia adds a comforting element to the meal and makes it more filling. Whether you're enjoying a hearty meat sauce or a light vegetable-based sauce, focaccia is a welcome addition to any pasta dish.

Cheese and Focaccia: A Match Made in Heaven

Cheese and bread are a timeless pairing, and focaccia is no exception. The subtle flavors of focaccia make it a perfect canvas for showcasing a variety of cheeses. Whether you prefer soft, creamy cheeses or sharp, aged ones, there's a cheese that will pair perfectly with focaccia.

Soft Cheeses

Soft cheeses like burrata, mozzarella, and ricotta are delightful when paired with focaccia. The creamy texture of the cheese contrasts beautifully with the crispy crust of the bread. Drizzle the cheese with olive oil and sprinkle with fresh herbs for an extra layer of flavor. Burrata, with its creamy center, is especially decadent when served with focaccia. Mozzarella, whether fresh or grilled, is a classic pairing that's always a crowd-pleaser. Ricotta, with its mild flavor, is perfect for spreading on focaccia and topping with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of nuts. These soft cheeses enhance the subtle flavors of the focaccia, creating a simple yet elegant pairing.

Hard Cheeses

Hard cheeses like Parmesan, Pecorino, and Asiago offer a bolder flavor that complements focaccia beautifully. The salty, nutty notes of these cheeses stand up well to the richness of the bread. Shave the cheese over the focaccia or serve it in chunks alongside the bread. Parmesan, with its umami-rich flavor, is a classic pairing that's always a hit. Pecorino, with its sharp, salty taste, adds a delightful kick to the focaccia. Asiago, with its nutty, slightly sweet flavor, is a versatile cheese that pairs well with a variety of focaccia toppings. These hard cheeses provide a satisfying contrast to the soft texture of the focaccia, creating a well-balanced and flavorful pairing.

Flavored Cheeses

Experiment with flavored cheeses like herb-infused goat cheese, truffle cheese, or spicy pepper jack to add an extra layer of complexity to your focaccia pairing. Herb-infused goat cheese adds a fresh, aromatic element that complements the herbaceous notes of the bread. Truffle cheese, with its earthy, luxurious flavor, elevates the focaccia to a gourmet level. Spicy pepper jack adds a kick of heat that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the bread. These flavored cheeses offer a unique and exciting twist on the classic cheese and bread pairing, making them perfect for entertaining or for a special treat.

Sweet Endings: Focaccia and Dessert

Believe it or not, focaccia can also be enjoyed as a dessert. Its slightly salty flavor and olive oil richness make it a surprisingly versatile base for sweet toppings. While it might seem unconventional, focaccia can be transformed into a delightful treat with the right ingredients.

Honey and Nuts

A simple yet elegant dessert pairing is focaccia with honey and nuts. Drizzle the bread with honey and sprinkle with toasted nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pistachios. The sweetness of the honey complements the salty flavor of the focaccia, while the nuts add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor. For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of balsamic glaze. This dessert is easy to prepare and is a delightful way to end a meal.

Fruit and Mascarpone

Top focaccia with mascarpone cheese and fresh fruit for a light and refreshing dessert. The creamy mascarpone cheese adds a touch of richness, while the fruit adds sweetness and acidity. Berries like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries are particularly delicious, but you can also use sliced peaches, figs, or grapes. Drizzle with honey or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for extra sweetness. This dessert is perfect for warm weather and is a delightful way to showcase seasonal fruits.

Chocolate and Sea Salt

For a decadent dessert, try topping focaccia with melted chocolate and a sprinkle of sea salt. The combination of sweet and salty is irresistible, and the crispy texture of the focaccia adds a satisfying crunch. Use high-quality dark chocolate for the best flavor, and sprinkle with flaky sea salt for an extra touch of elegance. You can also add a sprinkle of cocoa powder or a drizzle of olive oil for added richness. This dessert is a crowd-pleaser and is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Tips for Serving Focaccia

• Serve it warm: Focaccia is best served warm, as this enhances its texture and flavor. You can warm it in the oven or on a grill.
• Use good quality olive oil: A drizzle of good quality olive oil can elevate the flavor of focaccia. Choose an extra virgin olive oil with a robust flavor.
• Experiment with toppings: Don't be afraid to experiment with different toppings to find your favorite combinations. From herbs and spices to cheeses and vegetables, the possibilities are endless.
• Make it ahead: Focaccia can be made ahead of time and stored at room temperature. Simply warm it before serving.

Final Thoughts

Focaccia bread is incredibly versatile, pairing well with a wide array of flavors and dishes. Whether you're serving it as an appetizer, alongside a main course, or even as a dessert, focaccia is sure to be a hit. So go ahead, experiment with these pairings and discover your own favorite combinations. Enjoy!