What to Eat With Focaccia in 2025: Dips, Soups, & More

Focaccia is more than just bread – it’s soft, golden, and full of flavor, whether topped with herbs, olives, or tomatoes. But if you want to turn it into a meal, pairing it with the right dishes makes all the difference.

Whether you're serving it as a starter, snack, or centerpiece, there are plenty of delicious sides that bring out the best in focaccia. From zesty dips to hearty stews and crisp vegetables, these ideas help you round out your table with flavor and variety.

All the recipes on this page are carefully crafted by our team, including our in-house nutritionist, who also calculates the nutritional information provided. While we strive for accuracy, please note that actual values may vary based on ingredient brands, portion sizes, and preparation methods.

1. Classic Olive Oil & Balsamic Vinegar Dip

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Pour olive oil into the bowl.

2. Drizzle balsamic vinegar on top.

3. Add salt, pepper, and any optional ingredients.

4. Swirl gently with a spoon.

5. Serve immediately with warm focaccia.

Overview 🔍

This dip is perfect as it highlights the bread’s texture and flavor without competing with it. The olive oil brings richness, while the balsamic adds depth and acidity that cuts through the soft, slightly salty bread.

It’s fast, fresh, and doesn’t require turning on the stove. Great for last-minute gatherings or lazy nights when you want flavor without a lot of cleanup.

2. Grilled White Fish in a Lemon, Herb, & Butter Sauce

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.

2. Brush fish with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

3. Grill fillets for 3–4 minutes per side until opaque and flaky.

4. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

5. Add garlic, lemon juice, zest, and herbs.

6. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.

7. Spoon sauce over grilled fish before serving.

Overview 🔍

Focaccia pairs beautifully with the soft, chewy texture of grilled white fish. The lemony herb butter adds a bright, rich finish that gets soaked up by the bread, making every bite more flavorful.

I love it because it’s an elegant yet easy option that feels restaurant-worthy without being complicated. It’s light, quick to prepare, and doesn’t leave you with much to clean up.

3. Zucchini & Pesto Focaccia Pizza

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Preheat oven to 450°F.

2. Halve the focaccia and place cut side up on a sheet pan.

3. Slice zucchini into thin half-moons.

4. Chop the peppers.

5. Grate garlic into a paste and mix with tomato sauce in a bowl.

6. Season tomato sauce with salt and pepper.

7. Spread sauce over bread halves.

8. Top with zucchini, torn mozzarella, oregano, and chopped peppers.

9. Season again lightly with salt and pepper.

10. Bake for 19–21 minutes until golden and cheese is melted.

11. Let rest for 2 minutes.

12. Drizzle with pesto and add prosciutto if using.

13. Serve warm.

Overview 🔍

This focaccia pizza balances chewy, golden crust with fresh and melty toppings. The tomato sauce adds richness, while zucchini, pesto, and tangy peppers bring brightness. It's flavorful without being heavy, and the focaccia gives it just the right structure.

I love how fun and flexible this one is. You get pizza vibes without needing dough, and everything goes onto one sheet pan. Cleanup is easy, and it’s great for sharing – especially with a little prosciutto on top for a salty, savory boost. 

4. Smooth & Simple Tomato Soup

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.

2. Add onion and garlic. Cook until softened.

3. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.

4. Add crushed tomatoes, broth, and sugar.

5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes.

7. Blend until smooth.

8. Stir in cream if using, then heat through.

Overview 🔍

Focaccia is ideal for dunking into a smooth tomato soup. The bread’s airy texture soaks up the rich, tangy flavors of the tomato, while its slightly salty crust adds contrast to the soup’s sweetness and creaminess.

This one’s a go-to for me when I want something low-effort that still feels like a treat. It’s rich, cozy, and super easy to make in big batches. There’s also barely any cleanup, which is why I consider it one of the easiest recipes.

5. Roasted Veggies & Garlic

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.

2. Place garlic bulb on foil, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap.

3. Toss chopped vegetables with olive oil, salt, pepper, and oregano.

4. Spread vegetables on a baking sheet.

5. Add foil-wrapped garlic to the sheet.

6. Roast for 40–45 minutes until caramelized and tender.

7. Unwrap garlic and serve alongside veggies and focaccia.

Overview 🔍

Roasted veggies work beautifully with focaccia thanks to the deep, savory flavor that roasting brings out. The garlic turns soft and spreadable, while the focaccia acts like a sponge, soaking up all that sweetness and olive oil.

I like serving this when I want something satisfying but still fresh. It’s super hands-off once it’s in the oven, and it makes your kitchen smell amazing while it cooks. It’s also a really healthy choice, which I’m all for!

6. Olive Tapenade

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Add all ingredients to a food processor.

2. Pulse until chunky or smooth, depending on preference.

3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

4. Transfer to a bowl and serve with focaccia.

Overview 🔍

Focaccia and olive tapenade are a salty, satisfying match. The briny, punchy flavor of the olives contrasts with the bread’s fluffy center, and the chewy crust gives just enough bite to hold up to a thick spread like this. 

As a half-Greek, this one’s one of my favorites when I want something fast that still feels indulgent. It’s bold, easy to prep in minutes, and keeps well in the fridge for repeat snacking.

7. Easy, 10-Minute Hummus

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Add olive oil, red onion, and garlic to a small pan over medium heat.

2. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.

3. Transfer mixture to a food processor.

4. Add chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, water, cumin, salt, and pepper.

5. Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.

6. Taste and adjust seasoning.

7. Serve warm or chilled with focaccia.

Overview 🔍

Focaccia and hummus are one of those pairings that just works – creamy meets chewy, and the olive oil in both ties everything together. The red onion adds a slight sweetness that plays off the bread’s saltiness in the best way. 

I reach for this combo when I want something fast, hearty, and healthy. It takes minutes to make, uses pantry staples, and still feels like real food you put real effort into.

8. Herb-Roasted Turkey Paninis With Rocket (Arugula) and Camembert

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.

2. Rub turkey with olive oil, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.

3. Place in baking dish and roast for 25–30 minutes until cooked through.

4. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.

5. Preheat panini press or grill pan.

6. Spread Dijon mustard on one side of each focaccia slice.

7. Layer roasted turkey, Camembert, and rocket on two slices.

8. Top with remaining focaccia slices.

9. Brush outer sides of bread with olive oil.

10. Grill for 3–4 minutes until golden and cheese is melted.

11. Slice and serve warm.

Overview 🔍

This sandwich takes focaccia from a side dish to the main event. The herby, freshly roasted turkey is juicy and flavorful, and the soft Camembert adds creamy richness that melts right into the bread. It’s a perfect match for the crisp-chewy texture of toasted focaccia.

I love this one when I want to cook something that feels like a treat, but still uses everyday ingredients. Roasting the turkey from scratch makes a big difference in flavor, and the whole thing comes together without much fuss once that part’s done.

9. Fasolada (Greek Navy Bean Soup)

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

2. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.

3. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.

4. Stir in beans, tomatoes, broth, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.

5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 40 minutes.

6. Remove bay leaves.

7. Taste and adjust seasoning.

8. Top with parsley if using and serve hot with focaccia.

Overview 🔍

Fasolada is hearty and full of flavor, a perfect match for fluffy, olive-oil-rich focaccia. The soup's soft beans and vegetables balance well with the chewy texture of the bread, and every bite feels warm and grounding. 

It’s one of my favorite pairings when I want something rustic but nourishing. The ingredients are simple, it’s mostly hands-off once simmering, and it makes a cozy, satisfying meal that’s great for leftovers too.

FAQ

What pairs well with focaccia?

There are lots of things that pair well with focaccia, including dips, soups, salads, and even sandwiches. It’s a versatile bread that can complement almost any meal, bringing flavor and texture to your dish.

One of my favorites is just a simple dip made from olive oil and balsamic vinegar. The rich olive oil and tangy balsamic vinegar perfectly highlight the focaccia's flavor, offering a simple yet delicious way to enjoy the bread. The bold yet balanced combination will leave you coming back for more.

What is focaccia traditionally eaten with?

Traditionally, focaccia is eaten with simple sides like olive oil, balsamic vinegar, or even a fresh salad. It pairs well with Mediterranean-inspired dishes, including hearty stews, grilled meats, and vegetable dishes.

One recipe that pairs perfectly with focaccia is Grilled White Fish in a Lemon, Herb, & Butter Sauce. The light, flaky fish and buttery sauce work wonderfully with the focaccia, allowing you to soak up the sauce and enjoy a fresh, flavorful bite every time.

How is focaccia supposed to be eaten?

Focaccia is best eaten by tearing it into pieces and dipping it into olive oil or soup or pairing it with savory mains. The bread’s chewy texture and mild flavor make it a great companion to a wide range of dishes.

For example, Smooth & Simple Tomato Soup is a perfect match. You can dunk the focaccia right into the rich, warm soup, which brings out the bread's natural flavors while giving the meal a comforting, hearty feel.

What to dip focaccia into?

Focaccia is delicious when dipped into a variety of things, from olive oil to creamy dips or tangy pesto. It’s a bread that truly shines when paired with flavorful accompaniments.

One of the best dips for focaccia is simple olive tapenade. The savory olives and zesty flavors provide a sharp contrast to the soft bread, making every bite an enjoyable mix of textures and tastes.