Cheesy Onion Focaccia Bread Recipe: Easy & Delicious!
Craving warm, fluffy bread with golden edges, savory toppings, and loads of cheesy goodness? This Cheesy Onion Focaccia Bread is everything you love about traditional focaccia — with a flavorful twist.
Topped with caramelized onions, melted cheese, and a hint of herbs, it’s crispy on the outside, soft and airy inside, and completely addictive.
Whether you serve it as an appetizer, side dish, or make it the star of your next snack board, this easy recipe is guaranteed to impress — and you don’t need to be a pro baker to pull it off!
Why You’ll Love This Focaccia Recipe
✔ Crispy edges & fluffy center – Classic focaccia texture made simple
✔ Cheesy and savory – The perfect blend of caramelized onion and melted cheese
✔ Easy dough – No complicated steps or equipment
✔ Great for sharing – Perfect for potlucks, dinners, or snack boards
✔ Customizable – Add your favorite cheese or herbs!
The Best Cheesy Onion Focaccia Bread Recipe
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1¾ cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 5 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1½ tsp salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more if needed)
For the Topping:
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for onions)
- 1–1½ cups shredded mozzarella or Italian blend cheese
- 1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary
- Flaky sea salt, for garnish
How to Make Cheesy Onion Focaccia Bread
Step 1: Make the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Stir in salt, 2 tbsp olive oil, and flour, one cup at a time, until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until soft and elastic.
- Place in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Shortcut: You can also mix and knead the dough using a stand mixer with a dough hook.
Step 2: Prepare the Onions
- While the dough rises, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat.
- Add onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 15–20 minutes until caramelized and golden.
- Set aside to cool.
Step 3: Shape and Second Rise
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
- Press the risen dough into the pan, stretching it to the edges.
- Cover and let rest for 20–30 minutes for a second rise.
Step 4: Top and Bake
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Use your fingers to dimple the dough all over.
- Drizzle with remaining olive oil and sprinkle with herbs.
- Spread caramelized onions evenly across the dough.
- Sprinkle generously with shredded cheese.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
- Let cool for 10 minutes, then slice into squares or strips.
- Sprinkle with flaky salt and enjoy warm!
Tasty Variations to Try
1. Garlic & Herb Focaccia
🧄 Add roasted garlic cloves and fresh rosemary instead of onions.
2. Jalapeño Cheddar Focaccia
🌶 Swap mozzarella for cheddar and top with sliced jalapeños for a spicy version.
3. Tomato & Basil Focaccia
🍅 Add cherry tomato halves and fresh basil leaves after baking.
4. Sweet Onion & Goat Cheese
🧅 Use sweet onions and top with crumbled goat cheese for a tangy contrast.
Tips for the Best Focaccia Bread
✔ Use warm water – Too hot will kill the yeast; aim for 105–110°F
✔ Dimple deeply – This traps the olive oil and gives classic focaccia texture
✔ Don’t skimp on olive oil – It’s key for flavor and crust
✔ Let it rest after baking – Slicing too early can make it gummy
What to Serve with Cheesy Onion Focaccia
🥗 Soup or salad – Tomato soup or a fresh arugula salad is perfect
🧀 Charcuterie board – Add focaccia strips to your next snack spread
🍝 Pasta night – Makes an amazing side to any Italian dish
🍳 Eggs or frittata – Turn it into a savory breakfast!
How to Store and Reheat
- Store: Wrap in foil or an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Toast in the oven at 350°F for 5–8 minutes.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat straight from frozen in the oven.
Wrapping Up
This Cheesy Onion Focaccia Bread is the ultimate comfort carb — golden, fluffy, rich with savory flavor, and easy enough for bakers of all levels.
Whether you serve it at a dinner party or sneak a warm piece for a midday snack, one thing is guaranteed: you’ll want to make it again and again.
Tried a fun topping combo? Share your version in the comments! 🧀🧅🍞
