what to serve with focaccia bread

Natashya

3 min read

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02-02-2025

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Meta Description: Elevate your next meal with our guide on what to serve with focaccia bread! Discover delicious pairings from antipasto platters to hearty soups and flavorful dips, perfect for any occasion. Explore a variety of options to complement the unique taste and texture of this Italian flatbread. Learn how to best utilize focaccia's versatility in your culinary creations.

The Versatile Focaccia: More Than Just Bread

Focaccia bread, with its airy texture and delightful herbaceous notes, is so much more than just a side. Its inherent versatility makes it the perfect companion to a wide range of dishes. Whether you’re planning a casual weeknight dinner or a sophisticated gathering, focaccia can be the star or a delightful supporting player. This guide explores the best ways to enjoy this beloved Italian flatbread.

Savory Pairings for Focaccia Bread

Focaccia's robust flavor profile lends itself beautifully to savory pairings. Its slightly oily texture and subtle rosemary or olive oil notes create a harmonious balance with many ingredients.

1. Hearty Soups and Stews:

• Why it works: The warm, comforting nature of soup is perfectly offset by the crisp, slightly chewy texture of focaccia. The bread soaks up the delicious broth, creating a satisfying and flavorful bite.
• Suggestions: Tomato soup, minestrone, lentil soup, French onion soup, chicken cacciatore. Use focaccia slices for dipping or tear off pieces to enjoy alongside.

2. Antipasto and Charcuterie Boards:

• Why it works: Focaccia provides a delightful textural contrast to cured meats, cheeses, and olives. Its subtle flavor doesn't overpower the other components of the board.
• Suggestions: Arrange slices of focaccia around cured meats like prosciutto, salami, and soppressata; various cheeses like mozzarella, parmesan, and goat cheese; olives, marinated artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

3. Dips and Spreads:

• Why it works: Focaccia acts as a delicious vessel for a wide variety of dips. Its texture holds up well without becoming soggy, offering a satisfying crunch.
• Suggestions: Hummus, pesto, olive tapenade, white bean dip, muhammara (red pepper dip), or even a simple olive oil and balsamic vinegar mixture. Cubed focaccia is ideal for dipping.

4. Salads and Grain Bowls:

• Why it works: Focaccia adds a satisfying element of heartiness to lighter dishes like salads or grain bowls. The bread soaks up excess dressing, adding flavor and texture.
• Suggestions: Pair focaccia croutons with a Caprese salad, or use toasted focaccia pieces to top a quinoa or farro bowl.

Sweet Pairings for Focaccia Bread (Yes, Really!)

While focaccia is often associated with savory dishes, its adaptability extends to the sweet realm, too.

1. Sweet Spreads and Jams:

• Why it works: The slight sweetness in some focaccia varieties complements fruit preserves beautifully.
• Suggestions: Fig jam, apricot jam, honey, ricotta cheese with honey, Nutella. Toasting the focaccia slightly enhances the sweetness.

2. Dessert Pairings (Creative Options):

• Why it works: This is less traditional, but think outside the box! The slightly salty flavor profile can be quite delicious alongside sweet elements.
• Suggestions: A drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of sea salt with a scoop of ice cream or alongside a rich chocolate dessert. The salty-sweet combination is surprisingly delightful.

Tips for Serving Focaccia

• Room Temperature is Best: Focaccia is best enjoyed at room temperature. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving for optimal flavor and texture.
• Toasting: Toasting focaccia enhances its crispiness and brings out its flavors, especially when serving with dips or sweet spreads.
• Cutting: Cut focaccia into squares, rectangles, or wedges depending on the occasion and serving style.

Conclusion

Focaccia bread, with its versatile nature and delicious flavor, is a fantastic addition to any meal. From hearty soups to elegant antipasto boards, the possibilities are endless. So, the next time you're looking for the perfect accompaniment to your culinary creation, remember the delightful versatility of focaccia bread! Experiment with different pairings and discover your favorite combinations. You might be surprised at how this simple yet elegant bread can elevate your dining experience.