Caramelised Onion Focaccia

This caramelised onion focaccia combines a light, bubbly no-knead dough with jammy onions and a sprinkle of flaky salt. An easy yet impressive bake that works as a side, snack, appetizer or sandwich base. Ideal for beginners and bread-lovers alike.

By Love Food Hate Waste

Serves 6

Prep/Cook time: 2.5 hours

Ingredients

For the dough

500g of bread or all-purpose flour

2 tsp salt

7g (one sachet) of instant yeast

400ml warm water

3 tbsp olive oil

For the caramelised onions

2–3 large onions, thinly sliced

2 tbsp olive oil

½ tsp salt

2 tsp balsamic vinegar or a pinch of sugar (optional, speeds caramelising)

To finish

Flaky salt

Black pepper

Any leftovers including nuts, cheese, seeds, garlic, herbs including rosemary or thyme

Perfect portions

Use our portion calculator for a quick and simple way to check how much food to serve with this meal.

Use portion calculator

Recipe

Make the dough (no knead)

In a large bowl, whisk flour, salt, and yeast. Add warm water and olive oil; mix with a spoon until a shaggy, sticky dough forms. Cover tightly and let rise 1–2 hours at room temp until doubled and with visible air bubbles.
Or put in a bowl in the fridge for up to 24 hours for even better flavour.

Caramelise the onions

Heat oil in a large pan over medium-low heat. Add onions and salt. Cook 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deep golden. Add balsamic or sugar in the last 5 minutes to speed up the caramelisation and to add even deeper flavour.

Second rise of the dough

Generously oil a baking sheet or a 9×13” pan. Transfer dough to the pan, stretching gently to fit (if it springs back, rest for 10 min). Cover and let rise another 30–45 minutes until puffy.

Bake the focaccia

Drizzle the dough with olive oil. With oiled fingertips, press deep dimples all over, then spread caramelised onions evenly across the top, finishing with flaky salt and herbs.
Bake at 220°C / 425°F for 20–25 minutes, until golden with crisp edges. Cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing.

Make the most of your leftovers

Store in

Sealed container

Time

3 days

Where to store

Dark cupboard or fridge

Reheat

Warm in the oven for 5 minutes

Perfect portions

Use our portion calculator for a quick and simple way to check how much food to serve with this meal.

Use portion calculator

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