Sourdough Rosemary and Fig Focaccia
This Sourdough Rosemary and Fig Focaccia combines the rich flavor of sourdough with the natural sweetness of figs and the fragrant aroma of rosemary, making it a delicious treat to enjoy with friends and family.
Focaccia is a traditional Italian bread known for its crispy crust and soft, airy interior. It's traditionally made with yeast, but sourdough gives it a depth of flavor in my opinion.
This recipe was inspired by my Thick Sourdough Sandwich Focaccia. If you're a fan of a thinner, classic focaccia, I recommend giving my Sourdough Focaccia with Caramelized Onions a try!
Quick Look
- Prep time: 1 hour 15 minutes (includes 4-8 hours bulk fermentation)
- Cook time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 12 slices
- Main ingredients: Sourdough starter, bread flour, fresh figs, fresh rosemary, extra-virgin olive oil
- Cooking method: Baking
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Serving ideas: Serve warm with goat cheese, drizzle with honey, or enjoy alongside a fresh salad.
Jump to:
- Quick Look
- Important Ingredients
- Substitutions & Variations
- How to Make Sourdough Rosemary and Fig Focaccia
- Baking Schedule
- 💭Crucial Success Tips
- Recipe FAQs
- How To Store Sourdough Rosemary and Fig Focaccia
- Other Delicious Recipes
- Sourdough Rosemary and Fig Focaccia
- Other Sourdough Recipes You'll Love
- Lazy Sourdough Tangzhong Sandwich Bread
- Sourdough Guinness Bread
- Sourdough Ciabatta Bread
Important Ingredients
- Sourdough starter provides natural leavening and flavor
- Bread flour offers higher protein content for better structure
- Fresh figs add natural sweetness and moisture
- Fresh rosemary imparts a fragrant, herbal note
- Extra-virgin olive oil enhances flavor and contributes to a crispy crust
See recipe card for quantities.
Substitutions & Variations
- Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free bread flour blend.
- Vegan: Ensure olive oil is used and omit any dairy-based toppings.
- Add-ins: Incorporate nuts like walnuts or pistachios for added texture.
How to Make Sourdough Rosemary and Fig Focaccia
Step 1: In a large bowl, add the sourdough starter, fine sea salt, and room-temperature water. You don't need to mix it perfectly; just help the starter disperse a little (Image 1). If you're in a hurry, you can even skip this initial mix. Add the bread flour and stir until no dry spots remain. The dough will be very sticky. Cover the bowl airtight and let it rest for 30 minutes.
Step 2: After 30 minutes, wet your hands and reach under the dough, lifting it up and folding it over into the center. Turn the bowl a quarter turn and repeat this 8-10 times. The dough will feel sticky and loose, which is normal. Cover and rest for another 30 minutes (Image 2).
Step 3: Perform one final set of stretch and folds (Image 3) the same way as before. Cover the dough and let it bulk ferment at room temperature until it's nearly doubled in size. Because this dough is low in fat and highly hydrated, it ferments quickly. Depending on the season, starter strength, and kitchen temperature, this can take 4-8 hours.
Step 4: To check if the bulk fermentation is done, look for a noticeable rise in volume. It usually won't hold a domed shape. You should see visible bubbles along the sides and surface (Image 4) and a gentle jiggle when you shake the bowl. Slightly underproofing is fine, it allows the focaccia to expand nicely on the pan later.
Step 5: Pour 25-30 g of olive oil into a rimmed sheet pan or a 33×23 cm pan, coating the bottom and sides. With oiled hands, transfer the dough to the pan (Image 5), flipping once so both sides are coated. Gently stretch it toward the edges; it will resist but will relax during the next rise. Cover and proof at room temperature for 2-3 hours or cold proof in the fridge for 8-12 hours. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 220°C / 425°F.
Step 6: Lightly oil your fingertips and create dimples all over the dough. Press the fig slices gently but firmly so they stay in place. Insert the rosemary sprigs deep into the dough to avoid burning and to infuse flavor (Image 6). A light drizzle of olive oil on top is optional, as is a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
Step 7: Bake at 220°C / 425°F for about 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the top is lightly browned (Image 7). Remove from the oven and transfer to a cooling rack.
Step 8: Let it cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing (Image 8).
Hint: Ensure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly before beginning. This will help achieve the desired rise and texture in your focaccia.
Baking Schedule
- Morning: Mix dough and let rest for 30 minutes.
- Midday: Perform stretch and folds, then let rest.
- Afternoon: Final stretch and folds, then bulk ferment.
- Evening: Prepare pan, add toppings, and bake.
💭Crucial Success Tips
- Ensure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly for best results.
- If the dough resists stretching, allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes before continuing.
- For a crispier crust, bake on the lower rack of the oven.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, but the focaccia may be slightly less airy and chewy.
The dough should have visible bubbles along the sides and surface, and a gentle jiggle when you shake the bowl.
Yes, slice and wrap tightly before freezing. Reheat in the oven for best texture.
How To Store Sourdough Rosemary and Fig Focaccia
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 1 month.
Other Delicious Recipes
- Hamburger and Potato Soup
- Sourdough Germknödel with Vanilla Sauce
- Lazy Sourdough Tangzhong Sandwich Bread
- Sourdough Guinness Bread
If you tried this Sourdough Rosemary and Fig Focaccia or any other recipe on my blog please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below! Happy Baking!
Sourdough Rosemary and Fig Focaccia
Jump to VideoIngredients
- 100 g active sourdough starter 100% hydration
- 10 g sea salt fine
- 310 g water room temperature
- 400 g bread flour
- 40 g extra-virgin olive oil divided
- 200 g figs fresh, thinly sliced
- 4 g rosemary fresh, small sprigs, leaves stripped
- flaky sea salt optional
Instructions
- In a large bowl, add the sourdough starter, fine sea salt, and room-temperature water. You don't need to mix it perfectly; just help the starter disperse a little. If you're in a hurry, you can even skip this initial mix. Add the bread flour and stir until no dry spots remain. The dough will be very sticky. Cover the bowl airtight and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, wet your hands and reach under the dough, lifting it up and folding it over into the center. Turn the bowl a quarter turn and repeat this 8-10 times. The dough will feel sticky and loose, which is normal. Cover and rest for another 30 minutes.
- Perform one final set of stretch and folds the same way as before. Cover the dough and let it bulk ferment at room temperature until it's nearly doubled in size. Because this dough is low in fat and highly hydrated, it ferments quickly. Depending on the season, starter strength, and kitchen temperature, this can take 4-8 hours.
- To check if the bulk fermentation is done, look for a noticeable rise in volume. It usually won't hold a domed shape. You should see visible bubbles along the sides and surface and a gentle jiggle when you shake the bowl. Slightly underproofing is fine-it allows the focaccia to expand nicely on the pan later.
- Pour 25-30 g of olive oil into a rimmed sheet pan or a 33×23 cm pan, coating the bottom and sides. With oiled hands, transfer the dough to the pan, flipping once so both sides are coated. Gently stretch it toward the edges; it will resist but will relax during the next rise. Cover and proof at room temperature for 2-3 hours or cold proof in the fridge for 8-12 hours. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 220°C / 425°F.
- Lightly oil your fingertips and create dimples all over the dough. Press the fig slices gently but firmly so they stay in place. Insert the rosemary sprigs deep into the dough to avoid burning and to infuse flavor. A light drizzle of olive oil on top is optional, as is a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
- Bake at 220°C / 425°F for about 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the top is lightly browned. Remove from the oven and transfer to a cooling rack.
- Let it cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing.
Video
Notes
- All-purpose flour option: You can use AP flour, which will make the focaccia slightly softer, though it won't be as puffy or have large holes.
- Pan choice: Dark nonstick pans brown faster; check around 20-22 minutes. Lighter pans may need the full 25 minutes.
- Convection ovens: Reduce the temperature to 210°C / 410°F and check at 20 minutes.
- Alternative herbs: Thyme pairs well with figs and can be used instead of or along with rosemary.
- Serving ideas: Goat cheese crumbles over warm slices or figs with honey are classic combinations. This focaccia also cuts nicely into small squares for charcuterie boards.
