If you’re craving a bread recipe that combines the richness of melted cheese with the sweet and savory flavor of caramelized onions, this Cheesy Onion Focaccia Bread is the ultimate treat. Its pillowy texture, golden crust, and indulgent toppings make it a show-stopping centerpiece for any meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines soft focaccia bread with gooey cheese and caramelized onions.
- Perfect for sharing at parties, dinners, or as a snack.
- Easy to customize with your favorite toppings or herbs.
- Requires simple pantry staples to create a bakery-style bread at home.
- Stays moist and flavorful, making it a versatile addition to your meals.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Active dry yeast
- Warm water
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Sugar
- Cheese (mozzarella, parmesan, or a mix)
- Onions
- Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme (optional)
Directions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy. Add the flour, salt, and olive oil, and mix until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead and Rise: Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place it in an oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
- Caramelize Onions: Slice the onions thinly and cook them in olive oil over medium-low heat until golden and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes. Set aside.
- Shape the Dough: Punch down the risen dough and press it into an oiled baking pan. Use your fingers to create dimples across the surface.
- Top the Bread: Sprinkle the dough with caramelized onions, cheese, and any desired herbs. Drizzle with olive oil and a pinch of salt.
- Second Rise: Allow the topped dough to rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the focaccia for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8-10 slices
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Rise Time: 1.5-2.5 hours
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy version.
- Herb-Infused: Mix fresh herbs like rosemary or basil into the dough for added aroma.
- Vegan Option: Swap cheese for a plant-based alternative or nutritional yeast.
- Garlic Lover’s Dream: Add roasted garlic cloves as a topping for extra flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Keep at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: Warm slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes or toast them in a skillet over low heat.
FAQs
1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, but the texture may be denser. Consider using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour for balance.
2. How can I make the dough rise faster?
Place the dough in a warm spot or preheat your oven to 100°F (38°C), then turn it off and let the dough rise inside.
3. What type of cheese works best for this recipe?
Mozzarella and parmesan are classic options, but you can also try cheddar or gouda for unique flavors.
4. Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! Freeze the dough after the first rise. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before shaping.
5. How do I prevent soggy focaccia?
Avoid overloading toppings and ensure the dough is evenly dimpled for proper baking.
6. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, use the same amount but skip the proofing step and mix it directly with the dry ingredients.
7. Can I make this gluten-free?
You can try using a gluten-free flour blend designed for bread baking, but results may vary.
8. What’s the best way to caramelize onions?
Cook onions slowly over medium-low heat with a pinch of salt and sugar for the best results.
9. Can I make this without onions?
Yes, you can skip onions and replace them with other toppings like sun-dried tomatoes or olives.
10. How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
The bread should be golden brown, and the bottom should sound hollow when tapped.
Conclusion
Cheesy Onion Focaccia Bread is the perfect combination of comfort food and gourmet indulgence. Whether you enjoy it as a snack, a side dish, or the star of your meal, this recipe is sure to impress. Try it today and experience the joy of baking your own focaccia at home!
Print
Cheesy Onion Focaccia Bread
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cheesy Onion Focaccia Bread is a delightful Italian flatbread topped with caramelized onions and melted cheese, offering a perfect blend of savory flavors and a soft, airy texture.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm water (110°F-115°F)
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
For the Topping:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 large yellow onions, sliced
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, mix the yeast, warm water, and sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- In a separate bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, and half of the kosher salt. Pour half of this mixture into the yeast mixture.
- Add the flour and stir until a dough forms. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Caramelize the Onions:
- While the dough is rising, heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sugar. Cook, stirring often, for about 20 minutes until the onions are soft and golden brown.
- Assemble the Focaccia:
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Pour the remaining garlic oil mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, brushing it evenly.
- Place the risen dough into the dish, stretching it to fit the pan. Use your fingers to create dimples across the surface.
- Sprinkle the top with the remaining salt, shredded cheese, and caramelized onions.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the focaccia is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving warm.
Notes
- For a different flavor, try using red onions or adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the topping.
- This bread pairs well with soups and salads, making it a versatile addition to any meal.
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