Focaccia with Figs, Caramelized Onions, and Gorgonzola Recipe

Introduction

This focaccia with figs, caramelized onions, and Gorgonzola cheese is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, it makes an impressive yet easy-to-make snack or appetizer.

Ingredients

• 5 cups all-purpose unbleached flour
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 2–3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (plus 2 additional tablespoons to oil bowl)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 3/4 cups warm water
• 1 large onion, peeled and sliced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
• 6 to 8 fresh figs, ends trimmed and sliced
• 4 to 5 ounces Gorgonzola cheese
• Coarse sea salt
• Cracked black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, salt, and 2–3 tablespoons of olive oil. Stir well to mix.
2. Step 2: Add half of the warm water to the flour mixture and stir. Gradually add the remaining water until the dough begins to form a shaggy ball.
3. Step 3: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and pliant.
4. Step 4: Pour 2 tablespoons of olive oil into a large bowl. Place the dough inside and roll it around to coat all sides with oil.
5. Step 5: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in a warm spot to rise until doubled in size, about 1 to 1 ½ hours.
6. Step 6: While the dough rises, caramelize the onions by heating 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a heavy pan over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring often, until soft and browning, about 12 to 14 minutes. Cover and set aside.
7. Step 7: Lightly oil a 13 x 9 inch baking sheet with sides. Punch down the risen dough and press it evenly into the pan using your fingers.
8. Step 8: Cover the dough with a kitchen towel and let it rise another 20 minutes until it slightly springs back when pressed.
9. Step 9: Use your fingertips to dimple the entire surface of the dough. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the top, allowing it to pool in the indentations.
10. Step 10: Evenly spread the caramelized onions over the dough, then arrange the sliced figs on top. Break the Gorgonzola cheese into small pieces and scatter it across the focaccia.
11. Step 11: Sprinkle coarse sea salt and cracked black pepper over the surface.
12. Step 12: Bake in a preheated 425°F (220°C) oven for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown. Let cool to room temperature before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add fresh rosemary or thyme leaves on top before baking.
• Swap Gorgonzola for blue cheese or goat cheese if preferred.
• Use dried figs if fresh ones are unavailable, but rehydrate them briefly in warm water.
• Make sure the onions brown slowly for the best caramelized taste; don’t rush this step.

Storage

Store leftover focaccia wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat slices gently in a warm oven or toaster oven to restore crispness before serving.

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 slowly in the refrigerator overnight. Bring it to room temperature before shaping and proceeding with the recipe.

What can I serve with this focaccia?

This focaccia pairs well with simple salads, soups, or can be served as part of a cheese and charcuterie board.

Focaccia with Figs, Caramelized Onions, and Gorgonzola Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 140 reviews

• Author: Harry
• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This delicious focaccia recipe features a beautifully soft and airy bread topped with sweet figs, rich caramelized onions, and tangy Gorgonzola cheese. The contrast of flavors and textures makes it an elegant yet rustic appetizer or snack, perfect for a special occasion or gourmet treat at home.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough Ingredients

• 5 Cups All-purpose Unbleached Flour
• 2 Teaspoons Instant Yeast
• 2 – 3 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Plus 2 Additional Tablespoons To Oil Bowl)
• 1 Teaspoon Salt
• 1 3/4 Cups Warm Water

Toppings

• 1 Large Onion, Peeled & Sliced
• 3 Tablespoons Olive Oil (for caramelizing onions)
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil (for drizzling and oiling pan)
• 6 to 8 Fresh Figs, Ends Trimmed & Sliced
• 4 to 5 Ounces Gorgonzola Cheese
• Coarse Sea Salt
• Cracked Black Pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients: Measure and assemble your flour, oil, salt, yeast, and warm water to start your focaccia dough.
2. Mix Ingredients: Combine all dry ingredients into a large bowl, then add half the warm water and stir to start forming the dough.
3. Add Water Gradually: Slowly add the remaining water while stirring until the dough begins to form a shaggy ball.
4. Knead Dough: Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and knead with the heels of your hands for about 5 minutes until smooth and pliant.
5. First Rise: Oil a large bowl with 2 tablespoons olive oil, place the dough inside, coat with oil, cover with plastic wrap, and set in a warm spot to rise until doubled in size, approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
6. Caramelize Onions: While dough rises, heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a heavy frying pan over medium-low heat, add sliced onions, and cook gently, stirring often, for 12-14 minutes until soft and lightly browned. Cover and set aside.
7. Prepare Baking Sheet: Lightly oil a 13 x 9-inch baking sheet with sides.
8. Punch Down Dough: Transfer risen dough to the oiled pan, pressing and stretching evenly to cover the bottom of the pan.
9. Second Rise: Cover dough with a kitchen towel and let rise for another 20 minutes until it slightly springs back when poked.
10. Dimple Dough: Use your fingertips to create dimples all over the dough surface.
11. Drizzle Olive Oil: Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the dough and tilt the pan to help oil settle into dimples.
12. Add Toppings: Evenly scatter caramelized onions on top, then arrange sliced figs and crumble Gorgonzola cheese over the surface.
13. Season: Sprinkle coarse sea salt and cracked black pepper over the focaccia.
14. Bake: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake focaccia for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown.
15. Cool: Allow focaccia to cool to room temperature before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Use unbleached all-purpose flour for better texture and flavor.
• Fresh figs should be trimmed of ends and sliced evenly for balanced topping.
• Gorgonzola cheese provides a tangy, creamy contrast—feel free to adjust quantity based on preference.
• Caramelizing onions slowly ensures deep sweetness and soft texture enhancing the focaccia topping.
• Letting the dough rise in a warm environment is critical for proper fermentation and texture.
• Cooling the focaccia before slicing helps maintain the structure and prevents it from becoming soggy.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: focaccia, fig focaccia, caramelized onion bread, Gorgonzola cheese focaccia, Italian bread, savory focaccia, artisanal bread