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Sourdough Discard Focaccia

An easy and flavorful way to turn extra sourdough starter into pillowy, olive-oil-kissed bread, perfect for sandwiches or hosting.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 10 servings
Course: Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients
  • 500 grams 500 grams (4 cups + 3 tablespoons) bread flour
  • 10 grams 10 grams (2 ½ teaspoons) kosher salt plus more for sprinkling on top
Wet Ingredients
  • 450 grams 450 grams (1 ¾ cups + 2 tablespoons) warm water (80–90°F)
  • 100 grams 100 grams (½ cup) sourdough starter discard less than one week old or active sourdough starter
  • 6 tablespoons 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil divided
Toppings
  • Fresh or dried herbs for sprinkling on top (rosemary, thyme, or oregano recommended)
  • Extra kosher salt for finishing

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, warm water, sourdough starter discard, and kosher salt. Mix until well combined; the dough should have a batter-like consistency. Cover and let it rest for 15 minutes.
  2. Wet your hand and grab one edge of the dough, pulling it up and over itself. Rotate the bowl 90 degrees and repeat, up to 16 times. Cover and let rest for another 15 minutes. Repeat this stretching and folding for a total of 6 sets.
  3. Optionally, knead using a stand mixer with a dough hook for 10–15 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Rising
  1. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to a clean bowl and transfer the dough into it, ensuring it doesn’t stick. Brush oil on top and cover; let it rise until doubled, about 4 hours.
Baking
  1. Prepare your baking pan(s) with parchment paper and 2 more tablespoons of olive oil. Transfer the dough and spread it out gently with your fingers.
  2. Cover the dough and let it proof until puffy, about 2 hours. For more flavor, refrigerate overnight then bring to room temperature and proof for 2–4 hours.
  3. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Poke the dough all over with your fingertips and drizzle with remaining olive oil. Sprinkle with kosher salt and herbs.
  4. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown. Cool for 10 minutes in the pan before removing and slice to serve.

Notes

Serve warm with marinara or herby olive oil for dipping, or slice for sandwiches. Perfect for salads, soups, and grilled proteins.