If you’ve ever wanted to impress friends or family with a pizza that’s both rustic and downright delicious, then The Easiest Most Delicious Focaccia Pizza Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. I’ve made this recipe more times than I can count because it hits that perfect balance of crispy edges, soft and airy bread, and melty, savory toppings that make pizza night unforgettable.

What I love most is how versatile this focaccia pizza is—it’s a fantastic base for casual weeknight dinners or even a fancy weekend treat. Plus, the dough is surprisingly easy to work with, which means you don’t have to stress over it. Trust me, once you try The Easiest Most Delicious Focaccia Pizza Recipe, it’ll become your go-to for quick, tasty homemade pizza that everyone will rave about.

Ingredients You’ll Need

I’ve kept this recipe straightforward with pantry staples and a few fresh additions. The ingredients blend beautifully to give you a focaccia crust that’s tender on the inside with a golden crust on the outside.

All-purpose flour: This gives your dough the right structure and chewiness—versatile and easy to find.
Fine sea salt: Adds depth to the dough and balances the flavor perfectly.
Active dry yeast: The magic agent that makes your dough rise to fluffy, airy perfection.
Warm water: Just warm enough to activate the yeast—think about bath water temperature, not hot!
Olive oil: I always go for extra virgin—it’s essential for that tender, rich crumb in the focaccia.
Honey: Helps feed the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
Pizza sauce: I personally love RAO’s brand for its fresh taste, but homemade works beautifully too.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: The melty, gooey topping that no pizza can do without.
Thick-sliced pepperoni: Feel free to pile it on as much as you want; the hearty chunks add fantastic flavor.
Whole milk ricotta cheese: Mix with a pinch of salt, red pepper flakes, and dried oregano for a creamy, herby contrast that’s downright addictive.

Variations

One of the best parts about The Easiest Most Delicious Focaccia Pizza Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. I love switching up toppings depending on the season or what’s in my fridge, so don’t be afraid to experiment.

Vegetarian version: Swap the pepperoni for grilled veggies like zucchini and eggplant; the ricotta adds creaminess that marries well with the smoky flavors.
Spicy kick: Add sliced jalapeños or drizzle with hot honey before baking—trust me, this combo packs a delicious punch.
Gluten-free: I’ve tried this recipe with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend; while the texture changes slightly, it still comes out fantastic if you’re mindful with rising time.
Herb-infused dough: Toss some fresh rosemary or thyme into the dough mix before rising. It adds a lovely aromatic twist.

How to Make The Easiest Most Delicious Focaccia Pizza Recipe

Step 1: Wake the Yeast and Mix

Start by combining the warm water (about 100°F/38°C—not scalding!) with honey and yeast. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for about 5 minutes until you see a foamy layer on top—that’s your yeast waking up and ready for action. I always check the temperature with my wrist; it shouldn’t feel uncomfortable. Then, in a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and sea salt before slowly stirring in your yeast mixture and olive oil to form a sticky dough.

Step 2: Knead and Let It Rise

Turn your dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8 to 10 minutes until it’s smooth and a little elastic. Don’t worry if it feels a bit sticky—that’s perfect for focaccia. Then, transfer it back to a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size. I like to pop mine near the oven or on top of the fridge where it’s cozy and draft-free.

Step 3: Shape and Dimple the Dough

Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release air, then transfer it to a generously oiled baking sheet or cast iron skillet. Use your fingers to stretch and press the dough into your pan. This is the fun part—pressing your fingers all over the dough surface creates those classic dimples that hold onto oil and toppings later. Don’t fret if it’s not perfectly uniform; that rustic flair is part of what makes this pizza so charming.

Step 4: Prebake and Add Toppings

I recommend prebaking the focaccia crust at 425°F (220°C) for about 12 minutes. This helps set the base so it’s golden and crisp, especially since we’re adding moist toppings. After prebaking, spread your pizza sauce evenly over the crust, sprinkle with mozzarella, layer on your thick-sliced pepperoni, and dollop spoonfuls of your seasoned ricotta. This layering ensures every bite is a perfect balance of crispy bread, melted cheese, and flavorful toppings.

Step 5: Final Bake and Serve

Bake the assembled pizza for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the edges have turned a rich golden brown. You’ll know it’s perfect when the pepperoni edges start to crisp slightly and that cheesy ricotta is warm and inviting. Let it rest for a few minutes after baking (patience is hard, I know!), then slice it up and dig in.

How to Serve The Easiest Most Delicious Focaccia Pizza Recipe

The Easiest Most Delicious Focaccia Pizza Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I always sprinkle a little flaky sea salt and cracked black pepper over the top right before serving—you get that unexpected crunch and extra pop of flavor. Fresh basil leaves or a dash of red pepper flakes add a nice fragrant finish. Sometimes, I drizzle a bit of good quality olive oil or even a balsamic reduction for a touch of elegance when serving guests.

Side Dishes

Since this focaccia pizza is pretty filling, I like to keep sides light and fresh. A crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or a simple cucumber and tomato salad complements it beautifully. If you’re in the mood for something heartier, roasted garlic or a bowl of homemade minestrone creates a lovely, comforting meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve served this pizzazz-packed focaccia pizza on wooden boards with little ramekins of extra ricotta, olives, and chili flakes scattered around for guests to customize. Cutting the pizza into smaller squares makes it an excellent finger-food option. Another fun idea is to let guests add their own toppings before baking mini individual portions—super interactive and a crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover focaccia pizza in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to keep it from drying out. It stays tasty for up to 3 days in the fridge. When I eat leftovers cold, I often add a quick drizzle of olive oil or a pinch of sea salt to revive the flavors.

Freezing

Freezing this focaccia pizza works well if you wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or use freezer-safe bags. When you’re ready to enjoy, I recommend thawing overnight in the fridge to maintain the texture and flavor.

Reheating

To recapture that fresh-out-of-the-oven crispiness, I reheat leftover slices in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for about 8-10 minutes. You can also reheat on the stovetop in a non-stick skillet over medium heat—just cover with a lid for a few minutes to melt the cheese while keeping the bottom crisp. Microwave is a quick fix but does sacrifice some texture.

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat flour for The Easiest Most Delicious Focaccia Pizza Recipe?

Absolutely! Using whole wheat flour will add a nuttier flavor and heartier texture. I recommend substituting up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat to keep the dough light and airy. Since whole wheat flour absorbs more water, you might need to adjust the water quantity slightly to get a soft dough.
How do I know if my yeast is still good for this focaccia pizza dough?

Great question! To check if your active dry yeast is alive, dissolve it in warm water with a bit of honey and wait about 5-10 minutes. If it bubbles or foams on top, it’s still active and ready to use. If nothing happens, it’s probably time to replace your yeast for the best rise.
Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

You sure can! I often make the dough the night before and let it rise slowly in the fridge overnight. This slow fermentation actually boosts flavor and texture. Just take it out to come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
Is it necessary to prebake the focaccia before adding toppings?

While you can try baking with toppings from the start, prebaking helps set the crust and avoids sogginess from sauce and cheese. It ensures a crispier base that holds up nicely under the toppings, which is my preferred method for The Easiest Most Delicious Focaccia Pizza Recipe.
What’s the best way to get those signature focaccia dimples?

I like to generously oil my hands and then use my fingertips to gently press into the dough all over the surface. Be careful not to press too hard to avoid deflating your dough. These dimples trap olive oil and toppings, adding flavor and texture that are essential to this focaccia pizza’s charm.

Final Thoughts

This recipe has a special place in my kitchen repertoire because it feels so homemade and comforting, yet always gets rave reviews from anyone lucky enough to taste it. The Easiest Most Delicious Focaccia Pizza Recipe proves that with just a few simple ingredients and some love, you can create something truly memorable. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and make it your own—for me, it’s like a warm hug from the oven every time!