Garlic Focaccia Bread with Caramelized Onions and White Cheddar is one of those comforting recipes that can transform any gathering into a gourmet experience. I remember the first time I pulled a golden, aromatic loaf out of the oven; the rich scent of caramelized onions and melting cheese wafted through my kitchen, making it impossible to resist. This focaccia is perfect for family dinners, casual brunches, or even as an impressive appetizer for special occasions. The combination of flavors is simply irresistible, and once you take a bite, you’ll understand just why this recipe deserves a spot in your recipe collection.

What Makes This Recipe Special

There are countless reasons to fall in love with this Garlic Focaccia Bread. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, even for novice bakers. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll create a warm, delicious bread that rivals any artisan bakery. Plus, the combination of caramelized onions and white cheddar elevates this simple focaccia to an indulgent treat.

If you’re searching for a dish that’s both budget-friendly and sure to please a crowd, look no further. This recipe not only promises excellent flavor, but it also results in a versatile bread that pairs perfectly with soups, salads, or on its own as a snack.

"This focaccia was a game changer—everyone in my family asked for seconds! Love how easy it was to assemble and bake."

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Ready to enhance your culinary skills and impress your guests? Here’s a quick overview of what to expect in this satisfying cooking adventure. Start by activating the yeast, then mix the ingredients to form a dough. After a quick rise, you’ll shape it, top it with delicious onions and cheese, and bake until golden. It’s as simple as that!

Gather Your Ingredients

Before diving into preparation, ensure you have everything you need. Here’s the list:

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2 cups warm water
1 packet active dry yeast
1 tablespoon sugar
5 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons salt
1/4 cup olive oil
1 large onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh herbs (such as rosemary or thyme) for garnish

Feel free to substitute the white cheddar with another cheese if you prefer, such as mozzarella or even a sharp cheddar.

Step-by-Step Directions

In a bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Allow it to sit for 5 minutes or until it appears frothy.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour and salt before adding in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for roughly 10 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until it has doubled in size.
While the dough is rising, caramelize the sliced onions in butter over medium heat until they are golden brown and sweetly aromatic.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently, then spread it evenly into a greased baking pan.
Top the dough with the caramelized onions, minced garlic, and shredded white cheddar cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the focaccia is golden brown and cooked through.
Once baked, garnish with fresh herbs and get ready to enjoy!

Best Way to Serve

This Garlic Focaccia Bread is incredibly versatile. Serve it warm alongside a hearty soup or a crisp salad for a complete meal. It also makes an excellent base for sandwiches or as an appetizer for guests. Don’t be afraid to offer it with dips like balsamic vinegar and olive oil or a robust pesto.

Best Way to Store Garlic Focaccia Bread

To keep your focaccia fresh longer, store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature. It’s best enjoyed within a couple of days. For longer storage, consider freezing it. Wrap the focaccia securely in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to indulge again, simply thaw and reheat in the oven for that fresh-baked aroma.

Expert Advice

To achieve the best results with your focaccia, remember to use really good-quality olive oil for flavor. When caramelizing the onions, patience is key; low and slow is the way to go to develop that sweet, rich taste. If you want to get a head start, you can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the refrigerator.

Creative Twists

Use this basic recipe as a jumping-off point for creativity. Swap out the white cheddar for another cheese you love—blue cheese or goat cheese would add a delightful zing. You could also mix in roasted garlic instead of fresh to enhance the flavor, or top it with sun-dried tomatoes and olives for a Mediterranean flair.

Your Questions Answered

How long does it take to make this focaccia?

The total time for making this focaccia is about 2-3 hours, including rising time, but most of it is just waiting for the dough to double in size.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! This recipe is already vegetarian, but if you want to keep it plant-based, ensure your cheese is dairy-free.

How do I know when the focaccia is done baking?

Look for a golden-brown crust and a hollow sound when you tap the bottom of the bread. Also, the cheese should be bubbly and melted.

This Garlic Focaccia Bread, with its incredible flavors and textures, is bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy the process as much as the outcome!

Garlic Focaccia Bread with Caramelized Onions and White Cheddar

Total Time: 150 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A comforting garlic focaccia bread topped with caramelized onions and white cheddar cheese, perfect for any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups warm water
1 packet active dry yeast
1 tablespoon sugar
5 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons salt
1/4 cup olive oil
1 large onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh herbs (such as rosemary or thyme) for garnish

Instructions

In a bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Allow it to sit for 5 minutes or until it appears frothy.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour and salt before adding in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for roughly 10 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until it has doubled in size.
While the dough is rising, caramelize the sliced onions in butter over medium heat until they are golden brown and sweetly aromatic.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently, then spread it evenly into a greased baking pan.
Top the dough with the caramelized onions, minced garlic, and shredded white cheddar cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the focaccia is golden brown and cooked through.
Once baked, garnish with fresh herbs and get ready to enjoy!

Notes

For added flavor, ensure you use high-quality olive oil. The focaccia is great served warm with soups or salads, and leftovers can be stored in an airtight container.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 250
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 250mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: focaccia, bread, garlic, caramelized onions, vegetarian