So, you’ve got a fresh loaf of focaccia sitting on your kitchen counter, and you’re wondering, “What should I eat with this?” I’ve been there. Focaccia is one of those magical breads that can be a side, a base, a dipper, or even the star of the meal. It’s versatile, packed with flavor, and frankly, it’s hard to go wrong. But if you’re looking for ideas—and who isn’t?—let’s chat about some of the best things to pair with this Italian delight.
Dips and Spreads: The Classic Companions
Focaccia and dips? Honestly, it’s a match made in heaven. Here are a few that never disappoint:
- Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar: Okay, this is probably the first thing that comes to mind, right? And with good reason. Pour some high-quality olive oil into a dish, add a splash of balsamic vinegar, and dip away. The bread soaks up the oil, giving you that rich, slightly tangy taste with every bite. Simple, but oh-so-good.
- Pesto: Whether you make it yourself or grab a jar from the store, pesto is a perfect partner for focaccia. The vibrant basil, garlic, and pine nuts—it’s like a little burst of summer on your taste buds.
- Olive Tapenade: Love olives? Then you’ve gotta try dipping focaccia into a briny, chunky olive tapenade. The flavors are bold, salty, and totally addictive.
- Hummus: I know, it’s not Italian, but who cares? The creamy, garlicky goodness of hummus pairs so well with the slightly chewy texture of focaccia. It’s a combo that just works.
- Goat Cheese Dip: If you’re into a tangy, creamy dip, goat cheese is where it’s at. Mix it with some herbs, maybe a drizzle of honey, and you’re in for a treat.
- Baked Feta: Ever tried warm, melty feta with focaccia? If not, you’re missing out. Just bake a block of feta with some cherry tomatoes and olive oil, and you’ve got a dip that’s both savory and comforting.
Soups: Dunking Delight
Now, focaccia is amazing for dipping into a warm bowl of soup. Here are a few soups that I think are just begging for a side of focaccia:
- Tomato Soup: Think classic grilled cheese with tomato soup, but swap the sandwich for a slice of focaccia. The bread soaks up the soup, and every bite is full of that familiar, cozy flavor.
- Minestrone: This hearty Italian vegetable soup is perfect with focaccia. It’s like they were made for each other. The bread adds some chewiness to the mix, and you can soak up every last bit of broth.
- Mushroom Soup: Earthy, creamy, and rich—that’s mushroom soup. And focaccia? It’s the ideal partner, offering a bit of texture and a mild flavor that doesn’t overpower the soup.
Salads: Fresh and Flavorful
Sometimes you want something light and fresh to go with your focaccia. Enter: salads.
- Caprese Salad: Tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic. This salad is all about fresh, simple ingredients, and focaccia is perfect for sopping up any extra juices on the plate.
- Mixed Green Salad: Keep it simple with some crisp greens, a light vinaigrette, and maybe a few shaved veggies. The focaccia adds a nice contrast—soft and chewy against the crunch of the salad.
- Chicken Coleslaw: This one’s a bit more substantial. The creamy coleslaw and tender chicken get a nice lift from the focaccia, which you can use to scoop up bites or just eat alongside.
Cheese and Charcuterie: A Little of Everything
If you’re into grazing (and who isn’t?), focaccia fits right into a cheese and charcuterie spread.
- Cheese Platter: Mozzarella, gouda, provolone—really, any cheese you love. Focaccia is a great alternative to crackers, and the different textures make each bite interesting.
- Prosciutto and Other Cured Meats: Salty, savory meats like prosciutto, salami, or speck are just fabulous with focaccia. The bread’s mild flavor lets the meat shine.
- Antipasto Platter: Think marinated veggies, olives, artichokes, maybe some roasted peppers. Focaccia ties everything together, whether you’re stacking ingredients or just nibbling between bites.
Main Dishes: Making Focaccia the Star
Focaccia doesn’t just have to be a side—it can totally hold its own with heartier main dishes.
- Pasta Dishes: Whether it’s a rich Bolognese or a simple aglio e olio, focaccia is a great way to soak up any extra sauce. Plus, it’s just nice to have something to munch on between forkfuls.
- Roasted or Grilled Vegetables: Imagine a plate of perfectly roasted peppers, zucchini, eggplant, and onions, all drizzled with a bit of olive oil and maybe some balsamic. Focaccia on the side? Absolutely.
- Shakshuka: This spicy, tomatoey egg dish is already bursting with flavor, but add some focaccia, and you’ve got a meal that’s hearty and satisfying. Use the bread to scoop up the sauce and eggs—it’s a game-changer.
- Fried Chicken: You might not think of fried chicken as a natural partner for focaccia, but trust me, it works. The bread’s softness contrasts nicely with the crunchy chicken.
- Roast Beef: Whether it’s part of a Sunday dinner or a simple sandwich, roast beef and focaccia are a great match. The bread’s texture pairs beautifully with the tender meat.
- Pan-Seared Steak: A juicy steak with a piece of focaccia on the side? Yes, please. The bread is perfect for mopping up any juices on the plate.
- Chicken Meatballs: If you’re making Italian-style chicken meatballs, focaccia is an ideal side. It’s great for mopping up sauce, or just eating alongside the meatballs.
Other Accompaniments: The Little Extras
Sometimes, it’s the little things that make a meal special. Here are a few extras that are great with focaccia:
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Sweet, tangy, and a little chewy—sun-dried tomatoes are great on their own or as part of a spread.
- Olives: Whether you like them green, black, or stuffed, olives are a natural partner for focaccia. They add a salty, briny bite.
- Roasted Red Peppers: Sweet and smoky, roasted red peppers are perfect alongside focaccia. Try them with a bit of goat cheese, and you’re in for a treat.
- Artichokes: Marinated artichokes add a tangy, earthy flavor that’s just delightful with focaccia.
Sandwiches and Beyond: Getting Creative
Now, let’s talk about one of the most fun ways to use focaccia—sandwiches. Seriously, it’s the perfect bread for all kinds of fillings.
You can go classic with something like mozzarella, tomato, and basil, or get creative with roasted veggies, some prosciutto, or even grilled chicken. The bread’s texture holds up well to all kinds of fillings, and the flavor is mild enough that it doesn’t overpower what’s inside. And if you’re feeling really adventurous, you can top focaccia with ingredients like herbs, cheese, or vegetables and bake it. It’s like making your own personalized pizza, but with a focaccia base. Trust me, it’s worth trying.
The Simple Pleasures: Eating Focaccia on Its Own
Of course, sometimes you just want to enjoy focaccia in its simplest form. Maybe you toast it lightly and drizzle on some olive oil, or maybe you eat it straight from the pan, still warm. There’s something so satisfying about the soft, airy texture and the little pops of salt on top. It doesn’t need much more than that.
So, whether you’re dipping, dunking, stacking, or just nibbling, focaccia is one of those foods that can do it all. Next time you’re wondering what to eat with focaccia, just remember—it’s versatile, it’s delicious, and it’s pretty hard to go wrong.