FAQ About Focaccia Bread

Focaccia dough and pizza dough share some similarities since they are both Italian breads, but they also have distinct differences in terms of texture, preparation, and usage. Here are some key differences between Focaccia and pizza dough:

1. Purpose and Usage:

• Focaccia: Focaccia is a flatbread that is typically baked as a standalone bread, not as a base for toppings like pizza. It is often seasoned with olive oil, salt, and herbs and can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or sandwich bread.
• Pizza Dough: Pizza dough is specifically designed as a base for making pizza. It is rolled out into a thin, round or rectangular shape and topped with sauce, cheese, and various toppings before baking.

2. Texture:

• Focaccia: Focaccia has a thicker and softer texture compared to pizza dough. It is usually more airy and has a slightly chewy crumb, similar to artisanal bread.
• Pizza Dough: Pizza dough is typically stretched or rolled out to be very thin, resulting in a crispy and thin crust when baked. It has a different texture to support the toppings and maintain a balance of flavors.

3. Ingredients:

• Focaccia: Focaccia dough typically consists of flour, water, yeast, salt, and olive oil. It may also include additional ingredients like herbs, garlic, or cheese for added flavor.
• Pizza Dough: Pizza dough contains similar basic ingredients—flour, water, yeast, salt—but it may have variations in the recipe depending on regional preferences or personal preferences. Some pizza dough recipes include a bit of sugar or honey for a hint of sweetness.

4. Seasonings:

• Focaccia: Focaccia is generously seasoned with olive oil, salt, and often fresh or dried herbs, such as rosemary or thyme. The toppings are generally limited to seasonings and maybe some olives or tomatoes.
• Pizza Dough: Pizza dough is relatively plain in terms of seasoning, as most of the flavor comes from the pizza sauce, cheese, and toppings.

5. Baking Method:

• Focaccia: Focaccia is typically baked in a flat, rectangular or round shape in a baking pan or on a baking sheet. It's baked until it's golden brown and has a crispy crust.
• Pizza Dough: Pizza dough is stretched thin and baked directly on a pizza stone or pizza pan in a very hot oven. It cooks quickly to achieve a crisp, thin crust.