How to Make Shakshouka Focaccia at Home

If you’re craving a dish that perfectly marries bold, spicy flavors with the warm, soft comfort of freshly baked bread, then making Shakshouka Focaccia at home is a must-try. This unique fusion takes the beloved Middle Eastern shakshouka — rich, seasoned tomato sauce with eggs — and combines it with the pillowy texture of Italian focaccia, creating a flavor-packed, versatile meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Discover the easy steps to make delicious Shakshouka Focaccia at home, blending bold flavors with soft, fluffy bread perfection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor Explosion: Each bite offers vibrant, aromatic spices paired with juicy tomatoes and silky eggs, delivering a satisfying taste experience.
• Perfect Texture: The focaccia’s airy crumb and crisp crust complement the rich shakshouka topping beautifully.
• Easy to Customize: This recipe welcomes personal twists, allowing you to adapt it for veggies, spices, or dietary preferences.
• Great Crowd-Pleaser: Whether for brunch, dinner, or snacks, it’s a dish that brings people together effortlessly.
• One-Dish Wonder: Combines carbs, protein, and vegetables in a single, delicious meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, fresh ingredients are the heart of this Shakshouka Focaccia. Each component adds depth—from the tangy tomatoes to the olive oil that crisps the edges—making every element essential in creating a perfectly balanced dish.

• All-Purpose Flour: The base for your focaccia dough, providing structure and a light crumb.
• Yeast: Activates the dough, giving it lift and softness.
• Olive Oil: Infuses the dough with richness and keeps the focaccia moist and golden.
• Ripe Tomatoes: The foundation of shakshouka’s saucy, tangy goodness.
• Eggs: Adds creaminess and protein, cooking gently over the tomato base.
• Garlic: Enhances flavor with its warm, savory bite.
• Bell Peppers: Adds sweetness and subtle crunch to the sauce.
• Spices (Paprika, Cumin, Chili Flakes): Create the signature smoky and spicy notes essential to shakshouka.
• Fresh Herbs (Cilantro, Parsley): Brighten the dish and add a fresh, aromatic lift.
• Salt and Pepper: Season perfectly to balance the flavors.

Variations for Shakshouka Focaccia

One of the best parts about making Shakshouka Focaccia at home is how easy it is to adapt the recipe. Whether you want to make it vegetarian, add heat, or switch up textures, these variations keep the base intact but let you get creative.

• Veggie Boost: Add spinach, kale, or eggplant for extra greens and a nutrient boost.
• Spicy Kick: Incorporate jalapeños or extra chili flakes to bring the heat up a notch.
• Cheese Lover’s Option: Sprinkle crumbled feta or mozzarella before baking for creamy, melty goodness.
• Vegan Adaptation: Use tofu scramble instead of eggs for a plant-based alternative.
• Herbal Twist: Experiment with rosemary or thyme in the focaccia dough for a fragrant aroma.

How to Make Shakshouka Focaccia

Step 1: Prepare the Focaccia Dough

Start by mixing warm water with yeast and a pinch of sugar to activate the yeast until it’s bubbly. Then combine this mixture with flour, olive oil, and salt. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size—this will typically take about 1 hour.

Step 2: Make the Shakshouka Sauce

While the dough rises, heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté chopped onions, garlic, and diced bell peppers until soft and fragrant. Add your spices like paprika, cumin, and chili flakes, stirring to release their aroma. Pour in crushed ripe tomatoes and simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens and all the flavors meld together. Season it with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs.

Step 3: Assemble the Focaccia Base

Once your dough has doubled, punch it down gently and spread it on an olive-oiled baking sheet or pan, shaping it into a rectangle or circle about 1 inch thick. Use your fingers to create deep dimples all over the dough surface. Drizzle olive oil generously over the top and sprinkle with coarse sea salt before baking at 425°F (220°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until it’s golden and crisp around the edges.

Step 4: Add the Shakshouka Topping and Eggs

Remove the baked focaccia from the oven and spoon the warm shakshouka sauce evenly across the surface. Carefully crack eggs over the sauce, spacing them out so they cook evenly. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 8-10 minutes or until the eggs are cooked to your liking—runny yolks offer the creamiest texture, but firmed eggs are just as delicious.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for brightness. Let your Shakshouka Focaccia cool briefly before slicing, then dive into a dish that perfectly blends rich shakshouka flavors with warm, fluffy focaccia bread.

Pro Tips for Making Shakshouka Focaccia

• Use Fresh Yeast: Fresh, active yeast ensures your focaccia dough rises beautifully and stays soft inside.
• Don’t Skip the Dimples: Creating deep indentations in the dough prevents it from puffing unevenly and helps hold olive oil and seasoning.
• Simmer Sauce Low and Slow: Cooking your shakshouka sauce over low heat deepens flavor and thickens it perfectly for spreading.
• Oil Generously: Olive oil is key to achieving focaccia’s signature crispy crust and moist interior.
• Timing Is Everything: Adding eggs at the last moment prevents them from overcooking and keeps the texture silky.

How to Serve Shakshouka Focaccia

Garnishes

Finish your dish with fresh herbs such as parsley, cilantro, or even a sprinkle of za’atar for an extra layer of flavor and a pop of color. A drizzle of good quality olive oil right before serving enhances both taste and presentation.

Side Dishes

This vibrant focaccia pairs incredibly well with simple sides like a crisp cucumber and tomato salad, creamy labneh, or a refreshing bowl of olives. These lighter side dishes balance the rich shakshouka, making for a well-rounded meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice your Shakshouka Focaccia into hearty squares or wedges for sharing at brunch or dinner parties. Serve with extra olive oil and spice blends on the side, allowing guests to customize their bites. Alternatively, use it as a base for open-faced sandwiches topped with avocado, grilled veggies, or hummus.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool leftovers fully before wrapping in plastic wrap or storing in an airtight container. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; focaccia tends to lose its crispness but remains delicious when reheated.

Freezing

To enjoy Shakshouka Focaccia later, freeze the focaccia base and shakshouka sauce separately. Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze up to 2 months. Eggs are best added fresh and not frozen with the dish.

Reheating

Reheat focaccia in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to regain crispness. Warm the shakshouka sauce in a pan over low heat and add fresh eggs if desired for the full experience. Avoid microwaving to preserve texture.

FAQs

What is Shakshouka Focaccia?

Shakshouka Focaccia is a delicious fusion dish combining the spicy, saucy egg dish shakshouka layered on top of soft, flavorful Italian focaccia bread.

Can I make Shakshouka Focaccia gluten-free?

Yes! Use a gluten-free flour blend for the focaccia dough and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free to create a tasty gluten-free version.

How spicy is Shakshouka Focaccia?

The spice level is adjustable; the recipe includes chili flakes and paprika by default, but you can add or reduce heat according to your preference.

Can I prepare this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute eggs with tofu scramble or omit eggs entirely and add more veggies or vegan cheese for a delicious plant-based meal.

Is Shakshouka Focaccia suitable for breakfast?

Definitely! This dish makes a hearty and flavorful breakfast or brunch option loved by many for its combination of protein, carbs, and spices.

Final Thoughts

Making Shakshouka Focaccia at home is such a rewarding experience—you get the warmth of freshly baked focaccia combined with the vibrant, comforting flavors of shakshouka in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe is a delightful way to spice up your meal routine. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll quickly become a favorite go-to dish!

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