Oh boy, do I have a delicious treat for you today! Let me introduce you to my all-time favorite, Cheesy Onion Focaccia Bread! I cannot tell you how many times I’ve whipped this up for family gatherings, casual get-togethers, or just because I had a craving (don’t judge!). The warm, gooey cheese paired with the sweet caramelized onions and the herby aroma makes my heart flutter—seriously, who can resist that?
I still remember the first time I made this focaccia bread. I’d been experimenting with bread-making during one of those quarantine phases, and after many not-so-successful attempts involving deflated dough and a few too many kitchen disasters, I finally nailed this recipe. The moment I pulled it out of the oven, my whole house smelled divine, and my family couldn’t wait to dig in! Now, it’s a staple in our home. Let’s dive into what makes this Cheesy Onion Focaccia so special!
What’s in Cheesy Onion Focaccia Bread?
Let’s break down the star ingredients that come together to create this heavenly loaf!
All-Purpose Flour: This is your base! A good quality flour is key; I usually go for King Arthur Flour or Gold Medal.
Instant Yeast: No need for fancy stuff here—this little gem helps the dough rise quickly and easily.
Salt: Essential for enhancing flavors, though I always keep an eye on how much I use since our family loves adding more at the end!
Warm Water: This activates the yeast; make sure it’s cozy (think bathwater warm) and not too hot or it’ll send the yeast to a premature grave!
Olive Oil: Adds richness to the dough. I love using extra virgin olive oil for its lush flavor, plus more for drizzling later—because why not?
Onions: Oh, these beauties get caramelized into sweet, golden magic! I typically use yellow onions for their sweetness, but feel free to play with red or white too.
Sugar: Just a touch to help with the caramelization of the onions and amplify their sweet goodness.
Thyme: Whether you have fresh or dried, thyme adds a lovely herby note that pairs perfectly with the cheesy goodness.
Mozzarella Cheese: The gooey goodness that stretches as you pull it apart; I love using whole milk shredded mozzarella.
Parmesan Cheese: For that salty, nutty flavor, it complements the mozzarella beautifully.
Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish, but it brings a lovely pop of color!
Sea Salt: A sprinkle on top right before baking is a game-changer. It gives that delightful crust a little briny flair.
Is Cheesy Onion Focaccia Good for You?
Now, let’s chat about the health aspect!
All-Purpose Flour: While it gives that delightful structure, it’s not exactly a whole grain, so moderation is key. This bread is a treat rather than a regular meal!
Onions: They’re rich in antioxidants and can aid in heart health. Sweet victory!
Olive Oil: A healthy fat that can lower bad cholesterol levels—so don’t skimp!
Cheeses: These provide calcium and protein, but be mindful of portions since they can be high in fat.
Overall, this focaccia is a beautiful balance of flavors, but like all good things, it’s best enjoyed in moderation. Let’s not forget, it’s all about that deliciousness!
Ingredients
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons instant yeast
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 3/4 cups warm water (about 110°F or 45°C)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
– 2 large onions, thinly sliced
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– 1 teaspoon thyme (dried or fresh)
– 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
– Sea salt for sprinkling on top
*Serves: 8-12 people, depending on how much you love bread!*
How to Make Cheesy Onion Focaccia Bread?
Let’s get that kitchen smelling incredible! Here’s how:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, and salt. Mix it up real good.
2. Gradually add the warm water and 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the flour mixture. Stir until a sticky dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth. If you’re a fan of stand mixers, use one with a dough hook for about 5 minutes—it’s like a mini workout!
4. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size. I like to put it near a sunny window or in my oven with the light on!
5. While the dough is rising, heat some olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sugar, cooking until the onions are caramelized, about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Toss in the thyme during the last minute before removing from heat.
6. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and grease a baking sheet or a rectangular pan with olive oil.
7. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air and transfer it to the greased baking sheet. Use your fingers to stretch and press the dough into the corners of the pan.
8. Spread the caramelized onions evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese all over those lovely onions!
9. With your fingers, dimple the surface of the dough. Drizzle with more olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt for good measure.
10. Let the focaccia rest for another 20-30 minutes while the oven preheats to give it a little extra rise.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly on top.
12. Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy before slicing and serving.
And there you have it! Your very own Cheesy Onion Focaccia Bread, ready to be enjoyed straight out of the oven (or cold the next day if you’re like me and can’t resist sneaking a slice!).
Focaccia Tips and Tricks
– If you want to get creative, throw in some roasted garlic or even sun-dried tomatoes along with the cheese and onions!
– This focaccia is divine served warm with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a dip in olive oil—oh my, just heavenly!
– If you want to make a big batch, you can freeze half of it after it cools completely. Just pop it in a freezer bag, and you’ll have a quick treat at hand!
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your apron, preheat that oven, and let’s get baking! I’d love to hear how your Cheesy Onion Focaccia turns out. Enjoy!
