Focaccia is a versatile bread that lends itself to numerous culinary creations. Two of the most satisfying ways to use leftover focaccia are to make stovetop pizza and hearty sandwiches.
Stovetop pizza offers a quick and easy way to enjoy a flavorful pizza experience. It begins by slicing the focaccia into thin pieces, which creates a crispy bottom and soft interior. An herbed garlic butter, made by combining melted butter with oregano, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes, is spread generously over the focaccia slices.
This flavorful base sets the stage for the remaining toppings. A simple tomato sauce is spread on the focaccia and then uniquely cooked into the bread by flipping it over on the hot griddle. This technique, borrowed from the Mexican Pombazo sandwich, caramelizes the sauce and deepens its flavor. Finally, mozzarella cheese is added and melted to perfection either under a broiler or using a simple stovetop steaming method. Fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese provide the finishing touch.
Next, we’ll move on to creating a satisfying sandwich using leftover focaccia. This sandwich takes inspiration from those seen at upscale brunch spots, aiming for a balance of heartiness and fresh ingredients. Sliced turkey, provolone cheese, butter lettuce, tomato, a pesto-mayo spread, and pickled onions make up the filling for this delicious sandwich.
Slicing the tomatoes and lightly salting them enhances their flavor while they wait to be added to the sandwich. Combining store-bought pesto and mayonnaise creates a flavorful spread, although homemade pesto is always a great option. The focaccia slices are toasted on a griddle until crisp, while the turkey is warmed on the same surface. Melting the provolone cheese on the griddle completes the preparation of the fillings.
The toasted focaccia is then spread with the pesto-mayo mixture, and the lettuce, pickled onions, tomato slices, warmed turkey, and melted cheese are layered on top. For a more cohesive sandwich, the assembled masterpiece is placed back on the hot griddle and gently pressed with a pan or spatula. This toasting action crisps the bread further and melds the flavors together. The final step is to slice the sandwich and admire the beautiful cross-section before enjoying each bite.
Both the stovetop pizza and the focaccia sandwich offer delicious and satisfying ways to transform leftover focaccia into entirely new culinary experiences. They are simple to make, yet offer a depth of flavor that elevates them beyond basic fare. The focaccia’s thick and porous texture makes it an ideal vessel for hearty sandwiches, absorbing the flavors of the fillings without becoming soggy. The stovetop pizza, with its crunchy crust and flavorful toppings, offers a unique twist on traditional pizza. These two recipes demonstrate the versatility of focaccia and provide inspiration for creative uses of leftover bread.
