Caramelized Onion and Thyme Focaccia with Garlic Oil Recipe

Introduction

Caramelized Onion Focaccia is a flavorful twist on a classic Italian bread, featuring sweet, deeply caramelized onions and fragrant thyme. This soft, golden focaccia makes a perfect snack or accompaniment to your meals.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp salted butter
• 4 cups diced yellow onions
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tbsp fresh thyme (chopped)
• 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
• 1-2 tbsp fresh thyme
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 whole garlic cloves (crushed)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Melt the butter and 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in the diced onions, add 1/4 cup water, and cover until the onions soften, about 5 minutes. Remove the cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Stir frequently to prevent burning and cook for about 1 hour until onions are deeply caramelized. Scrape onions into a bowl and mix in 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 2 1/2 cups flour, 1 1/4 cup lukewarm water, 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon sugar, 2 teaspoons instant yeast, and 3/4 teaspoon salt. Mix thoroughly with a wooden spoon until fully combined.
3. Step 3: Lightly oil your hands and a large bowl. Place the dough in the bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
4. Step 4: Meanwhile, prepare the garlic oil by heating 1/4 cup olive oil in a skillet. Add crushed garlic cloves and cook for 5 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove and discard garlic, then set the oil aside to cool.
5. Step 5: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Pour half of the garlic oil into an unlined 9×9 metal baking pan and set aside.
6. Step 6: Once dough has doubled, oil your hands and stretch the top section of dough upward, folding it toward the center. Repeat on all four sides. Transfer dough seam-side down into the oiled pan. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise again in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
7. Step 7: The dough should look jiggly with large bubbles and nearly fill the pan when ready.
8. Step 8: Pour the remaining garlic oil over the dough. Use your fingers to create deep dimples across the surface. Sprinkle with fresh thyme, then bake immediately for 12–18 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches at least 190°F (88°C).
9. Step 9: Remove from oven and spoon the caramelized onions over the top. Let cool on a wire rack. Once cool, sprinkle with flaky sea salt and extra fresh thyme if desired. Slice and serve.

Tips & Variations

• Measure flour by spooning it into your cup and leveling it off for best texture—avoid scooping directly from the bag.
• For a richer flavor, substitute some all-purpose flour with bread flour.
• Try adding olives or sundried tomatoes with the onions for extra savory notes.
• Use fresh rosemary instead of thyme if you prefer a slightly piney aroma.

Storage

Focaccia is best enjoyed the day it’s made. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, wrap tightly in plastic and foil for up to one month. Reheat by warming in the oven or microwave until heated through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking.

What if I don’t have instant yeast?

Active dry yeast can be used instead, but dissolve it in warm water and let it activate for 5–10 minutes before mixing into the dough.

Caramelized Onion and Thyme Focaccia with Garlic Oil Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 124 reviews

This Caramelized Onion Focaccia is a beautifully soft and flavorful Italian bread featuring deeply caramelized onions, fresh thyme, and a touch of parmesan cheese. The dough is enriched with olive oil and slowly risen for extra airiness, then baked to a golden crisp with fragrant garlic oil brushed on top. Perfect as a snack or accompaniment to any meal, this focaccia boasts a rich, savory profile with the sweet depth of caramelized onions and a pleasant herbal note from thyme.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: 9 servings 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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 cups 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 (for topping)
• 1/4 cup olive oil (for garlic oil and pan)
• 3 whole garlic cloves, crushed
• Flaky sea salt (for finishing, optional)

Instructions

1. Caramelize the Onions: Melt the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and water, cover the pan, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Remove the cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and stir frequently for about 1 hour until the onions turn deeply golden and caramelized. Transfer to a bowl and stir in chopped fresh thyme.
2. Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, lukewarm water, parmesan cheese, olive oil, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Mix thoroughly using a wooden spoon until you have a uniform dough.
3. First Rise: Lightly oil your hands and a large bowl. Place the dough in the bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and put it in a warm spot to rise until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour.
4. Prepare Garlic Oil: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add crushed garlic cloves and cook for about 5 minutes until fragrant and beginning to brown. Remove and discard garlic cloves. Allow the garlic-infused oil to cool.
5. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your 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 doubled in size, lightly oil your hands. Stretch and fold each of the four sides of the dough toward the center, creating tension on the surface. Carefully transfer the dough seam side down into the oiled baking pan. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise again for 1 hour or until doubled.
7. Check Dough Readiness: After the second rise, the dough should be jiggly with visible large air bubbles and nearly fill the pan.
8. Add Garlic Oil and Dimple Dough: Pour the remaining garlic oil evenly over the dough. Using your fingers, press firmly to make deep dimples all over the surface. Sprinkle fresh thyme evenly on top.
9. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 12-18 minutes until the top is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches at least 190°F (88°C).
10. Finish and Serve: Remove focaccia from the oven and spoon the caramelized onions evenly over the top. Let cool on a wire rack. When cool, sprinkle with flaky sea salt and additional fresh thyme if desired. Slice and serve. Best enjoyed the day it’s made.
11. Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for freezing up to one month. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Notes

• Measure flour by spooning it into a measuring cup and leveling off with a knife for accuracy.
• Ensure onions are cooked slowly to prevent burning and achieve deep caramelization.
• The garlic oil adds a subtle garlic flavor without overpowering the focaccia.
• Use fresh thyme for best flavor in both the dough and topping.
• For a crispier crust, bake in a metal pan; avoid glass or ceramic which retain moisture.

Keywords: Caramelized Onion Focaccia, Italian bread, caramelized onions, thyme focaccia, garlic oil focaccia, homemade focaccia, savory bread