Onion Cheddar Focaccia Bread Recipe

Introduction

Onion focaccia bread is a flavorful, soft Italian bread topped with sweet caramelized onions and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect as a snack or alongside your favorite meal, this homemade bread is surprisingly easy to make and deeply satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 cup warm water (110°F-115°F)
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup (71 g) olive oil
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
• 2 ½ cups (312.5 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 3 large yellow onions, sliced
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1 cup (113 g) white cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the yeast, warm water, and 2 tablespoons sugar. Stir and let it rest for 5 minutes until the mixture is frothy.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, minced garlic, and half of the kosher salt. Pour half of this oil mixture into the yeast mixture.
3. Step 3: Add the flour to the yeast and oil mixture. Stir until well combined to form the dough.
4. Step 4: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl and cover with a towel. Let it rise for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
5. Step 5: While the dough rises, prepare the topping. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and 1 teaspoon sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and caramelized, about 20 minutes.
6. Step 6: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
7. Step 7: Pour the reserved half of the oil and garlic mixture into the bottom of a 9×11-inch baking dish. Use a pastry brush or your fingers to coat the dish evenly.
8. Step 8: Place the risen dough into the baking dish and stretch it to fill the edges. Use your fingers to create dimples all over the surface of the dough.
9. Step 9: Sprinkle the remaining kosher salt over the dough, then evenly distribute the shredded cheddar cheese and caramelized onions on top.
10. Step 10: Bake the focaccia in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For a more intense garlic flavor, add a little roasted garlic to the oil mixture.
• Try using different cheeses like mozzarella or fontina for a different melt and taste.
• Sprinkle fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme on top before baking for added aroma.
• Make the onions ahead of time to save time on baking day.

Storage

Store any leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness and melty cheese texture. You can also freeze the focaccia wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap for up to 1 month, thawing before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can use instant yeast. Since it doesn’t require proofing, simply mix it directly with the flour and other dry ingredients, then proceed with the recipe. Reduce the rising time if needed.

What if I don’t have yellow onions?

Sweet onions, white onions, or even shallots can be good substitutes. Each will give a slightly different flavor, but all will caramelize nicely and complement the focaccia.

Onion Cheddar Focaccia Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 755 reviews

• Author: lina
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

This homemade Onion Focaccia Bread features a soft, airy dough infused with garlic and olive oil, topped with sweet caramelized onions and melted white cheddar cheese. Perfect as a savory snack or accompaniment to meals, this focaccia combines rich flavors with a satisfying chewy texture, baked to golden perfection.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Bread Dough

• 1 cup warm water (110°F-115°F)
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup (71 g) olive oil
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
• 2 ½ cups (312.5 g) all-purpose flour

Topping

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 3 large yellow onions, sliced
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1 cup (113 g) white cheddar cheese, shredded

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Instructions

1. Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar. Stir gently and allow the mixture to rest for 5 minutes until foamy, indicating that the yeast is active.
2. Prepare Olive Oil Mixture: In a small bowl, mix together ⅓ cup olive oil, minced garlic, and half of the kosher salt (½ teaspoon). Set aside half of this mixture for later use.
3. Make Dough: Pour half of the olive oil mixture into the yeast mixture. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and stir until combined to form a dough.
4. First Rise: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
5. Caramelize Onions: While the dough rises, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and 1 teaspoon sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and caramelized, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
6. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
7. Prepare Baking Dish: Pour the reserved olive oil and garlic mixture into the bottom of a 9×11-inch baking dish. Use a pastry brush to evenly coat the dish.
8. Shape Dough: Place the risen dough into the baking dish, working it to the edges. Use your fingers to create dimples across the surface of the dough.
9. Add Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining ½ teaspoon kosher salt evenly over the dough, followed by the shredded white cheddar cheese and the caramelized onions.
10. Bake: Bake the focaccia in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
11. Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm, enjoying the rich flavors and tender crumb of the focaccia bread.

Notes

• You can use yellow or white onions for caramelizing depending on your preference.
• Make sure the water is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
• Allow the dough to double in size during the first rise for optimal texture.
• Use a pastry brush to evenly coat the baking dish to prevent sticking and add flavor.
• Serve warm for the best taste and texture; leftovers can be reheated in the oven.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: Onion Focaccia, Focaccia Bread, Caramelized Onion Bread, Garlic Focaccia, Italian Bread, Homemade Bread