The Perfect Cheesy Onion Focaccia Bread Recipe for Bread Lovers

I stumbled upon this incredible cheesy onion focaccia bread that instantly captured my culinary imagination.

A golden, crispy canvas studded with caramelized onions and melted cheese.

Warm, fragrant slices emerge from the oven, promising a sensory adventure.

Rustic Italian traditions blend seamlessly with rich, comforting flavors in this simple yet extraordinary recipe.

Perfectly seasoned and beautifully textured, each bite tells a story of home-style cooking.

Carefully slicing into this focaccia reveals layers of deliciousness that will make you the star of any gathering.

You won’t be able to resist sharing this mouthwatering creation with everyone around your table.

Why Cheesy Onion Focaccia Bread Smells As Good As It Tastes

• Savor Caramelized Onion Magic: The slow-cooked onions bring deep, rich sweetness that transforms this focaccia into a flavor explosion, creating a mouthwatering experience that elevates simple bread into a gourmet treat.
• Enjoy Effortless Cheesy Comfort: Melted mozzarella and Parmesan create a luxurious, stretchy cheese layer that makes every bite irresistibly indulgent, perfect for cheese lovers seeking maximum satisfaction with minimal effort.
• Craft Stress-Free Homemade Deliciousness: This recipe offers foolproof steps for beginners, requiring basic kitchen skills and minimal ingredients, allowing home cooks to produce restaurant-quality bread without complicated techniques or expensive equipment.
• Embrace Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Whether served as an appetizer, side dish, or standalone snack, this focaccia adapts beautifully to casual family dinners, game nights, or elegant gatherings, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.

What You’ll Need For Cheesy Onion Focaccia Bread

• Flour: Provides the main structure and base for the focaccia bread.
• Yeast: Essential for making the dough rise and creating a light, airy texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the bread.
• Sugar: Helps activate the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness.
• Olive Oil: Adds moisture and rich flavor to the dough.
• Warm Water: Activates the yeast and helps bind the ingredients together.

• Onions: Key flavor component, caramelized for sweet and deep taste.
• Butter: Helps caramelize onions and adds richness.
• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Provide creamy, melty, and sharp cheese flavors.
• Thyme, Rosemary: Aromatic herbs that complement the onion and cheese.
• Flaky Sea Salt: Adds a finishing touch of flavor and texture.

• Parchment Paper: Optional, helps prevent sticking and easy removal.
• Cooking Spray or Additional Olive Oil: Used for greasing the baking dish.

How To Make Cheesy Onion Focaccia Bread Step By Step

Step 1: Awaken the Yeast

In a cozy bowl, blend warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let the mixture chill for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy and alive with bubbles.

Step 2: Create the Dough Magic

• Flour
• Salt
• Yeast mixture
• Olive oil

Toss these ingredients into a big mixing bowl. Stir and knead until a soft, clingy dough emerges. Work the dough on a flour-dusted surface, massaging it for 8-10 minutes until smooth and supple. Pop the dough into a greased bowl, cover it lovingly, and let it rise for an hour until it doubles in size.

Step 3: Transform Onions into Golden Delights

Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium warmth. Slide in sliced onions and cook gently, stirring occasionally. Watch them turn golden and sweet over 15-20 minutes. Optional sugar sprinkle can enhance their caramel-like charm. Set aside to cool.

Step 4: Shape and Decorate

Warm up the oven to 400F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line with parchment paper. Punch down the risen dough and spread it evenly in the pan. Create playful dimples across the surface using your fingertips.

Step 5: Layer the Deliciousness

• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Fresh thyme or rosemary
• Flaky sea salt

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the focaccia into the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until edges turn golden and cheese bubbles with excitement. Let it cool slightly before slicing.

Serve warm and enjoy the delightful blend of cheesy, oniony goodness!

Tips For Soft And Crispy Cheesy Onion Focaccia Bread

• Boost Yeast Activation: Ensure water temperature is between 100-110°F for perfect yeast growth, preventing sluggish or dead yeast that can ruin your bread's rise.
• Knead with Confidence: Develop gluten by kneading thoroughly, which creates a stretchy, soft texture that makes focaccia wonderfully light and airy.
• Customize Cheese Combos: Experiment with different cheese blends like gruyère, fontina, or goat cheese to add unique flavor profiles and make the focaccia more exciting.
• Master Caramelization Technique: Cook onions slowly on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to achieve deep golden color and rich, sweet flavor without burning.
• Dimple Like a Pro: Press fingers firmly into dough to create signature focaccia dimples, which help trap olive oil and create delicious crispy pockets during baking.

How To Keep Cheesy Onion Focaccia Bread Fresh

• Refrigerate
• Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Wrap the bread tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss and preserve its delicious texture.
• Reheat in Oven
• Warm the focaccia in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes. Place the bread on a baking sheet and cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning while restoring its crispy edges and melty cheese.
• Freeze for Later
• Freeze the focaccia by wrapping individual slices or the entire loaf in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe bag. Frozen focaccia stays fresh for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Quick Microwave Option
• Quickly reheat single slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. Be cautious to avoid overheating, which can make the bread tough and chewy.

Pairing Suggestions For Cheesy Onion Focaccia Bread

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Complement the rich, cheesy flavors of the focaccia with a full-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese, which cuts through the bread's richness and enhances its caramelized onion depth.
• Match with Fresh Herb Salad: Create a light contrast by serving a crisp green salad with fresh herbs like parsley, basil, and arugula, dressed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette to balance the bread's heavy, savory profile.
• Serve alongside Hearty Soup: Elevate the focaccia experience by pairing it with a creamy tomato bisque or a rustic vegetable soup, allowing the bread to soak up the liquid and provide a delightful textural complement.
• Accompany with Mediterranean Dips: Offer a selection of Mediterranean-inspired dips like tzatziki, olive tapenade, or roasted red pepper hummus to add extra layers of flavor and provide a delicious dipping experience.

Different Takes On Cheesy Onion Focaccia Bread

• Herb Garden Focaccia: Replace thyme or rosemary with a vibrant blend of fresh basil, oregano, and chives, creating a fragrant herbal masterpiece that bursts with Mediterranean flavors.
• Roasted Veggie Version: Top the focaccia with caramelized onions and add roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes for a colorful and nutritious vegetable-packed bread.
• Spicy Jalapeño Cheese Focaccia: Incorporate diced jalapeños and swap some Parmesan with pepper jack cheese to give the bread a zesty, fiery kick that will wake up your taste buds.
• Bacon and Cheddar Remix: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits and sharp cheddar cheese over the caramelized onions, transforming the classic focaccia into a savory breakfast-inspired treat.

FAQs For Cheesy Onion Focaccia Bread

• What makes this focaccia different from regular bread?

This focaccia stands out with its caramelized onions and two types of cheese, creating a rich, savory flavor that’s more complex than standard bread. The dimpled surface and golden crispy edges make it extra special.

• Do I need special baking skills to make this focaccia?

Not at all! This recipe is beginner-friendly. Even if you’ve never worked with yeast before, the steps are straightforward. The key is patience during rising and not rushing the caramelization process.

• Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the dough and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Just remove it an hour before baking to let it come to room temperature and continue with the recipe as normal.

• What if my yeast doesn't get frothy?

If your yeast mixture doesn’t foam after 10 minutes, it might be old or the water was too hot or cold. Discard and start over with fresh yeast and warm (not hot) water around 110°F to ensure proper activation.

Cheesy Onion Focaccia Bread Recipe

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4.9 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Irresistible cheesy onion focaccia bread emerges as a Mediterranean-inspired delight that marries rustic charm with bold flavors. Caramelized onions and melted cheese create an inviting comfort that draws guests closer to savor each golden, crisp slice.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 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 (110°F/43°C)

Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
• Flaky sea salt, for garnish

Oils and Fats:

• ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for caramelizing)

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Instructions

1. Awaken the dough’s potential by dissolving yeast in tepid water with a hint of sugar. Allow the mixture to transform into a frothy elixir over 5-10 minutes, signaling the yeast’s active state.
2. In a spacious vessel, marry flour with salt. Introduce the effervescent yeast blend and silky olive oil, coaxing them into a cohesive, slightly clingy dough.
3. Transfer the dough to a flour-dusted surface. Knead with rhythmic motions, developing its elasticity and smoothness. Alternatively, entrust a stand mixer with a dough hook to cultivate the perfect texture.
4. Nestle the dough in a generously oiled sanctuary, drape with a cloth, and allow it to luxuriate and expand for approximately one hour until its volume doubles.
5. Meanwhile, orchestrate caramelized onions in a skillet. Melt butter and olive oil together, then gently coax onion slices into a golden, sweet transformation. Optional sugar can enhance their luscious character. Cool the onions to room temperature.
6. Warm the oven to 400F. Prepare a baking vessel with a protective layer of parchment or a light olive oil massage.
7. Deflate the risen dough with a gentle punch, then press and stretch it into the prepared pan. Dimple the surface using fingertips, creating a rustic landscape.
8. Distribute caramelized onions evenly across the dough’s terrain. Cascade mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the onions, creating a molten blanket.
9. Sprinkle aromatic thyme or rosemary, and finish with a delicate shower of flaky sea salt.
10. Bake until the edges turn a honeyed golden and cheese bubbles with tempting enthusiasm, approximately 20-25 minutes.
11. Permit the focaccia to rest briefly after emerging from the oven. Slice and serve while still radiating warmth, welcoming eager palates.

Notes

• Activate yeast precisely with water at 110-115°F to ensure proper fermentation without killing the microorganisms.
• Use bread flour for a chewier texture with higher protein content that develops better gluten structure.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like fontina or gruyère for unique flavor profiles and melting characteristics.
• Allow sufficient resting time during kneading to help gluten relax, creating a more tender and airy bread texture.
• Customize toppings by adding roasted garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, or fresh herbs like basil to enhance the focaccia’s complexity.
• Ensure even caramelization of onions by using a wide skillet and stirring occasionally to prevent burning while developing deep, sweet flavors.
• Store leftover focaccia wrapped tightly at room temperature for 2-3 days, or freeze for up to a month for extended enjoyment.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 265
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 12 mg