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Focaccia with Figs, Caramelized Onions, and Gorgonzola Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 147 reviews

This delicious focaccia features a fragrant, tender bread base topped with caramelized onions, fresh figs, and tangy Gorgonzola cheese. A perfect combination of sweet, savory, and creamy flavors with a lovely, dimpled golden crust. Ideal as an appetizer, snack, or complementary side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

  • 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
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil (for drizzling)
  • 6 to 8 Fresh Figs, Ends Trimmed & Sliced
  • 4 to 5 Ounces Gorgonzola Cheese
  • Coarse Sea Salt
  • Cracked Black Pepper

Instructions

  1. Gather Ingredients: Measure and assemble your flour, oil, salt, yeast, and water.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: Add everything but the water into a large bowl and stir to combine the dry ingredients and oil.
  3. Add Water Gradually: Add half the warm water and stir, then continue gradually adding water until the dough starts to form a shaggy ball.
  4. Knead Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead using the heels of your hands for about 5 minutes, until smooth and pliant.
  5. Prepare for Rising: Oil a large bowl with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and place the dough ball inside, rolling it to coat with oil on all sides.
  6. First Rise: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and a kitchen towel, place in a warm spot such as a sunny windowsill, and allow the dough to rise until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
  7. Caramelize Onions: While dough rises, heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a heavy frying pan over medium-low heat, add sliced onions and cook, stirring often, until very soft and beginning to brown, about 12-14 minutes. Cover and set aside.
  8. Prepare Baking Sheet: Lightly oil a 13×9 inch baking sheet with sides to prevent sticking.
  9. Shape Dough: Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to the prepared pan. Use your fingers to press and spread the dough evenly over the bottom.
  10. Second Rise: Cover dough with a kitchen towel and let it rise again for about 20 minutes, or until it dimples when poked.
  11. Create Dimples: Use your fingertips to create a series of dimples across the entire surface of the dough.
  12. Apply Olive Oil: Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the dough, gently tilting the pan to let oil sink into the indentations.
  13. Add Toppings: Evenly scatter the caramelized onions across the dough, then arrange the sliced figs over the top.
  14. Add Cheese & Seasoning: Break the Gorgonzola cheese into small pieces and scatter across the focaccia. Sprinkle coarse sea salt and cracked black pepper evenly over all toppings.
  15. Bake: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the focaccia on the middle rack for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
  16. Cool & Serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool to room temperature before slicing and serving to fully enjoy the flavors and texture.

Notes

  • Use unbleached all-purpose flour for best texture.
  • Gorgonzola can be substituted with other blue cheeses or a mild soft cheese if preferred.
  • Ensure onions are caramelized slowly to develop sweetness without burning.
  • The second rise after shaping helps create the classic focaccia lightness and airy texture.
  • Adjust olive oil quantity to keep the bread moist without making it greasy.
  • If warm spots for rising are unavailable, use your oven with the light on to create a warm environment.

Keywords: focaccia, caramelized onions, figs, gorgonzola, Italian bread, savory bread, sweet and savory, olive oil, homemade bread

Find it online: https://spiceupwithsophie.com/focaccia-with-figs-caramelized-onions-and-gorgonzola-recipe/