Best Ever Focaccia Pizza

Best ever? That’s a pretty bold statement. I know.

Obviously taste is extremely subjective but I think that if you follow my blog we’re pretty much on the same page food wise, at least most of the time.

As someone who shares recipes for a living I’m always open to inspiration from everywhere I go and everything I taste. This Focaccia Pizza was inspired by an incredible slice of pizza al taglio that I ate at Pizzeria Bianco here in Phoenix (the restaurant is apparently one of Oprah’s favorites) and something I saw on the Food Network late one night. I’m sure glad all this inspiration hit at once because it helped to create seriously one of the best pizzas I’ve ever had the pleasure of eating.

The moment I took it out of the oven and saw those blistered spots of fresh mozzarella, the simple and pure tomato sauce, the fresh basil, and of course, the ultra thick, chewy, and rich focaccia crust I knew it was going to be good. It’s quite an impressive sight. Luckily it tasted even better. If you make this recipe soon be sure to come back and let me know if it ranks as a favorite for you and your family too. It’ll be like a virtual pizza party!

How to make

Focaccia Pizza

Yield: 4 servings

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Inactive Time 2 hours 20 minutes

Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes

Focaccia Pizza is undoubtedly one of the BEST pizzas I've ever had! Thick and chewy homemade focaccia crust topped with easy tomato sauce and mozzarella. You'll LOVE it!

Ingredients

For the dough:

• 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons warm (110-115°F) water
• 1 teaspoon instant yeast
• 1 1/2 teaspoons granulated sugar
• 2 1/2 cups (11.3 ounces) all-purpose flour, plus more for kneading
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided

For the toppings:

• 1 (15 ounce) can crushed San Marzano tomatoes
• 1 clove garlic, finely minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 ounces fresh Mozzarella cheese, sliced
• Fresh basil
• Pizza toppings

Directions

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the water, yeast, sugar, and half the flour. Stir to combine. Fit the mixer with the dough hook and on low speed add in the remaining flour, salt, and 1/4 cup olive oil. Once the dough comes together, increase the speed to medium and knead for 5 to 6 minutes, or until smooth and soft. If the dough is really sticky, add in another tablespoon or two of flour.
2. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, at least 1 hour. OR place the dough in a large plastic bag and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge or for a few hours at room temperature. Proceed with the recipe.
3. Coat a 9 by 13-inch pan with the remaining 1/4 cup olive oil. Put the dough onto the pan and begin pressing it out with your fingertips to fit the size of the pan. Coax and stretch the dough to fit the entire pan, or just about. Spread your fingers to make little holes all the way through the dough.
4. Cover the dough with plastic and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 425°F.
5. In a medium bowl combine the tomatoes, garlic, and salt and pepper to taste. Brush the focaccia with the olive oil on the pan. Spread 1/2 cup of the tomato sauce over the dough. Reserve the remaining sauce for another use (it freezes pretty well). Top with the cheese and other desired toppings. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake until golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before cutting and serving.

Recipe Notes

You can use the same amount of active dry yeast in place of the instant yeast. Simply allow the active dry yeast to proof for five minutes with the water before adding in.

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

If you make this recipe, be sure to snap a picture and share it on Instagram with #handletheheat so we can all see!

Recipe by Tessa Arias