Get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Onion Focaccia Bread with Caramelized Garlic. This recipe combines the fluffy, airy texture of traditional focaccia with the rich flavors of melted cheese, sweet onions, and caramelized garlic. Perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying as a cozy treat on a quiet evening, this bread is sure to become a favorite. Gather your ingredients, and let’s get baking!
Steps
- Caramelize the Onions: Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet, add diced onions and water, then cover. Let the onions soften for about 5 minutes, then uncover and reduce heat to medium-low. Stir the onions regularly to prevent burning, cooking for about an hour until they are deeply caramelized. Mix in fresh thyme and set aside.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, lukewarm water, parmesan cheese, olive oil, sugar, yeast, and salt. Stir with a wooden spoon until the ingredients form a rough dough.
- First Rise: Lightly oil your hands and a separate bowl, then place the dough in it. Cover with plastic wrap and leave in a warm location for about an hour, or until the dough doubles in size.
- Make Garlic Oil: Warm olive oil in a small pan, add crushed garlic cloves, and cook for about 5 minutes until aromatic. Remove and discard the garlic, keeping the oil for later use.
- Stretch the Dough: Once risen, deflate the dough with oiled hands by stretching the top portion upward and folding it down to the center. Repeat this stretch and fold process for all four sides of the dough.
- Second Rise: Transfer the dough seam side down into an oiled 9×9 baking pan. Cover it with plastic wrap and let it rise again in a warm place for another hour until it is bubbly and fills most of the pan.
- Bake the Focaccia: Drizzle the remaining garlic oil over the dough and create dimples with your fingers. Sprinkle fresh thyme on top, then bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 12-18 minutes until golden brown.
- Add Toppings: Once baked, let the focaccia cool on a wire rack. Top with the caramelized onions, sprinkle with flaky sea salt and more thyme if desired. Slice and serve warm.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon salted butter
- 4 cups diced yellow onions
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups lukewarm water
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, finely shredded (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1-2 tablespoons fresh thyme
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 whole garlic cloves, crushed
FAQ
- What is unique about focaccia bread compared to other breads?
- Focaccia is a unique Italian bread, characterized by its thick, fluffy texture and rich olive oil content. It also uses more yeast than typical bread, which contributes to its airy and soft structure.
- Can I bake this focaccia in a different shaped pan?
- Yes, you can bake it in a round pan, but remember that changing the pan size may alter the baking time and thickness of the focaccia. Consider using a spring-form pan or a cast iron skillet for different results.
- How should I store caramelized onion focaccia?
- Although best enjoyed the day it’s made, you can store it in the refrigerator for 2-3 days in an airtight container or a ziplock bag.
- Is it possible to reheat caramelized onion focaccia?
- Absolutely! You can reheat it by microwaving for 30-60 seconds or using a toaster oven on low heat until it’s warmed through.
- What dishes pair well with focaccia?
- Focaccia is versatile and pairs excellently with any meal. It can replace regular bread alongside dishes like baked mac and cheese, or be enjoyed on its own with a dip like homemade ranch.
Tips
- Work with Oiled Hands: Focaccia dough is particularly sticky, so ensure your hands are well-oiled to prevent the dough from adhering to them during handling.
- Measure Flour Correctly: Avoid scooping flour directly from the bag with your measuring cup, as it can lead to using too much. Instead, fluff the flour first, then spoon it into the cup and level it off for accuracy.
- Adjust Pan Size for Desired Thickness: For a thinner focaccia, use a 9×13-inch pan; for a thicker texture, opt for an 8×8-inch pan. This will affect the baking time and thickness, so keep an eye on it in the oven.
- Serve Warm: This focaccia is best enjoyed warm on the day it is made, but it can also be reheated the next day for a delightful experience.
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Wooden Spoon
- Stand Mixer (optional, with paddle attachment)
- Plastic Wrap
- 9×9 Baking Pan
- Small Pan for Garlic Oil
- Wire Cooling Rack
- Kitchen Scale (optional, for precise measurements)
