Rosemary Sourdough Focaccia

Rosemary Sourdough Focaccia is a medium Italian recipe that serves 8. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Salt N Sprinkles on YouTube.

Prep: 14 hrs 20 min | Cook: 25 min | Total: 15 hrs 5 min

Cost: $5.90 total, $0.74 per serving

Ingredients

  • 100 g Active Sourdough Starter (100% hydration, fed 4–6 hours before use)
  • 500 g Bread Flour (High‑protein flour for strong gluten network)
  • 100 g Whole Wheat Flour (Adds nutty flavor and color)
  • 400 g Water (Lukewarm, about 25°C)
  • 50 g Olive Oil (Extra‑virgin, divided between dough and topping)
  • 10 g Sea Salt (Fine flaky sea salt for dough and finishing)
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Rosemary (Leaves stripped and roughly chopped)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (Minced for butter topping)
  • 30 g Unsalted Butter (Softened, for garlic butter topping)

Instructions

  1. Verify Starter Activity

    Make sure your sourdough starter is bubbly and has doubled in size after feeding; if not, feed it and wait 4–6 hours before proceeding.

    Time: PT4H

  2. Autolyse the Flours

    In a large mixing bowl combine bread flour, whole‑wheat flour, and 400 g water. Mix until no dry bits remain, then cover and let rest for 30 minutes.

    Time: PT30M

  3. Incorporate Starter, Salt, and Oil

    Add the active starter, sea salt, and 30 g of olive oil to the autolysed dough. Mix by hand or with a stand‑mixer's paddle until fully incorporated, then knead briefly (about 5 minutes) until the dough feels smooth.

    Time: PT10M

  4. One Stretch‑and‑Fold

    Perform a single stretch‑and‑fold: wet your hand, lift the dough from one side, stretch upward, and fold it over the rest of the mass. Return the dough to the bowl, cover, and let rest for 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Bulk Fermentation (Overnight Rest)

    Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough ferment at room temperature (21‑24°C) for 12–14 hours, or until it has expanded by about 50% and shows bubbles on the surface.

    Time: PT12H

    Temperature: 21‑24°C

  6. Shape and Second Rise

    Generously oil the baking sheet or cast‑iron pan with the remaining 20 g olive oil. Gently turn the dough onto the pan, stretch it into a rectangular log that fits the pan, and press it to the edges. Using your fingertips, dimple the surface all over. Sprinkle chopped rosemary and a pinch of sea salt, then drizzle a thin layer of olive oil over the top. Cover loosely with a towel and let rise for 2 hours.

    Time: PT2H

  7. Preheat Oven

    Place a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 220°C (425°F).

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: 220°C

  8. Prepare Garlic Butter Topping

    While the oven heats, melt the butter in a small saucepan, add minced garlic, and cook over low heat for 2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.

    Time: PT5M

  9. Bake the Fkatcha

    Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is deep golden‑brown and the edges are crisp.

    Time: PT25M

    Temperature: 220°C

  10. Finish with Garlic Butter

    Remove the pan from the oven, immediately brush the hot focaccia with the prepared garlic butter, allowing it to soak into the dimples. Let cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing.

    Time: PT15M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
250
Protein
7 g
Carbohydrates
38 g
Fat
9 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains gluten

Allergens: Wheat, Dairy

Last updated: April 19, 2026

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Rosemary Sourdough Focaccia

Recipe by Salt N Sprinkles

A beginner-friendly sourdough focaccia (fkatcha) that uses just one stretch‑and‑fold and long rests to develop flavor and airy bubbles. Topped with olive oil, fresh rosemary, sea salt and a garlic butter finish, this rustic bread is perfect as a side dish or snack.

MediumItalianServes 8

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
19h 15m
Prep
30m
Cook
2h 22m
Cleanup
22h 7m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$5.90
Total cost
$0.74
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Ensuring the starter is fully active before mixing.
  • Proper bulk fermentation time to develop flavor and structure.
  • Gentle handling during shaping to preserve air bubbles.
  • Baking at a high temperature for a crisp crust.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot oven and baking pan with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • Melted butter and garlic can splatter; keep a safe distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of sourdough fkatcha in Italian cuisine?

A

Fkatcha is a regional name for focaccia, a flatbread that dates back to ancient Roman times. Using sourdough instead of commercial yeast adds a centuries‑old fermentation tradition, giving the bread a tangy flavor and chewy crumb that is celebrated in many Italian households.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of focaccia in Italy?

A

In Liguria, focaccia is often topped with rosemary, sea salt, and olive oil, while in Puglia you might find olives and tomatoes. The Salt N Sprinkles version follows the classic Ligurian style with rosemary and a garlic butter finish.

cultural
Q

How is sourdough fkatcha traditionally served in Italy?

A

It is typically served warm as an accompaniment to soups, salads, or cured meats, and is also enjoyed on its own as a snack, especially when brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with coarse salt.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is sourdough fkatcha associated with in Italian culture?

A

Focaccia is a staple at family gatherings, picnics, and festive meals such as Easter brunches. Its simple preparation makes it a popular everyday bread, but it also appears on holiday tables when a rustic, artisanal touch is desired.

cultural
Q

What makes sourdough fkatcha special compared to regular focaccia in Italian cuisine?

A

The sourdough starter provides natural leavening, a deeper flavor profile, and a more open crumb. The single stretch‑and‑fold method simplifies the process while still delivering the airy bubbles that are prized in traditional focaccia.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making sourdough fkatcha at home?

A

Common errors include using an inactive starter, over‑handling the dough during shaping, and under‑proofing before baking. Each of these can lead to a dense loaf with few air pockets.

technical
Q

Why does this sourdough fkatcha recipe use only one stretch‑and‑fold instead of multiple folds?

A

The single fold reduces hands‑on time while still allowing the gluten network to develop during the long overnight rest. The extended bulk fermentation compensates for the reduced mechanical work.

technical
Q

Can I make sourdough fkatcha ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can bake the bread a day ahead, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly and store at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for longer. Reheat briefly in a 180°C oven to restore crispness.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the sourdough fkatcha is done?

A

The crust should be deep golden‑brown with a crisp bite, and the interior should be airy with visible dimples and a light, honeycomb crumb. A hollow sound when tapped on the bottom indicates proper bake.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Salt N Sprinkles specialize in?

A

Salt N Sprinkles focuses on approachable, home‑cooked recipes that blend classic techniques with modern twists, often highlighting bread‑making, comfort foods, and seasonal produce.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Salt N Sprinkles' approach to Italian cooking differ from other Italian cooking channels?

A

Salt N Sprinkles emphasizes beginner‑friendly methods, such as the single stretch‑and‑fold technique for sourdough, and provides detailed visual cues, making traditional Italian breads accessible without extensive equipment.

channel
Q

What other Italian recipes is the YouTube channel Salt N Sprinkles known for?

A

The channel features popular Italian dishes like classic Margherita pizza, creamy risotto, and rustic pasta sauces, all presented with step‑by‑step guidance for home cooks.

channel

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