This Onion Thyme Focaccia is a delightful twist on the classic Italian bread. The combination of caramelized onions and fresh thyme creates a savory topping that perfectly complements the soft, airy dough. Ideal for serving as an appetizer, side dish, or even a snack, this focaccia is sure to impress your family and friends.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are common pantry staples, but you may need to pick up fresh thyme leaves if you don't have them on hand. Fresh thyme adds a unique, aromatic flavor that dried thyme can't quite replicate. Additionally, make sure you have active dry yeast for the dough, as it's essential for the bread to rise properly.
Ingredients for Onion Thyme Focaccia
Flour: The base of the dough, providing structure and texture.
Active dry yeast: A leavening agent that helps the dough rise.
Water: Used to hydrate the dough and activate the yeast.
Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness.
Salt: Enhances the flavor of the dough.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb.
Onions: Caramelized to add a sweet and savory topping.
Thyme leaves: Fresh herbs that add an aromatic flavor.
Coarse sea salt: Sprinkled on top for a burst of salty flavor.
Technique Tip for Making This Focaccia
When caramelizing onions, make sure to cook them slowly over medium heat. This allows the natural sugars in the onions to break down and develop a deep, rich flavor. Stir occasionally to prevent burning and ensure even cooking. Patience is key to achieving perfectly caramelized onions.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
all-purpose flour - Substitute with bread flour: Bread flour has a higher protein content, which can give the focaccia a chewier texture.
active dry yeast - Substitute with instant yeast: Instant yeast can be mixed directly into the dry ingredients without needing to be dissolved in water first.
warm water - Substitute with milk: Milk can add a richer flavor and softer texture to the dough.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can add a subtle sweetness and a slightly different flavor profile.
salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt has a coarser grain and can enhance the flavor of the focaccia.
olive oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point, making it a good alternative.
onions - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and sweeter flavor compared to onions.
fresh thyme leaves - Substitute with dried thyme: Dried thyme is more concentrated, so use about one-third of the amount of fresh thyme.
coarse sea salt - Substitute with fleur de sel: Fleur de sel is a delicate finishing salt that can add a subtle crunch and enhance the flavor.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Focaccia
How to Store / Freeze This Focaccia
- Allow the focaccia to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation from making the bread soggy.
- Wrap the focaccia tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain its freshness.
- Store the wrapped focaccia in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag to keep it from drying out.
- Keep the focaccia at room temperature if you plan to consume it within 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it.
- To freeze, wrap the focaccia in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
- Place the wrapped focaccia in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label it with the date to keep track of its freshness.
- When ready to eat, thaw the focaccia at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
- For a freshly baked taste, reheat the focaccia in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warm and crispy.
- If you prefer, you can also reheat individual slices in a toaster oven for a quick and easy snack.
- Enjoy your onion thyme focaccia with a drizzle of olive oil or alongside your favorite soups and salads.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover focaccia on a baking sheet and cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the crust is crispy again.
For a quicker method, use a toaster oven. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and place the focaccia directly on the rack. Heat for 5-7 minutes, keeping an eye on it to ensure it doesn't burn.
If you prefer using a microwave, place a damp paper towel over the focaccia to keep it moist. Microwave on medium power for 30-45 seconds. Note that this method may make the crust less crispy.
For a stovetop method, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the focaccia in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for 2-3 minutes on each side until warmed through and slightly crispy.
If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 320°F (160°C). Place the focaccia in the basket and heat for 3-5 minutes. This method will keep the crust crispy and the inside soft.
Best Tools for Baking Focaccia
Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt, and to mix the dough.
Measuring cups: Used to measure the flour and warm water accurately.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the yeast, sugar, salt, and olive oil.
Wooden spoon: Used to mix the dough ingredients together until a dough forms.
Floured surface: A clean surface dusted with flour to knead the dough on.
Skillet: Used to heat olive oil and caramelize the onions.
Baking sheet: A greased sheet used to spread out the dough for baking.
Oven: Preheated to 425°F (220°C) to bake the focaccia.
Knife: Used to thinly slice the onions.
Cutting board: A surface to safely slice the onions on.
Kitchen towel: Used to cover the dough while it rises.
Cooling rack: Used to let the focaccia cool slightly before slicing and serving.
How to Save Time on Making This Focaccia
Prepare ingredients in advance: Slice the onions and measure out the flour, yeast, and other ingredients the night before.
Use a stand mixer: Let a stand mixer do the heavy lifting for kneading the dough, saving you time and effort.
Caramelize onions ahead: Cook the onions earlier in the day and store them in the fridge until ready to use.
Quick rise method: Place the dough in a slightly warm oven to speed up the rising process.
Preheat oven early: Start preheating your oven while the dough is rising to save time.
Onion Thyme Focaccia Recipe
Ingredients
Dough
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup olive oil
Topping
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
Instructions
- 1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
- 2. Add the warm water and ¼ cup of olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
- 3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- 4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- 5. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- 6. In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until caramelized, about 10 minutes.
- 7. Punch down the dough and spread it out on a greased baking sheet. Use your fingers to make dimples in the dough.
- 8. Spread the caramelized onions over the dough. Sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves and coarse sea salt.
- 9. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- 10. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
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