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finished baked focaccia in a cast iron skillet with herbs

Sourdough Focaccia from Overproofed Bread

Deliciously soft on the inside and a little crispy on the outside, this sourdough focaccia is delicious to serve as thin sandwich bread or dipped into a warm creamy soup. If you have been on your sourdough journey for long, you are likely to have experienced over-proofing your dough. Over-proofed dough happens to the best of us—a little too much time on the counter, and suddenly your dough has risen past its prime and is now a sad deflated blob. But don't toss it out! Instead, turn it into this simple sourdough focaccia recipe. 
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes

Equipment

  • 1 10 inch cast iron skillet or baking dish

Ingredients

  • 1 overproofed dough sandwich bread dough, artisan boule, etc.

Instructions

  • Prepare Your Pan
  • Generously grease a cast iron skillet or small sheet pan with olive oil (no parchment or foil needed). This helps create a crispy crust.
  • Press the Dough
  • Gently turn your over-proofed sourdough dough onto the pan, pressing it evenly into a 1-1.5 inch thick layer. Rustic is fine!
  • Add Herbs & Toppings
  • Sprinkle with your choice of herbs (rosemary, oregano, etc.) and toppings like olives, garlic, or sun-dried tomatoes. For a sweet twist, add brown sugar and cinnamon. Get creative with your toppings!
  • Dimple the Dough
  • Wet your hands and use your fingertips to press dimples into the dough. This helps trap olive oil and toppings for a crispy, flavorful crust.
  • Drizzle with Olive Oil
  • Generously drizzle 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil over the top, ensuring the dough is well-coated for a crispy, golden crust.
  • Bake to Perfection
  • Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes. It’s ready when golden brown and the internal temperature is 205-210°F. Check the bottom for a golden crust.