Golden Onion & Cheese Focaccia: A Dreamy Homemade Recipe

Freshly baked focaccia with melted cheese and caramelized onions creates a mouthwatering centerpiece for any meal.

Golden-brown and aromatic, this cheesy onion focaccia bread recipe promises a delightful culinary experience.

Soft, pillowy dough serves as the perfect canvas for sweet, rich onions and gooey cheese.

Each slice offers a harmonious blend of savory flavors that dance on your palate.

The rustic bread boasts a crispy exterior giving way to a tender, cheesy interior that begs to be shared.

Layers of family-style comfort shine through in every delectable bite.

You’ll find this recipe irresistible and perfect for weekend baking or impressing dinner guests.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Calories: 220 kcal

Servings: 7

Key Ingredients For Cheesy Onion Focaccia Bread

• Flour: Provides structure and foundation for the bread, choose high-protein bread flour for best texture.
• Yeast: Crucial for bread rising, select fresh active dry yeast for reliable fermentation.
• Sugar: Feeds yeast and helps activation, use white granulated sugar for consistent results.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and controls yeast growth, sea salt offers more complex taste profile.
• Olive Oil: Adds moisture and richness, select extra virgin for deeper flavor undertones.

• Onions: Creates sweet depth, choose yellow or sweet onions for perfect caramelization.
• Butter: Provides rich flavor for sautéing, use unsalted butter for better control of seasoning.
• Olive Oil: Helps prevent burning and adds complexity, choose high-quality cold-pressed variety.
• Sugar: Optional booster for onion caramelization, enhances natural sweetness.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Delivers creamy melting quality, fresh varieties offer superior stretchy texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty notes, aged versions provide more intense flavor.
• Thyme or Rosemary: Introduces aromatic herbaceous elements, fresh herbs deliver most vibrant taste.
• Flaky Sea Salt: Provides delicate crunch and flavor burst, sprinkle just before serving.

Kitchen Tools That Make Cheesy Onion Focaccia Bread Easy

• Stand Mixer or Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining and kneading dough smoothly and efficiently.
• Dough Hook: Helps knead dough quickly if using a stand mixer, saving time and effort.
• Large Skillet: Perfect for caramelizing onions evenly and developing rich, sweet flavors.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Provides the ideal shape and size for spreading and baking focaccia.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup super easy.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements for perfect results.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for mixing ingredients and stirring caramelizing onions.
• Sharp Knife: Useful for slicing onions and cutting the finished focaccia.

Easy Guide To Make Cheesy Onion Focaccia Bread

• Yeast Awakening

Warm water becomes a magical potion to jumpstart the yeast’s slumbering energy. Watch as tiny bubbles dance and transform the liquid into a frothy landscape of potential deliciousness.

• Dough Creation

Mix flour and salt into a welcoming home for your yeast mixture. Knead with love and passion until the dough becomes smooth and supple like silk. Let the dough rest and grow, dreaming of its future as a delectable bread.

• Onion Transformation

Gently coax onions into golden perfection through patient cooking. Butter and olive oil become the nurturing partners that slowly reveal the onions’ sweet, caramelized soul. Each slice softens and turns a rich amber color.

• Focaccia Assembly

Press the risen dough into a welcoming baking pan, creating playful dimples with your fingertips. Scatter caramelized onions like a delicate landscape across the surface. Sprinkle cheese generously, allowing it to create beautiful golden rivers when baked.

• Golden Finale

Slide the focaccia into a hot oven and watch magic unfold. The edges will transform into a crispy golden frame, while cheese bubbles and dances. Remove when the aroma becomes irresistible and the surface looks like a sunlit landscape of deliciousness.

Try These Tips With Cheesy Onion Focaccia Bread

• Bread-Making Magic
• Yeast Activation Secret: Ensure water temperature is precisely between 100-110°F to wake up yeast perfectly without killing it. Lukewarm water guarantees successful rising and fluffy texture.
• Cheese Lover's Twist: Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, gruyère, or fontina to create unique flavor profiles. Mixing cheese types adds depth and complexity to your focaccia.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend containing xanthan gum. Add extra olive oil to maintain moisture and bind ingredients. Use room temperature ingredients for best consistency and smoother mixing.
• Herb Garden Upgrade: Try fresh herb variations like chopped rosemary, oregano, or basil instead of thyme. Chop herbs finely and sprinkle generously on top before baking to enhance aromatic qualities and create vibrant flavor dimensions.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare caramelized onions and dough separately up to 24 hours in advance. Store dough in refrigerator and onions in sealed container. Bring ingredients to room temperature before final assembly to ensure optimal rising and texture.

Tasty Ways To Serve Cheesy Onion Focaccia Bread

• Party Platter Perfection: Slice this focaccia into small squares and arrange on a wooden board with various dips like herbed olive oil, marinara sauce, or garlic aioli for elegant appetizer presentation.
• Meal Companion Magic: Pair alongside hearty soups, salads, or as a delicious side dish for roasted chicken or grilled vegetables to elevate your entire meal experience.
• Breakfast Brunch Twist: Transform leftover focaccia into delightful breakfast sandwiches by adding scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or fresh herbs for a gourmet morning treat that will impress family and friends.
• Wine Night Wonder: Serve warm slices with a chilled white wine or crisp rosé during evening gatherings, creating an irresistible combination that sparks conversation and culinary delight.

How To Store Cheesy Onion Focaccia Bread Without Drying Out

• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the caramelized onions and dough up to 24 hours in advance. Store the onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator and keep the dough covered in a greased bowl, allowing it to rise slowly in the fridge overnight.
• Freeze-Friendly Approach: Wrap cooled focaccia tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature and reheat in a 350F oven for 10-15 minutes to restore its crispy texture and fresh-baked flavor.
• Smart Leftover Strategy: Store completely cooled focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. For best taste, gently reheat in a toaster oven or regular oven to crisp up the edges and refresh the bread's texture.
• Portioning Prowess: Cut focaccia into individual squares or triangles before storing. This makes it easier to grab a quick snack or reheat just the amount you want without disturbing the entire batch.

Rustic Cheesy Onion Focaccia Bread

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4.5 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Homemade cheesy onion focaccia brings Mediterranean comfort to kitchen tables with golden, crispy edges. Italian-inspired bread delights with caramelized onions and melted cheese, promising a memorable culinary experience you won’t soon forget.

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Ingredients

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• 1 ¼ cups (300 ml) warm water (110°F/43°C)
• 3 ½ cups (440 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (100 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ cup (50 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsps) active dry yeast
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, for caramelizing)
• Flaky sea salt, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Yeast Activation: Dissolve yeast in warm water with sugar, allowing the mixture to become frothy and alive for 5-10 minutes.
2. Dough Formation: Combine flour and salt in a large bowl. Incorporate the activated yeast and olive oil, mixing until a cohesive, slightly sticky dough emerges. Knead on a floured surface or use a stand mixer with a dough hook until smooth and elastic.
3. First Rise: Transfer dough to an oiled bowl, cover with a cloth, and let rise in a warm spot for approximately one hour, or until the volume doubles.
4. Onion Preparation: Caramelize onions in a skillet with butter and olive oil, developing a golden, sweet character. Cool to room temperature.
5. Dough Shaping: Gently deflate the risen dough and press into a prepared baking pan. Create signature focaccia dimples using fingertips, forming a rustic surface.
6. Topping Assembly: Evenly distribute caramelized onions across the dough. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the onions. Garnish with thyme or rosemary and a delicate layer of flaky sea salt.
7. Baking: Preheat oven to 400F. Bake focaccia until edges turn golden and cheese bubbles with enthusiasm, approximately 20-25 minutes.
8. Serving: Allow focaccia to rest briefly after baking. Slice and serve while warm, inviting eager palates to enjoy.

Notes

• Activate Yeast Perfectly: Ensure water temperature is between 100-110°F to wake up yeast without killing it; too hot water destroys yeast, too cold prevents activation.
• Knead with Precision: Develop gluten structure by kneading 8-10 minutes by hand or 5-6 minutes in stand mixer for optimal bread texture and elasticity.
• Control Moisture Balance: Keep dough slightly sticky but not wet; add flour incrementally during kneading to maintain proper hydration and prevent dense bread.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Use room temperature cheeses for even melting and distribute mozzarella and Parmesan strategically to create golden, crispy cheese edges without burning.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg