Light Fluffy Sourdough Focaccia is the bakery style bread you didn’t know you could make at home pillowy, golden, and bursting with olive oil richness and herby goodness. Hi, I’m Jack recipe developer, food enthusiast, and the heart behind Cooks Foody. This blog is where I share recipes that bring people together over unforgettable meals. And this focaccia? It’s become a beloved weekend ritual in my kitchen.

Like many bakers, I used to struggle with dense sourdoughs or dry quick breads. That changed the moment I learned how to work with sourdough discard in a way that transformed it into something airy and luscious. In this post, I’ll show you how to make this Light Fluffy Sourdough Focaccia from scratch even if you’re new to sourdough baking.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

Why this sourdough focaccia works like magic
Ingredient breakdown and simple prep
Foolproof step-by-step baking method
Pro-level tips, flavor ideas, serving suggestions, and FAQs

Why This Light Fluffy Sourdough Focaccia Recipe Works

✅ Uses sourdough starter discard nothing goes to waste
🌿 Naturally fermented, gut-friendly, and flavorful
⏱️ Hands-off resting makes the dough ultra-airy
🫖 Beginner-friendly with no kneading required
🧀 Infused with herby olive oil and coarse sea salt

Choosing the Right Ingredients for Light Fluffy Sourdough Focaccia

Best Ingredients for This Recipe

Bread Flour: Higher protein yields a stronger gluten network, making it airy.
Sourdough Discard: Adds complexity and reduces waste.
Kosher Salt & Herbs: Balances flavor and enhances aroma.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is key for richness and moisture.

Buying Tips

Look for unbleached bread flour with 12–13% protein.
Active sourdough discard (fed within the last 1–2 days) yields the best rise.

Substitutions

Use whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf (replace 100g of bread flour).
Try dried herbs if fresh aren’t available (use 1/3 the amount).

Ingredients & Prep for Light Fluffy Sourdough Focaccia

Dough Essentials

500g (about 4 cups) bread flour
10g (2 1/2 tsp) kosher salt
100g (1/2 cup) sourdough discard
450g (1 7/8 cups) warm water (around 85°F)
2 tbsp olive oil (in dough)

Topping Essentials

4 tbsp olive oil (for pan & top)
1–2 tsp coarse sea salt (for sprinkling)
1 tbsp fresh or 1 tsp dried herbs (rosemary, thyme, or oregano)

Flavor Beams

Sour: Discard adds mild tang
Umami: Olive oil + herbs
Texture: Crispy top, fluffy center

Pantry Staples

Salt, olive oil, herbs, flour, water

If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to share it with your friends or save it for later!

I’d love to see your twist on it feel free to post your photos on Pinterest and tag me!

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Light Fluffy Sourdough Focaccia

Pre-Cooking Prep for Light Fluffy Sourdough Focaccia

In a large bowl, mix water, sourdough discard, and olive oil.
Add flour and salt. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
Let sit uncovered for 30 minutes (autolyse).
Stretch and fold 4 times over 2 hours (every 30 mins).

Cooking Method for Light Fluffy Sourdough Focaccia

Oil a 9×13-inch pan generously with 2 tbsp olive oil.
Transfer dough into the pan and stretch gently to fit.
Cover and let rise at room temperature for 4–5 hours (or overnight in fridge).
Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
Dimple the dough with wet fingers.
Drizzle remaining olive oil and sprinkle herbs + coarse sea salt.
Bake for 22–25 minutes until golden brown.

Doneness Check for Light Fluffy Sourdough Focaccia

Top should be golden, bubbly, and crisp.
Bottom should have a nice crust and not be pale.

Resting for Light Fluffy Sourdough Focaccia

Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes.
Transfer to a rack and rest for 15 minutes before slicing.

Pro Tips for Perfect Light Fluffy Sourdough Focaccia

Avoiding Flat or Gummy Texture

Use warm water for better yeast activity.
Stretch and fold technique builds structure without kneading.

Tool Recommendations

9×13-inch non stick or glass baking pan
Dough scraper or silicone spatula
Digital kitchen scale for precision

Storage & Reheating

Store: Wrap in foil and store at room temp up to 2 days.
Freeze: Slice and freeze in zip bags up to 1 month.
Reheat: Warm in oven at 350°F for 5–6 minutes.

Flavor Variations for Light Fluffy Sourdough Focaccia

Spicy Twist

Add chili flakes or minced garlic to the oil topping.

Keto/Paleo

Not suitable due to wheat content. Try almond flour focaccia alternatives.

Global Flavors

Cuisine Style	Ingredient Twists
Italian	Add sun-dried tomatoes + rosemary
Mediterranean	Top with olives, za’atar, and olive oil drizzle
Indian	Add cumin seeds, coriander, and garlic-infused oil

Serving Suggestions for Light Fluffy Sourdough Focaccia

Pair with: Tomato basil soup, chickpea salad, hummus
Enjoy as: A sandwich base, dipping bread, or pizza crust
Beverage Match: Sparkling water with lemon, iced herbal tea

FAQs for Light Fluffy Sourdough Focaccia

Can I use instant yeast instead of sourdough?

Yes. Use 1 tsp yeast + reduce water to 400g. Let rise 1.5 hours.

Can I make it same day?

Yes. Use warm water, let rise for 4–5 hours at room temperature.

Can I bake it in cast iron?

Absolutely 9–10 inch skillet works beautifully.

Conclusion

Want bakery quality bread at home without complicated steps? Light Fluffy Sourdough Focaccia delivers rich flavor, heavenly texture, and rustic charm every time.

Light Fluffy Sourdough Focaccia Homemade Rustic Perfection 2025