Crunchy Onion Focaccia Bread Recipe: A Tasty Homemade Delight
Baking freshly made crispy onion focaccia bread creates an irresistible aroma that fills every corner of your kitchen.
Soft, golden dough studded with caramelized onions promises a delightful culinary experience.
Rustic Italian bread traditions shine through in this simple yet elegant recipe.
Each slice offers a perfect balance of crispy edges and tender interior.
The carefully layered onions add a sweet and savory dimension that elevates this classic bread.
Fragrant herbs and a drizzle of quality olive oil complete this mouthwatering creation.
Let’s unlock the secrets to crafting this delectable bread that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Calories: 290 kcal
Servings: 8
Cheesy Onion Focaccia Bread Ingredient Rundown
For Yeast Activation:
Active Dry Yeast: Tiny microorganisms that help bread rise and develop delightful flavor, choose fresh packets with recent expiration dates.
Warm Water: Creates perfect environment for yeast to bloom, use water around 110°F for optimal activation.
Granulated Sugar: Provides food for yeast, helping it grow and create airy texture.
For Dough Base:
All-Purpose Flour: Foundation of bread, select unbleached variety for better texture and more robust flavor.
Kosher Salt: Enhances overall taste and helps control yeast growth, provides subtle seasoning.
Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps create soft, tender crumb, choose extra virgin for best flavor.
For Topping and Flavor:
Yellow Onions: Brings sweet and savory depth, slice thinly for even caramelization.
Shredded Cheese: Adds creamy, melty texture, sharp cheddar or mozzarella work wonderfully.
Fresh Herbs (Optional): Rosemary or thyme can elevate the bread's aromatic profile, use fresh for maximum flavor impact.
Bakeware for Cheesy Onion Focaccia Bread
Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining flour, salt, and creating sticky dough.
Stand mixer (optional): Helps knead dough quickly with dough hook attachment.
Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures precise ingredient quantities.
Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for mixing ingredients initially.
Baking sheet: Used for shaping and baking the focaccia.
Clean work surface: Floured area for kneading dough by hand.
Kitchen towel or plastic wrap: Covers dough during rising process.
Pastry brush: Helpful for spreading olive oil on top of bread.
Steps to Get Cheesy Onion Focaccia Just Right
Awaken the Yeast Brew aal potion by mixing warm water, sugar, and yeast in a cozy bowl. Watch as the mixture transforms into a frothy, bubbly elixir within 5-10 minutes.
Craft the Dough Symphony Combine flour and salt in a large mixing bowl. Pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil, creating a sticky dance of ingredients. Stir until a unified dough emerges.
Knead and Nurture Spread a flour blanket on your work surface. Gently massage the dough, transforming it into a smooth, elastic masterpiece. Spend 8-10 minutes working your by hand, or let a stand mixer do the heavy lifting for 5 minutes.
Let the Dough Rest Tuck the dough into a greased bowl like a cozy sleeping bag. Cover and let it nap peacefully for an hour, watching it double in size and develop its delicious personality.
Prepare the Onion Topping Slice onions into delicate rings. Sprinkle them across the risen dough, creating a tasty landscape of flavor.
Shape and Bake Gently press the dough into a baking sheet, creating little dimples with your fingertips. Drizzle with olive oil and scatter onions across the surface. Bake in a preheated oven until golden and aromatic, with crispy edges that beckon you closer.
Flavor Tips for Cheesy Onion Focaccia Bread
Place the dough in a warm, draft-free spot like near a preheated oven or inside a turned-off oven with the light on to ensure optimal rising conditions.
Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, gruyère, or goat cheese to create unique flavor profiles that complement the caramelized onions.
Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free bread flour blend and add xanthan gum to maintain the bread's structure and texture.
Sprinkle fresh chopped rosemary, thyme, or oregano on top of the focaccia before baking to add an aromatic Mediterranean-inspired dimension to the bread.
Prepare the dough a day in advance, let it rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight, then bring to room temperature and bake for a convenient and time-saving option.
Present Cheesy Onion Focaccia with Style
Rustic Party Platter: Slice the focaccia into bite-sized squares and arrange on a wooden board with various cheeses, cured meats, and olives for a stunning appetizer spread that'll wow guests at your next gathering.
Mediterranean Meal Companion: Serve warm alongside hearty soups, rich stews, or fresh salads to elevate your dinner experience with its cheesy, golden-brown goodness that perfectly complements main dishes.
Sandwich Superstar: Transform leftover focaccia into gourmet sandwiches by slicing horizontally and stuffing with roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or creamy spreads for a delicious lunch option that beats ordinary bread.
Dipping Delight: Pair with flavored olive oils, marinara sauce, or herb-infused dips to create an interactive eating experience that brings out the bread's savory onion and cheese notes.
Keep Cheesy Onion Focaccia Tasting Great
Keep your freshly baked focaccia wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil at room temperature for 2-3 days, maintaining its delicious softness and flavor.
Slice the focaccia into portions before freezing. Wrap each section in freezer-safe plastic wrap, then place in a sealed freezer bag. Frozen focaccia stays delectable for up to 1 month, perfect for quick future meals.
Reheat refrigerated or frozen focaccia by warming in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. Spritz with water to restore moisture and create a crispy exterior that tastes just-baked.
Prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate overnight. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it slowly rise in the refrigerator, developing deeper, richer flavors before baking the next day.
FAQs
What is focaccia bread?
Focaccia is a flat Italian bread that originates from Italy, known for its soft, pillowy texture and dimpled surface. It’s typically topped with herbs, olive oil, and other ingredients like onions or cheese.
Can I make this recipe without a stand mixer?
Yes, you can knead the dough by hand on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Hand-kneading works just as well as using a stand mixer.
What type of yeast should I use for this recipe?
Active dry yeast or instant yeast will work perfectly. Just make sure the yeast is fresh and not expired to ensure proper rising of the dough.
How do I know if my yeast is activated correctly?
When you mix yeast with warm water and sugar, it should become frothy and create a foamy layer within 5-10 minutes. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast might be old or inactive.
Savory Cheesy Onion Focaccia Bread brings Italian bakery magic to home kitchens. Rustic golden dough studded with caramelized onions and melted cheese creates a perfect companion for soups and salads.
Ingredients
Scale
1 packet (2 ¼ tsps) active dry yeast
3 ½ cups (440 g) all-purpose flour
1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
2 medium onions, thinly sliced
1 ¼ cups (300 ml) warm water (110F/43C)
¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsps unsalted butter
1 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp sugar (optional, for caramelizing)
1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary
Flaky sea salt, for garnish
Instructions
Activate Yeast: Dissolve sugar and yeast in warm water, waiting until the mixture becomes frothy and indicates active fermentation.
Create Dough Base: Blend flour and salt in a large mixing bowl, forming a central well. Pour yeast liquid and olive oil into the center, mixing until a cohesive, slightly tacky dough forms.
Knead and Rest: Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface, kneading vigorously with the heel of your hand until achieving a smooth, elastic texture. Place in an oil-coated bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and allow to rise in a warm, draft-free area until doubled in size.
Shape and Prepare: Gently deflate the risen dough, stretching and pressing into a rustic rectangular shape on a prepared baking sheet. Distribute caramelized onions and shredded cheese evenly across the surface.
Dimple and Season: Create characteristic focaccia wells by pressing fingertips deliberately into the dough. Drizzle generously with olive oil and sprinkle with coarse sea salt, allowing a final brief proofing.
Bake to Perfection: Position in a preheated oven and bake until edges turn golden brown and cheese melts into a bubbling, appetizing crust. Remove, cool slightly, then slice and serve warm, showcasing the bread’s rich, savory profile.
Notes
Yeast Activation Check: Ensure water temperature is between 100-110°F to activate yeast perfectly without killing it, creating a frothy, bubbly mixture.
Dough Kneading Technique: Knead for 8-10 minutes until dough becomes smooth and elastic, developing gluten structure for perfect bread texture.
Proofing Environment: Let dough rise in a warm, draft-free area around 80-85°F, covering with a damp cloth to maintain moisture and prevent drying.
Cheese and Onion Distribution: Spread caramelized onions and cheese evenly, leaving small gaps to allow focaccia’s signature dimples and crispy edges to develop.
Oregon Culinary Institute Diploma in Culinary Arts Focus: Emphasis on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and the fusion of global flavors with traditional grilling methods.
Emily Lawson is the content creator at Daves Grill, turning tasty ideas into clear, easy recipes. Based in Portland, she trained at the Oregon Culinary Institute and loves cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients, especially grilled veggies and global flavors.
Emily mixes food writing with hands-on cooking to bring you recipes that feel fun, not stressful. Her goal is to make every dish simple, flavorful, and worth coming back to. Together, she and Dave serve up real food, one recipe at a time.
Emily Lawson
Content Creator & Culinary Specialist
Expertise
Education
Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and the fusion of global flavors with traditional grilling methods.
Emily Lawson is the content creator at Daves Grill, turning tasty ideas into clear, easy recipes. Based in Portland, she trained at the Oregon Culinary Institute and loves cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients, especially grilled veggies and global flavors.
Emily mixes food writing with hands-on cooking to bring you recipes that feel fun, not stressful. Her goal is to make every dish simple, flavorful, and worth coming back to. Together, she and Dave serve up real food, one recipe at a time.