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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Measure and assemble your flour, oil, salt, yeast, and warm water to start your focaccia dough.
- Mix Ingredients: Combine all dry ingredients into a large bowl, then add half the warm water and stir to start forming the dough.
- Add Water Gradually: Slowly add the remaining water while stirring until the dough begins to form a shaggy ball.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Lightly oil a 13 x 9-inch baking sheet with sides.
- Punch Down Dough: Transfer risen dough to the oiled pan, pressing and stretching evenly to cover the bottom of the pan.
- Second Rise: Cover dough with a kitchen towel and let rise for another 20 minutes until it slightly springs back when poked.
- Dimple Dough: Use your fingertips to create dimples all over the dough surface.
- Drizzle Olive Oil: Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the dough and tilt the pan to help oil settle into dimples.
- Add Toppings: Evenly scatter caramelized onions on top, then arrange sliced figs and crumble Gorgonzola cheese over the surface.
- Season: Sprinkle coarse sea salt and cracked black pepper over the focaccia.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake focaccia for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown.
- 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
