Caramelize Onion & Cheddar Focaccia
For the Bread:
•1 cup warm water (110°F-115°F)
•1 teaspoon active dry yeast
•2 tablespoons granulated sugar
•⅓ cup olive oil
•2 teaspoons minced garlic
•1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
•2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
For the Topping:
•2 tablespoons olive oil
•1 tablespoon butter
•3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
•1 teaspoon granulated sugar
•1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
Instructions:
•Prepare the Bread Dough:In a large mixing bowl, stir together the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
•In a small bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, and half of the kosher salt.
•Pour half of this oil mixture into the yeast mixture and set the rest aside for later.
•Gradually add the flour to the yeast-oil mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
•Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a tea towel, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
Caramelize the Onions:
•Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
•Add the sliced onions and sprinkle with sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes until the onions are golden and caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside.
Assemble the Bread:
•Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
•Pour the reserved garlic oil mixture into the bottom of a 9×11-inch baking dish. Use a pastry brush to coat the entire dish.
•Place the risen dough into the baking dish and gently stretch it to fit the edges. Use your fingers to create dimples across the surface of the dough.
Add Toppings and Bake:
•Sprinkle the remaining salt over the dough. Spread the caramelized onions evenly on top and scatter the shredded white cheddar cheese over the onions.
•Bake in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes, or until the focaccia is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve:
Let the focaccia cool slightly before serving warm. Enjoy it as a standalone snack or alongside your favorite dishes! (I made mine with spaghetti!!)🍝
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Focaccia bread, a delightful Italian flatbread, is cherished for its soft, chewy texture and customizable toppings. In this recipe, we elevate traditional focaccia by using caramelized onions, which provide a rich, sweet flavor that pairs exceptionally well with sharp cheddar cheese. To achieve perfectly caramelized onions, remember to cook them low and slow, allowing their natural sugars to develop. This method not only enhances their sweetness but also adds depth to the focaccia. Additionally, the combination of olive oil and butter gives a beautiful richness to both the onions and the dough. When baking focaccia, the high oven temperature ensures that the bread develops a crispy crust while retaining a soft interior. For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough or as a topping. Not only does this add aromatic qualities, but it also transforms the appearance of your focaccia, making it even more appetizing! This Caramelized Onion & Cheddar Focaccia is a versatile dish. Serve it as a side to pasta, use it as a base for sandwiches, or enjoy it alone. You can also experiment by incorporating seasonal vegetables or different types of cheeses to suit your palate. Overall, be creative, and indulge in the delightful flavors of this homemade focaccia!
I made this and it’s soo good! 10/10!