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Caramelized Onion and Thyme Focaccia Recipe

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4 from 3 reviews

  • Author: Molly
  • Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings

Description

A savory and aromatic Caramelized Onion Focaccia featuring deeply caramelized onions, fresh thyme, garlic-infused olive oil, and a crisp, golden crust. This Italian flatbread is perfect as a flavorful appetizer, side dish, or snack, combining the sweetness of slow-cooked onions with the herbaceous notes of thyme and the richness of parmesan cheese.

Ingredients

Caramelized Onions

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp salted butter
  • 4 cups diced yellow onions
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped

Dough

  • 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 1/4 cup lukewarm water
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, finely shredded
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp instant yeast
  • 3/4 tsp salt

Topping and Finishing

  • 1-2 tbsp fresh thyme
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 3 whole garlic cloves, crushed
  • Flaky sea salt (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the Onions: Melt the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in the diced onions and add 1/4 cup water. Cover the skillet and cook until onions soften, about 5 minutes. Remove the cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Stir frequently for about 1 hour until onions are deeply caramelized. Transfer onions to a bowl and mix in chopped fresh thyme.
  2. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, lukewarm water, parmesan cheese, olive oil, sugar, yeast, and salt. Mix thoroughly with a wooden spoon until all ingredients are well combined into a sticky dough.
  3. First Rise: Lightly oil your hands and a large bowl. Place the dough in the bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Set in a warm place for the dough to rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
  4. Make Garlic Oil: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add crushed garlic cloves and cook for about 5 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant and beginning to brown. Remove the garlic cloves and discard. Let the garlic oil cool.
  5. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Pour half of the cooled garlic oil into an unlined 9×9 inch metal baking pan and set aside.
  6. Shape the Dough: Once the dough has doubled, lightly oil your hands. Stretch and fold each side of the dough upwards toward the center, folding onto itself to develop structure. Transfer the shaped dough seam-side down into the oiled baking pan. Cover with plastic wrap and allow to rise again in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
  7. Check Dough Readiness: After the second rise, the dough should be jiggly, filled with large bubbles, and nearly fill the pan.
  8. Prepare for Baking: Pour the remaining garlic oil over the dough’s surface. Using your fingers, press deep dimples into the dough. Sprinkle fresh thyme evenly over the top. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven.
  9. Bake the Focaccia: Bake immediately for 12-18 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches at least 190°F (88°C).
  10. Finish and Serve: Remove the focaccia from the oven and spoon the caramelized onions evenly on top. Let it cool in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, sprinkle flaky sea salt and additional fresh thyme if desired. Slice into 12 servings and enjoy.
  11. Storage Tips: Best served the day it’s made. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator or wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil to freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Notes

  • For best flour measuring, spoon flour into the measuring cup and level off rather than scooping directly to avoid compacting.
  • Use fresh thyme for the best herbaceous flavor but dried thyme can be substituted in smaller quantities.
  • The garlic is removed from the oil to avoid burning and impart a mellow flavor.
  • Using an unlined metal baking pan helps achieve a crispier crust.
  • Ensure the dough doubles in size during rises for optimal texture and airy crumb.
  • Focaccia is best eaten fresh but can be stored or frozen as noted above.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Stovetop and Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Find it online: https://recipeglimpse.com/caramelized-onion-and-thyme-focaccia-recipe/