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    Home » Appetizers

    The Ultimate Schiacciata (with Poolish)

    4.7 from 24 votes

    By Pina Bresciani ⁠— August 22, 2022 (updated May 27, 2025) — 19 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video
    Three pieces of schiacciata stacked on top of one another

    Schiacciata is a Tuscan bread, similar to focaccia. It's crunchy on the outside, and soft and moist on the inside. Great for making sandwiches or even eating on its own, you'll be making it over and over again!

    Also known as "ciaccia" or "schiaccia," schiacciata is a common street food in Tuscany. Depending on where you're eating it in Tuscany, the version will vary. In some areas it is thinner and crispier, and it some areas it is slightly thicker and more moist.

    In fact, a survey was carried out in 2014 by the region of Tuscany to find out how many versions of schiacciata exist in Tuscany. The survey determined that there were 617 different versions (and even names!) for schiacciata. Some fluffy, some flat, some with less or more salt, some higher than others, some flatter...you get the idea!

    This version is a soft and moist version - ideal for filling with ingredients and making delicious panini!

    Three pieces of schiacciata stacked on top of one another

    Why you should make this schiacciata:

    1. It's flexible - you can use schiacciata for various uses. The most common way it's used in Tuscany is to make sandwiches. But you can also eat it on its own when you're having an antipasto or aperitivo.
    2. It lasts for a few days - This schiacciata stays moist for a few days, whereas many focaccia recipes can be dry by the very next day.
    3. It's tasty! This one needs to no mention, but thought I would mention it anyway! The flour and water make a delicious dough that is super moist on the inside and the olive oil gives the schiacciata a rich and robust flavor - you won't be able to stop eating it!

    Ingredients

    Poolish (all purpose flour, water, yeast) This poolish is a wet sponge that acts as a pre-ferment. It makes baked goods soft, fragrant and aromatic. It helps the schiacciata to keep better - this is why the schiacciata can keep its moisture and softness for a few days, thanks to the poolish.

    All Purpose Flour - more flour is added to the poolish about 16 hours after the poolish is created. All Purpose flour has the perfect texture and protein content to make the schiacciata.

    Water - More water is added to the dough for extra moisture. This is a high hydration dough.

    Salt - a bit of salt adds extra flavor

    Olive oil - extra virgin olive oil gives the dough a rich and aromatic flavor, and helps to give a crispy texture t the outer part of the schiacciata.

    History of schiacciata

    Schiacciata as we know it today started with Tuscan famers, and they made it once per week.

    Before making bread, the farmers would fill their ovens with multiple schiacciate (remember, this bake needed to last them one week!).

    The purpose of the schiacciate was obviously to provide nourishment and meals for the farmers, but they were also used as a way to gauge the oven temperature. The famers would monitor how the schiacciate were cooking, and when they were done, this was an indicator that the bread was ready to be baked.

    Even though the schiacciata has humble origins, it was also eventually enjoyed by nobility such as Lorenzo Il Magnifico (Lorenzo de' Medici).

    Why it's called "schiacciata"

    The word "schiacciata" translates to "squashed." This is because the dough is "squashed" into a pan with the tips of the fingers - this is how the schiacciata is formed and gets its shape.

    Schiacciata on a cooling rack with a knife to the side

    Difference between focaccia and schiacciata

    First - the region in which they originate. Schiacciata originates from Tuscany, while focaccia can originate in Bari (topped with tomatoes and olives), or the famous focaccia Genovese, from Genoa (Liguria).

    Depending on the type of focaccia referred to, a focaccia is generally thicker and higher than a schiacciata. A schiacciata dough (at least the one used in this recipe) has a high hydration percentage, making it slightly harder to spread out in the pan than a focaccia. Due to its high hydration, a schiacciata has large, open crumb in the dough once baked.

    How to make schiacciata - step by step

    Make the Poolish

    Let the yeast bloom - about 10 minutes (photo 1)

    Once yeast has bloomed, add the flour in. Mix everything together with a wooden spoon or spatula (photos 2-3) Cover the bowl with saran wrap and place in the fridge for about 16 hours.

    Make the dough

    Remove the poolish from the fridge – it should have doubled in volumE (photo 4)

    Transfer the poolish to a larger bowl. Add the water and sugar (photo 5)

    Add the flour (photo 6) and mix again until well incorporated.

    Step by step process on how to make schiacciata (#1-6)

    Add the olive oil and salt and mix one more time.

    While the dough is still in the bowl, fold the dough (photo 7) This helps to develop gluten and give structure to the dough.

    Cover the bowl with saran wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes at room temperature.

    After 30 minutes, repeat the dough folding technique one more time. Cover the bowl and let it rest and rise at room temperature for 2 hours (photo 8)

    Step by step process on how to make schiacciata (#7-9)

    Place the dough on to an oiled baking sheet. Use your fingertips to form the dough to the shape of the pan (photo 8) Let it rise 1 more hour in the pan.

    Preheat oven to 425F. Drizzle olive oil on the schiacciata and top with more salt (photo 10)

    Place the schiacciata in the oven and bake until golden brown - about 30 minutes (photo 11)

    Remove from the oven and let the schiacciata cool slightly until it's cool enough to handle. Cut and enjoy!

    Step by step process on how to make schiacciata (#10-11)

    Storing

    The schiacciata will last for 2-3 days at room temperature. If you have leftovers, store it in an airtight container or wrap in aluminum foil, and keep at room temperature. You can warm it up in the oven when ready to use again, or eat it as-is.

    It can also be frozen (wrap in saran wrap then aluminum foil) - and kept in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature.

    More Italian bread recipes

    • Focaccia Pizza – Easy and Delicious!
    • Focaccia with olives and onions

    If you’ve tried making this Schiacciata recipe, or any other recipe on the blog please let me know what you thought of it in the comments below, I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on INSTAGRAM, FACEBOOK, TWITTER, PINTEREST and TIKTOK to see more delicious food and what I’ve been up to.

    Recipe

    Print Pin
    4.67 from 24 votes

    Schiacciata

    Schiacciata is a Tuscan bread, similar to focaccia. It's crunchy on the outside, and soft and moist on the inside. Great for making sandwiches or even eating on its own, you'll be making it over and over again!
    Course Appetizer
    Cuisine Italian
    Prep Time 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 30 minutes minutes
    Resting Time 19 hours hours
    Servings 12 people
    Calories 436kcal
    Author Pina Bresciani

    Equipment

    • 1 baking sheet 17x12 inches

    Ingredients

    For the Poolish

    • 1 tsp (5g) traditional active dry yeast
    • 320 mL water room temperature
    • 2 ¼ cup (320 g) all purpose flour

    For the Dough

    • 350 mL water room temperature
    • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
    • 3 ½ cup (480g) all purpose flour
    • 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil plus more for drizzling
    • 2 tablespoon salt see notes

    Instructions

    Make the Poolish

    • To a bowl, add the water and yeast. Mix it around. Wait for the yeast to bloom (rise to the top of the water) - about 10 minutes.
    • Once yeast has bloomed, add the flour in two batches. Mix everything together with a wooden spoon or spatula every time the flour is added. The poolish should be a liquid and creamy texture. Cover the bowl with saran wrap and place in the fridge for about 16 hours.

    Make the dough

    • Remove the poolish from the fridge - it should have doubled in volume.
    • Transfer the poolish to a larger bowl. Add the water and sugar and mix with a spatula until water is incorporated into the poolish.
    • Add the flour and mix again until well incorporated.
    • Add the olive oil and salt and mix one more time.
    • While the dough is still in the bowl, fold the dough. Work your way around the dough like you are looking at clock - you want to perform a fold at 12, 3, 6 and 9 o'clock. Pull the dough up and over to the other side of the bowl.Repeat 4 times as you move around the dough. This helps to develop gluten and give structure to the dough.
    • Cover the bowl with saran wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes at room temperature.
    • After 30 minutes, repeat the dough folding technique one more time. Cover the bowl and let it rest and rise at room temperature for 2 hours.
    • Oil a baking sheet and place the dough on to the baking sheet. Use your fingertips to form the dough to the shape of the pan. Let it rise 1 more hour in the pan.
    • Preheat oven to 425F. Drizzle olive oil on the schiacciata and top with more salt.
    • Place the schiacciata in the oven and bake until golden brown (about 30 minutes).
    • Remove from the oven and let the schiacciata cool slightly until it's cool enough to handle. Cut and enjoy!

    Recipe Video

    Recipe Notes

    • Kosher salt was used in this recipe - it is the least salty of most types of salt. If you are using a different type of salt in this recipe, you may have to reduce the amount of salt used.
    • The size of the pan used is 17x11.5 inches
     
    Nutrition Facts
    Schiacciata
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 436 Calories from Fat 27
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 3g5%
    Saturated Fat 1g6%
    Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
    Monounsaturated Fat 2g
    Sodium 1168mg51%
    Potassium 125mg4%
    Carbohydrates 87g29%
    Fiber 3g13%
    Sugar 1g1%
    Protein 12g24%
    Vitamin C 0.001mg0%
    Calcium 20mg2%
    Iron 5mg28%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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    Comments

      4.67 from 24 votes (17 ratings without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Paris says

      September 13, 2022 at 1:48 am

      5 stars
      Excellent! I've made this bread twice for the Mortadella Sandwich, the second time with 1 tbsp less salt. The poolish gives it a great flavor, and I love that the dough is folded in the bowl instead of turning it out onto the countertop. Love this recipe. Thank you, Pina.

      Reply
      • Pina says

        September 13, 2022 at 10:09 pm

        Hi Paris! I'm so glad you liked it. It was a lot of work to get the recipe right, so it's so nice to see people enjoying it!
        -Pina

        Reply
    2. Dirk Simons says

      October 12, 2022 at 9:57 am

      5 stars
      Baked this morning you're schiacciate bread.
      Wow, real delicious. Felt we are back in Italy again.
      Make a "sandwich" filled with porchetta, burrata and pecorino........
      Unfortunately I can't send a picture of it

      Reply
      • Pina says

        October 14, 2022 at 9:25 pm

        Dirk! I am so glad you liked it and that sandwich sounds delicious!
        -Pina

        Reply
    3. Albert says

      October 16, 2022 at 2:12 pm

      if i use a convection oven should i lower the temp to 400 vs the 425 you do?

      Reply
      • Pina says

        October 19, 2022 at 8:23 pm

        Hi Albert! I haven't tried it that way, but I believe that would work. You may need to bake for an extra 5 mins or so, but just monitor it and take it out when it's a warm golden color!

        Reply
    4. Lynne says

      December 14, 2022 at 8:12 pm

      5 stars
      I made this last weekend, and it tasted great, but it didn't get the open texture that you show in the pictures. I'm thinking it had to do with the rise in the pan - I had it covered with saran wrap that laid directly on the dough. Does the dough need something on top for that rise? Is there a better way to cover it without saran wrap directly on top? Thank you!

      Reply
    5. Julian says

      January 26, 2023 at 8:12 pm

      Hello, i try this recipe, but the foccacia is almost for six sandwiches and they are very heavy almost 200 grams, i think will be good with a little less flour, arround 450 grams flour for pan 40x30,we can mix bread flour manitoba type 0 350 w with 00 260 w

      Reply
      • Pina says

        February 08, 2023 at 4:27 am

        Thanks Julian! I was using North American all purpose flour, so I think the difference in flours used can contribute to the bread being heavy.
        Thanks for trying the recipe! -Pina

        Reply
    6. Will says

      December 04, 2023 at 8:44 am

      Hi there! Looking forward to trying this out on the weekend. What size baking tray is best for this recipe?
      Thanks!

      Reply
      • Pina says

        December 04, 2023 at 11:26 pm

        Hi Will! The size of the pan used is 17x11.5 inches
        Let me know how it turns out!

        Pina

        Reply
    7. Julie says

      January 15, 2024 at 7:46 pm

      Hi!
      traditional active dry yeast means not the rapid rising right? Could I use the rapid one? Would I need to adjust anything?

      Reply
    8. Ally says

      January 18, 2024 at 2:42 pm

      In the process of making this now and I have a question!

      During the final rise on the baking pan, should the dough be covered?

      Thank you for sharing this recipe!

      Reply
    9. Clara says

      March 12, 2024 at 12:20 pm

      2 stars
      Came out too hard. We couldn't eat it.

      Reply
    10. Kavita says

      September 05, 2024 at 3:07 pm

      5 stars
      I’ve made this a couple of times! Excellent recipe..great flavor. Love it

      Reply
    11. Dave Bray says

      September 14, 2024 at 3:00 pm

      I’ve made this several times over the past year. My teenage son loves it, we like to make burrata and prosciutto sandwiches.

      Reply
    12. Pat says

      October 13, 2024 at 1:25 pm

      5 stars
      Greetings from Thailand!
      Was in search of a fool-proof recipe for schiacciata and found this blog.
      Tried this today (of course the poolish was done a day before). It worked soooo well 🙂 and reminded me of the schiacciata I had in Florence. Thank you sooo much for sharing the recipe.

      It’s my first time making bread. My dough was wet and I freaked out a little. However, coming back to check from video, it seemed alright 🙂 though my dough looked a bit less ideal.

      Anyways, the bread is crunchy on the outside, soft but not so fluffy on the inside. Perfect for any sandwich! Again, thank you for sharing your recipe!

      Reply
    13. Jasson says

      May 10, 2025 at 10:28 pm

      5 stars
      Very nice recipe chef . I made it and is excellent. Thank you for your effort

      Reply
      • Pina Bresciani says

        May 14, 2025 at 11:45 pm

        Thanks Jason! So glad you enjoyed it.

        Reply

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