If you’re searching for a savory, golden bread that’s as easy as it is delicious, look no further than Easy Sourdough Discard Focaccia Bread. This recipe transforms leftover sourdough discard into a flavorful, pillowy loaf, topped with your favorite herbs and veggies. Not only does it spotlight that signature sour tang, but it also yields a soft crumb and crispy crust—all with simple ingredients and minimal fuss. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to sourdough, this focaccia is about to become your new obsession.

Easy Sourdough Discard Focaccia Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s celebrate the beauty of simplicity! Every ingredient in Easy Sourdough Discard Focaccia Bread has a role to play—bringing out a nutty aroma, a golden hue, or that irresistible chew. Here’s how each one shines in the spotlight:

Sourdough Discard: Contributes a wonderful light tang and unique flavor that sets this focaccia apart from the classic version.
All-Purpose Flour: Brings structure and softness to the bread, ensuring a fluffy interior.
Warm Water: Activates the yeast and helps form a cohesive, hydrated dough—just make sure it’s not too hot!
Olive Oil: Delivers a tender crumb, crisp crust, and a luxurious flavor; don’t be shy—drizzle extra on top!
Salt: Enhances every other ingredient, making flavors pop.
Sugar: Feeds the yeast, helps the bread rise, and lends the faintest hint of sweetness.
Instant Dry Yeast: Guarantees a reliable rise, even if your sourdough discard isn’t super active.
Fresh Rosemary or Thyme (optional): Brings aromatic, savory herbal notes that are a classic match for olive oil and bread.
Coarse Sea Salt (optional): Sprinkled on top, it adds delightful pops of saltiness and a subtle crunch.
Cherry Tomatoes or Olives (optional): For an extra burst of flavor and color—press them into the dough right before baking!

How to Make Easy Sourdough Discard Focaccia Bread

Step 1: Prepare the Dough for Easy Sourdough Discard Focaccia Bread

Kicking things off, you’ll start by waking up the yeast. Mix the warm water, sugar, and instant dry yeast in a small bowl. After a quick stir, let it hang out until it becomes foamy—this is your assurance the yeast is ready to work its magic. In a larger bowl, combine the sourdough discard and olive oil with your activated yeast mixture, stirring until well blended. Now, sprinkle in the flour and salt, mixing just until a shaggy dough forms. This dough should be soft, so don’t worry if it sticks a little. If it feels too wet, add a sprinkle of flour. Once combined, turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic—this part is satisfying and ensures your focaccia bakes up tender!

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise for Easy Sourdough Discard Focaccia Bread

Gently transfer your ball of dough into a clean, olive-oil-greased bowl. Cover it with a towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it’s doubled in size. Don’t rush this step—the extra time means more air bubbles and flavor. When it’s ready, tip the dough out onto an oiled baking sheet or a 9×13-inch pan. Gently stretch it into the corners, using your fingertips to dimple the dough. These dimples will cradle the oil and toppings, and create those signature focaccia divots.

Step 3: Add the Toppings for Easy Sourdough Discard Focaccia Bread

Here comes the fun part—dress your dough! Drizzle a lavish layer of olive oil all over, getting into each little dimple. Now’s the time to go wild with flavor: sprinkle on fresh rosemary or thyme, dot with halved cherry tomatoes or olives, and finish with a generous shower of coarse sea salt. Gently press the toppings into the dough so they don’t wander off while baking.

Step 4: Bake the Focaccia Bread for Easy Sourdough Discard Focaccia Bread

Before you bake, let the adorned dough rest for 30 more minutes—just enough time to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This short second rise gives the Easy Sourdough Discard Focaccia Bread its signature airy crumb and helps meld all those savory flavors together. Slide the pan into the oven and let the magic happen for 25-30 minutes, until the bread is golden brown and the edges are satisfyingly crisp. Your kitchen will smell absolutely amazing!

Step 5: Cool and Serve Easy Sourdough Discard Focaccia Bread

Patience pays off here—let your Easy Sourdough Discard Focaccia Bread cool for about 5-10 minutes so the flavors settle and the crumb holds together when cutting. Use a sharp knife or bench scraper to slice it into squares or strips. This focaccia is at its best while still warm, perfect for tearing and sharing, or as the ultimate side for your next meal.

How to Serve Easy Sourdough Discard Focaccia Bread

Garnishes

A final sprinkle of coarse sea salt and a few more fresh herb leaves just before serving can make all the difference. For added flair, try a light drizzle of quality extra virgin olive oil or a dusting of crushed red pepper flakes if a little heat excites you. These simple garnishes highlight the bread’s rustic charm and fresh flavors.

Side Dishes

Pair your Easy Sourdough Discard Focaccia Bread with a hearty tomato soup, a crisp green salad, or a platter of cured meats and cheeses for a meal that feels special but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. It’s also fabulous alongside pasta, roasted chicken, or as a base for sandwiches—versatility is its middle name!

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting your focaccia into fun shapes or mini squares for an appetizer platter, or serve with an assortment of dips like whipped feta or balsamic olive tapenade. You can even slice it horizontally and pile on roasted veggies and mozzarella for a loaded focaccia sandwich. Let your creativity run free—every slice is a canvas!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The crust may soften, but a quick toast will bring back its signature texture. Keep it wrapped in parchment or foil to help retain moisture while avoiding sogginess.

Freezing

Focaccia freezes beautifully! Once cooled, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and store in a zip-top freezer bag for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature or overnight in the fridge when you’re ready—to enjoy fresh, warm bread any day of the week.

Reheating

To recapture that just-baked magic, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), arrange slices on a baking sheet, and heat for about 8-10 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, a quick toast in your toaster oven works well, too. This revives the crispy edges and fluffy interior as if it’s straight from the oven!

FAQs

Can I use active sourdough starter instead of discard?

Absolutely! Active starter works well, though the flavor might be a touch less tangy. Just be sure your starter is at room temperature for best results, and adjust water or flour slightly as needed for that perfect dough consistency.

Do I have to use instant yeast if I already have sourdough discard?

While sourdough discard brings flavor and hydration, it often isn’t strong enough alone to reliably rise the dough. Instant dry yeast ensures a light, fluffy loaf, even with less-active discard, making your Easy Sourdough Discard Focaccia Bread foolproof every time.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

Great news—this focaccia recipe is vegan as written! Just double-check your toppings if you decide to get creative with cheese or processed ingredients.

What other toppings can I use?

Go beyond herbs and tomatoes with thinly sliced onions, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted peppers, grated cheese, or even slivers of potato. Focaccia loves bold flavors and beautiful colors—don’t be afraid to experiment.

Can I let the dough rise in the fridge overnight?

Yes, an overnight cold rise helps develop even deeper flavor and makes timing more flexible. After step one, cover and refrigerate the dough, then let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking as usual.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve seen how easy, adaptable, and mouthwatering Easy Sourdough Discard Focaccia Bread can be, I hope you’ll give it a try! Whether you’re reviving your sourdough discard or simply craving something fresh and special, this focaccia delivers every time. Get ready for your kitchen to smell like an artisan bakery—and for everyone asking for seconds!

Easy Sourdough Discard Focaccia Bread Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 3 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 2 hours
Yield: 1 focaccia bread 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Learn how to make a delicious Easy Sourdough Discard Focaccia Bread at home with this simple recipe. This focaccia bread is soft, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion!

Instructions

Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix the warm water, sugar, and instant dry yeast. Let it sit until frothy.
Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine sourdough discard, olive oil, and yeast mixture.
Add the Dry Ingredients: Mix in the all-purpose flour and salt until a dough forms.
Knead the Dough: Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
First Rise: Let the dough rise for 1-1.5 hours until doubled in size.
Shape the Dough: Place the dough on a baking sheet, stretch, and dimple the dough.
Add the Toppings: Drizzle olive oil, add herbs, sea salt, and toppings.
Second Rise: Let the dough rest for 30 minutes while preheating the oven.
Bake: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Cool and Serve: Allow to cool before slicing and serving.