How to Choose What to Serve With Focaccia

Let’s be honest: Focaccia is way too delicious to just be “the bread on the side.” With its golden, olive oil-kissed crust and airy, chewy middle, this Italian bread has no business playing second fiddle. And yet, here we are – staring at a fresh loaf, wondering what to serve with focaccia so it doesn’t completely steal the show.

The good news?

Focaccia is ridiculously versatile. Whether you’re tossing together a last-minute lunch, crafting a cozy dinner, or experimenting with breakfast that doesn’t come from a cereal box, this bread fits in like it was born for the moment. From savory dips and satisfying soups to full-on sandwiches and side dishes that pull their weight, there’s no shortage of delicious pairings.

In this guide, I’m breaking down the best ways to serve focaccia across meals, from breakfast to dinner and everything in between. Yours is just to choose. And eat!

How to Serve Focaccia for Breakfast

If you’ve never thought of focaccia as a breakfast item, you’re missing out on a simple breakfast idea, especially if you’re going to make my no-knead whole wheat overnight focaccia.

How to serve focaccia for breakfast depends on your preferences, of course, but here are a few ideas to inspire you:

• Avocado and egg – toast a slice of focaccia and top it with smashed avocado or homemade chunky guacamole and a poached or boiled egg. Add a sprinkle of chili flakes or a drizzle of olive oil for an extra kick.
• Smoked salmon and cream cheese – swap your usual bagel for focaccia. The flavor and soft but slightly chewy texture pair perfectly with cream cheese, smoked salmon, and capers or pickles.
• Sweet morning toast – spread some ricotta cheese on focaccia, drizzle with honey, and top with seasonal fruit. For this breakfast idea, you need to have basic focaccia with no added toppings (like onions or garlic, because that would be too funky).

What to Eat With Focaccia for Lunch

When lunchtime rolls around, focaccia can take center stage in several satisfying meals. Wondering what to eat with focaccia for lunch? Try pairing it with:

• Soup or salad – a bowl of roasted tomato and garlic soup or an arugula, pear, and blue cheese salad is made even better with a warm slice of focaccia on the side.

• Antipasto platter – serve focaccia alongside a spread of marinated olives, grilled vegetables, prosciutto, and cheese for a light yet flavorful lunch.
• Grilled veggie sandwiches – use focaccia as a base for an open-faced sandwich topped with grilled eggplant, zucchini, and goat cheese.

Dips and Spreads to Serve With Focaccia

Focaccia’s spongy interior and crisp crust make it an ideal companion for dipping. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply enjoying an afternoon snack, the right dip can enhance the flavor of your focaccia.

Some of the best dips to serve with focaccia include:

• Olive tapenade – a blend of olives, capers, and anchovies creates a salty, umami-packed dip.
• Ajvar – although this roasted Balkan red pepper and eggplant relish can seem odd to combine with focaccia, I suggest you give it a go!
• Hummus – a creamy hummus, whether traditional or flavored (think roasted red pepper or garlic), pairs beautifully with focaccia.
• Herbed olive oil – keep it classic with extra virgin olive oil infused with rosemary, garlic, or chili flakes.
• Pesto – basil pesto, pesto rosso, or even wild garlic and dill pesto add bold, herbaceous flavor and richness.

What to Serve With Focaccia for Dinner

Focaccia isn’t just for breakfast or lunch; it shines just as much at dinner. Its bold flavors and satisfying texture make it more than just a side. Whether you’re planning a cozy weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, here are some tasty dinner ideas to serve with focaccia.

• Chicken in White Wine Sauce with Grapes – a piece of focaccia is the perfect companion to juicy roasted chicken. Or chicken paprikash, too!
• Stews and braises – hearty stews like beef ragu, osso buco, or braised short ribs are ideal for dipping with focaccia. Think of it as your edible spoon for soaking up slow-cooked goodness.
• Sarma (Croatian Cabbage Rolls) – I know, it may seem odd at first, but trust me, serve some freshly baked, warm focaccia with sarma rolls.
• Spicy Carrot Lentil Soup – creamy texture of this soup with its spicy kick will benefit from some good bread croutons, and why not make some from focaccia leftovers?

Give some of these suggestions a try today! I’m sure some of them will become a staple in your weekly meal plan. Let me know what you think of this article in the comments. Snap a photo of your meals and tag @foodandmoodblog on Instagram- I’d love to see your creations!