What to Serve with Focaccia (10 Yummy Sides to Make)

There is nothing quite like the smell of fresh-baked focaccia. It’s a delicious Italian bread that can be enjoyed as a snack or as a meal.

When I think of focaccia, I can’t help but think of all the amazing side dishes that go with it. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re looking for something savory or something sweet.

To be honest, I haven’t always been the biggest fan of side dishes. I used to think that they were just an afterthought. But over the years, I’ve come to appreciate them for all their complexities.

That’s why I’ve put together a list of my favorite side dishes to serve with focaccia. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

What to Eat with Focaccia:

1. Eggs
2. Avocado mint soup
3. Salad
4. Braised Greens
5. Mashed Potatoes
6. Broccoli
7. Steamed shellfish
8. Hummus Dip
9. Radish soup
10. Dried fruits and nuts

Eggs

Yes, I’m going to start with something as simple as eggs. But there’s a reason why they’re such a classic pairing for focaccia. They’re easy to make and they go with literally anything.

You can pair focaccia with any kind of eggs; fried, scrambled, poached, you name it. I like to top mine with a little bit of hot sauce for an extra kick.

And when push comes to shove, it’s always a soft-boiled egg that I’ll choose to eat with my focaccia. It’s the perfect bite-sized snack that is both satisfying and nutritious.

To make a soft-boiled egg, simply place an egg in boiling water for three minutes. Then, remove the egg and place it in an ice bath to stop the cooking process.

Once the egg is cool, peel off the shell and enjoy!

Avocado mint soup

This soup is a favorite of mine for so many reasons. First of all, it’s incredibly easy to make. Second, it’s healthy and packed with nutrients.

And last but not least, it pairs perfectly with focaccia. The creamy avocado and the fresh mint complement the bread perfectly.

This soup combines avocado, mint, chicken broth, and lime juice in a blender. If you want a little bit of a spicy kick, you can also add some jalapeno pepper to the soup. Just remember to remove the seeds before blending.

If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Salad

A salad is the perfect side dish to serve with focaccia because it lightens up the meal. There’s nothing worse than feeling weighed down after a big meal.

The key to making a great salad is to use fresh, seasonal ingredients. I like to use a mix of greens, vegetables, fruits, and nuts in my salads.

And of course, don’t forget the dressing! A simple vinaigrette is all you need to take your salad to the next level.

Whatever type of salad you choose, just make sure it pairs well with the focaccia. You don’t want to end up with a soggy mess.

Braised Greens

Greens are one of my favorite things to eat, and I’m so happy that they’re becoming more popular in restaurants. They’re healthy, flavorful, and can be paired with just about anything. What’s not to love?

When it comes to braising greens, I like to use a mix of kale, chard, and collards. But you can really use any type of greens you like. The key is to cook them until they’re tender but still have a little bit of bite. You don’t want them to be mushy.

I like to braise my greens in chicken broth, but you can also use vegetable broth or water.

Once the greens are cooked, I like to finish them with a little bit of vinegar for some acidity. This helps to balance out the flavors.

Mashed Potatoes

There’s nothing quite like a big bowl of mashed potatoes. They’re comforting and satisfying, and give you that warm, fuzzy feeling inside.

And when you pair them with focaccia, they’re even better. The two just seem to go hand in hand. The creamy potatoes contrast nicely with the crispy bread.

For your mashed potatoes to attain the best results, start by boiling some Yukon gold potatoes in salted water.

Once they’re cooked, mash them with some butter, milk, and salt to taste. I like to add a little bit of garlic for extra flavor.

If you want your mashed potatoes to be extra creamy, you can also add some cream cheese or sour cream.

Mashed potatoes are also a wonderful container for gravy. Because of the delicate texture, you may scoop as much sauce as you like without breaking the dish beneath it.

Broccoli

Broccoli is another one of my favorite vegetables. It’s healthy, flavorful, and when prepared right, can be quite delicious. Together with focaccia, they’re a hit. The crispy bread is a great contrast to the tender broccoli.

There are many different ways to prepare broccoli, but my favorite way is to roast it in the oven. Roasting broccoli brings out its natural sweetness and makes it nice and crispy.

And it doesn’t even require much effort. Simply toss it with some olive oil, salt, and pepper. Then roast it in a preheated oven for about 20 minutes.

You may also choose to boil the broccoli in salted water. Once it’s cooked, drain it and place it in a bowl. Then, add some olive oil, lemon juice, and salt to taste. I also like to add a little bit of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

If you want your broccoli to be extra crispy, you should go the roast-it-in-the-oven route.

Steamed shellfish

Where I come from, it’s tradition to eat shellfish with focaccia. It’s a classic pairing that never gets old.

There are many different types of shellfish, but my best is shrimp. They’re sweet, succulent, and so easy to prepare.

All you need to do is season them well and steam them in a little bit of water until they’re cooked through.

I like to serve my shrimp with a simple dipping sauce made with olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic.

Another great option is to toss the shrimp with some pasta. The two go together perfectly and make for a delicious meal.

No matter how you choose to prepare them, shrimp are a great option when it comes to side dishes for focaccia.

Hummus Dip

There are so many different types of hummus out there. You can find them in just about any flavor you can imagine. But my favorite is the classic chickpea variety.

Hummus is a delicious, healthy dip made from cooked chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. It’s perfect for dipping bread, vegetables, or just about anything else you can think of.

And when it comes to focaccia, it’s the perfect side dish. The two go together like peanut butter and jelly.

If you want to make your own hummus, start by cooking some chickpeas in salted water. Once they’re cooked, drain them and place them in a food processor.

Then, add the tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and salt to taste. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

You can also find pre-made hummus at most grocery stores. But if you have the time, I suggest making your own. It’s so much tastier that way.

 Radish soup

Radish soup is a traditional Italian soup made with radishes, potatoes, and garlic. It’s simple to make and so delicious.

The key to making a good radish soup is to use fresh, high-quality ingredients. The better the ingredients, the better the soup will be.

Start by cooking some potatoes in salted water. Once they’re cooked, place them in a blender. Then, add the radishes, black pepper, garlic, and salt to taste. Then blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

If you want, you can also add some Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Radish soup is the perfect side dish for focaccia. The two go together like bread and butter.

Dried fruits and nuts

Healthwise, this is probably one of the best side dishes you can serve with focaccia. Dried fruits and nuts are packed with nutrients and make for a healthy, filling snack.

My preferred dried fruits to pair with focaccia are apricots, figs, and raisins. I also like to add a few almonds, pistachios, or hazelnuts.

If you want, you can also drizzle the dried fruits and nuts with a little bit of honey. The sweetness goes well with the savory focaccia.

This is a great option if you’re looking for something healthy and tasty to serve with your focaccia.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What dip goes with focaccia?

There are many different types of dips that go well with focaccia. Some of my favorites include hummus, olive oil and garlic, or a simple tomato sauce.

Can you make focaccia bread sandwich?

Yes, focaccia makes a great sandwich bread. It’s sturdy and holds up well to fillings. Plus, it has a delicious, slightly chewy texture that pairs well with just about anything.

What cheese goes with focaccia?

Quite a lot of different types of cheese go well with focaccia. Some of them are mozzarella, Parmesan, or goat cheese.

Can you reheat focaccia?

Yes, you can reheat focaccia. Place it in a 350-degree oven for about five minutes, or until it’s warm all the way through.

Do you eat focaccia with your hands?

Yes, focaccia is meant to be eaten with your hands. Just tear off a piece and enjoy.

Conclusion

What more can I say? Focaccia is delicious, versatile, and perfect for any occasion. With so many different types of side dishes to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect pairing for your next meal.

So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start experimenting. You might just be surprised at what you come up with.