Print

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://servedbynora.com/caramelized-onion-and-thyme-focaccia-with-garlic-oil-recipe/