What To Serve With Focaccia (30 BEST Meals!)

Do you want to serve up focaccia for dinner, but not sure what to pair it with? 

You’ve come to the right place! 

In this guide, I’m going to walk you through the most delicious choices for what to serve with focaccia bread, complete with easy to follow recipes and plating and presentation tips. 

Just need the quick answer? 

Some of the best dishes to serve with focaccia include Italian favourites like spaghetti bolognese, lasagna, pasta puttanesca, and carbonara. Hearty meals like chicken stew and beef bourguignon also make excellent pairings. For something lighter, consider tomato and basil soup, Caprese salad, or chicken caesar salad. 

Read on for more ideas and suggestions… 

1. Spaghetti bolognese

Spaghetti bolognese is one of those classic Italian dishes that everyone loves, and it makes for a beautiful family meal that can be prepped in advance. 

Add a few side dishes – like freshly baked focaccia bread and a crisp green salad – and you’ve got a meal that’s fit for a dinner party! 

If you want to add some more accompaniments, take a look at what to serve with spaghetti bolognese. 

2. Lasagna

With stacked layers of rich ragu, cheesy sauce, and pasta sheets, lasagna is another classic meal that’s the perfect choice when it comes to what to serve with focaccia. 

My personal favourite choice is this traditional Italian lasagna recipe, though feel free to get creative to suit your own personal tastes. 

If you’re catering for vegetarians or you just fancy trying something new, you can replace the meat with sautéed bell peppers, courgettes, carrots, and mushrooms. 

3. Pasta puttanesca 

If you’re searching for a simple but satisfying dish to serve with focaccia bread, try pasta puttanesca. 

Made with tomatoes, anchovies, olive oil, capers, and black olives, it takes just 20 minutes to cook, so it’s ideal for those busy workday evenings when you need to get something on the table fast. 

An added bonus is that this recipe is very budget friendly and uses mostly store cupboard staples, so it’s definitely worth considering if you’re trying to cut down your grocery bills. 

4. Spaghetti carbonara

A traditional carbonara combines a beautifully silky cheese sauce with crispy pancetta and black pepper, and it’s one of those dishes that’s definitely worth having in your repertoire if you love serving up Italian classics. 

Many home cooks are surprised to discover that an authentic carbonara recipe doesn’t include cream. 

The silky deliciousness of the sauce is all thanks to the egg, and you’ll need just a handful of basic ingredients to master this dish. 

Of course, that sauce is even better when mopped up with a chunk of freshly baked focaccia! 

To explore some more meal planning ideas, take a look through what to serve with carbonara. 

5. Minestrone soup 

If you love soups that are hearty and satisfying, minestrone is definitely for you! 

Typically made with pancetta, pasta, beans, greens, and plenty of veggies, it’s packed full of goodness yet filling enough to be considered a main meal – especially when served with focaccia. 

I often make a big pan of minestrone on a Sunday afternoon, then portion it up for lunches over the coming week. 

6. Tomato and basil soup 

A tomato and basil soup is a tasty choice for what to serve with focaccia bread when you’re looking for an easy but nutritious lunch option. 

If you want to make things a little more substantial, you could make grilled cheese toasties with your focaccia for an indulgent bite!

Here’s a simple recipe for tomato and basil soup:

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes
• 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Heavy cream (optional, for serving)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in the can of whole peeled tomatoes, along with their juices, and use a spoon to break them up a bit.
4. Add the vegetable or chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. Remove the pot from heat and stir in the chopped fresh basil.
8. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup to a blender and blend in batches, then return it to the pot.
9. If desired, stir in a splash of heavy cream for a richer flavor and texture.
10. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
11. Serve hot, garnished with additional basil leaves if desired.

7. Beef bourguignon 

My beef bourguignon recipe is one that I return to time and time again, and I regularly serve it up as an alternative to a traditional Sunday roast. 

It’s comfort in a bowl, and the best bit is that you can throw everything in the slow cooker and get on with some other jobs, and you’ll be rewarded with a delicious meal later in the day! 

Add some focaccia bread for mopping up the sauce, and some mashed potatoes, if you like. 

You can also take a look at more sides for beef bourguignon. 

8. Chicken stew 

One way to serve focaccia bread is alongside a generous helping of chicken stew. 

This combination is classic and comforting, yet classy enough to be served at a dinner party or special occasion when you really want to impress your guests. 

This one-pot chicken stew recipe is my favourite, and combines tender chunks of chicken with perfectly cooked veggies including carrots, onions, and potatoes. 

9. Chicken caesar salad 

A chicken caesar salad is one of my favourite meals in the summer months, and it really couldn’t be any easier to throw together.

I like to make croutons using focaccia for extra crunch, though you could serve your bread on the side if you prefer, or you even make chicken caesar focaccia sandwiches if you feel like getting creative! 

Here’s a quick recipe for making a chicken caesar salad:

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil
• 1 head Romaine lettuce, washed and torn into bite-sized pieces
• Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Croutons (made with focaccia bread) 

Instructions:

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes, then slice it into strips.
5. In a large bowl, toss the Romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing until evenly coated.
6. Add the sliced chicken to the salad and toss gently.
7. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and croutons over the top.
8. Serve immediately.

For more pairing inspiration, check out what to serve with chicken caesar salad. 

10. Caprese salad 

It doesn’t get much simpler than a Caprese salad, but it always looks super impressive when served up! 

You’ll simply slice up creamy mozzarella cheese and juicy red tomatoes, and serve with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of really good quality olive oil and balsamic vinegar. 

Add focaccia chunks for a light and summery lunch. 

11. Antipasto platter 

If you’re having friends over for dinner, impress them with an antipasto platter served with focaccia! 

Select your favourite cured meats such as ham and chorizo, add a few cheeses (I like to go for a hard cheese, and a pungent soft cheese), and fill the gaps on the board with olives, pickles, and dried fruits. 

For more inspiration, check out this guide to creating the most beautiful antipasto platter. 

12. Chargrilled chicken kebabs 

During the summer months, one of my favourite meals to prepare is chargrilled chicken kebabs with focaccia and a few different salad bowls. 

It’s easy to prepare, and you can even use the barbecue if you like! 

You can keep things fresh and exciting by using various marinades and seasonings for your chicken, from Greek souvlaki to Italian spiedini. 

13. Spanish garlic prawns 

Focaccia is a sophisticated bread, so it deserves a sophisticated pairing. 

These Spanish garlic prawns are best served tapas style with bread for dipping into the juices, which is infused with the beautiful flavours of olive oil, garlic, and chilli. 

Just add a glass of crisp white wine, and you’re good to go! 

14. Hummus 

For a simple lunch or a light bite, spread creamy, garlicky hummus over focaccia. 

You can add salad veggies like grated carrot and finely sliced cucumber, if you like, or just enjoy as is.

To make hummus, start by blending one can of drained and rinsed chickpeas in a food processor with 2 tablespoons of tahini, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, the juice of one lemon, and one garlic clove.

Add a pinch of salt and a few tablespoons of water to achieve a smooth consistency.

Blend until creamy and smooth.

For a finishing touch, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with paprika before serving.

Optionally, you can garnish with chopped parsley or add additional flavours such as roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes during the blending process for a twist on the classic recipe.

15. Baba ganoush 

Baba ganoush is a smooth and creamy eggplant dip, and it’s beautiful served with focaccia!

To prepare baba ganoush, first pierce the skin of an eggplant several times with a fork and roast it at 400°F (200°C) until the skin is charred and the inside is tender, about 30-40 minutes.

Once cooled, peel off the skin and place the soft flesh in a food processor.

Add two cloves of minced garlic, two tablespoons of tahini, the juice of one lemon, and a tablespoon of olive oil.

Season with salt and a pinch of cumin for depth of flavor.

Blend the mixture until smooth, then transfer to a serving dish.

Drizzle with additional olive oil and garnish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of paprika or smoked paprika for a smoky flavour.

16. Olive tapenade

Continuing the theme of dips to serve with focaccia, olive tapenade is piquant and full of salty, briny flavour, and a wonderfully sophisticated choice for a pre dinner nibble.

To make olive tapenade, combine one cup of pitted mixed olives, two tablespoons of capers, two anchovy fillets (optional), one garlic clove, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a couple of tablespoons of olive oil in a food processor.

Add a handful of fresh parsley leaves for freshness and a pinch of black pepper.

Pulse the mixture until it reaches your desired consistency, whether slightly chunky or smooth.

17. Chilli con carne 

I’m a big fan of batch cooking, and I like to always have a few servings of chilli in the freezer that I can just take to defrost before work, for those evenings when you don’t have time to cook from scratch. 

It’s fantastic with rice, or course, but it’s equally as delicious with focaccia bread! 

You might also want to browse through more side dishes for chilli instead of rice. 

18. Artichoke dip

To make artichoke dip, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a mixing bowl, combine one can (about 14 ounces) of drained and chopped artichoke hearts, one cup of mayonnaise, one cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and one minced garlic clove.

Mix these ingredients until they’re well blended.

Optionally, you can add a dash of garlic powder, salt, and pepper for extra flavor or some chopped spinach for a twist.

Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread it evenly.

Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly, then serve with focaccia. 

19. Clam chowder 

Homemade clam chowder is so wonderfully creamy and flavoursome, and it’s easier to make than you might think! 

It’s a real American classic and the kind of soup that can be enjoyed at any time of the year, especially with some freshly baked focaccia served straight from the oven. 

20. Meatballs

Meatballs might be traditionally enjoyed with pasta, but it’s also wonderful served with focaccia bread. 

This simple meatballs recipe is my favourite because it cuts out any complicated and unnecessary steps, so it’s ideal for a midweek meal. 

If you like, you can use them to make meatball focaccia sandwiches, with added cheese and shredded lettuce! 

21. Shakshuka

Shakshuka is a North African dish, typically consisting of eggs poached in a spicy tomato sauce. 

It’s perfect for breakfast or brunch, and it’s even better with some focaccia for dipping! 

To make shakshuka, start by sautéing a diced onion and a sliced bell pepper in olive oil over medium heat until softened.

Add minced garlic, cumin, paprika, and chili powder, and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Pour in a can of crushed tomatoes and simmer the sauce for about 10 minutes to thicken it slightly.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Create small wells in the sauce with a spoon and crack eggs into each well.

Cover the pan and cook until the eggs are done to your liking.

Finish by sprinkling chopped fresh parsley and a crumble of feta cheese over the top.

22. Sliced steak

Steak is a super versatile option, as you could serve it with focaccia on the side, alongside some chips and pan fried veggies, like mushrooms and spinach. 

Alternatively, you could slice up your steak and pile it into a focaccia sandwich with fried onions and your choice of sauces that go with steak sandwiches. 

23. Mussels in garlic and white wine

Cooking up a big pan of mussels is one of my favourite ways to enjoy an informal dinner with friends. 

Add some focaccia, a green salad, and a good bottle of wine, and you’ve got an easy yet hugely impressive feast that can easily be scaled if you’re expecting a crowd. 

This recipe for mussels in garlic and white wine comes highly recommended, and has been described as an ‘elegant seafood extravaganza’ by readers! 

24. Italian sandwiches 

Sandwiches for dinner is one of my favourite go-to choices for those nights when you just can’t face cooking! 

You can make your own Italian inspired sandwiches with focaccia by filling with cold meats, cheese, and sliced tomatoes and rocket. 

Add a dollop of good quality mayonnaise and a spread of pesto, and you’ll have a sandwich just as good as anything you might buy in a local deli. 

25. Prosciutto-wrapped asparagus

For a classy starter or a light lunch, serve prosciutto-wrapped asparagus with focaccia.

To make prosciutto-wrapped asparagus, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Trim the woody ends from a bunch of asparagus and wrap each spear with a slice of prosciutto, leaving the tips exposed.

Place the wrapped spears on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Drizzle with a little olive oil and season with black pepper.

Roast in the oven for about 12-15 minutes or until the asparagus is tender and the prosciutto is crisp.

26. Cheese fondue 

Another great choice for a laid back meal with friends is to make a cheese fondue.

To make cheese fondue, begin by rubbing the inside of a fondue pot with a halved garlic clove to infuse it with flavour.

Grate about a pound of cheese, typically a mix of Gruyère and Emmental or any good melting cheese.

Toss the cheese with a few tablespoons of cornstarch to help thicken the fondue.

Heat a cup of dry white wine in the fondue pot until hot but not boiling.

Gradually add the cheese, stirring constantly in a figure-eight pattern until the cheese is fully melted and smooth.

Stir in a splash of kirsch (cherry brandy) and a pinch of nutmeg.

Keep the fondue warm over a low flame, and serve with chunks of bread and veggies for dipping.

27. Grilled halloumi 

If you’re looking for a vegetarian option for what to serve with focaccia, grilled halloumi is a great choice! 

Simply chargrill chunks of the cheese in a hot grill pan, and serve with your favourite salads or roasted vegetables with a dollop of garlic mayo. 

28. Eggplant parmesan

Imagine crispy eggplant layered with herbs, tomato sauce, and cheese. 

Eggplant parmesan is a gorgeous veggie dish that’s ideal for a lighter dinner, though you can make it more substantial by adding bread and your favourite steamed green veggies. 

29. Creamy mushroom risotto 

Take a break from meat based dishes and try your hand at making a creamy mushroom risotto. 

This recipe combines the rich and earthy flavours of mushrooms with creamy rice and herbs, and it takes less than an hour to prepare and cook. 

It’s so good that you’ll definitely want to mop up the sauce with a generous chunk of focaccia! 

30. Roasted turkey 

Roasted turkey isn’t just for Christmas! 

When cooked with some care and attention, it can be wonderfully moist and flavoursome, and it’s often much more budget friendly than chicken. 

Serve with focaccia, a green salad, and some coleslaw for a real treat that’s perfect at any time of the year. 

What’s your favourite choice for serving focaccia bread? 

Do leave a comment below and share your best ideas!