Rosemary & Red Onion Artisan Focaccia
This Rosemary & Red Onion Artisan Focaccia is a delightful, herb-infused bread that boasts a crisp golden crust and a soft, airy inside. Perfect for dipping in olive oil or pairing with your favorite soup or salad, it can be easily made in a bread maker or by hand for those who enjoy the nostalgic touch of kneading dough. This recipe celebrates the robust flavor of fresh rosemary and sweet, caramelized red onions, enhancing the taste with a drizzle of olive oil. Feel free to experiment with toppings of your choice, such as tangy feta or sharp cheddar cheese, to make it your own. Enjoy a comforting slice at any time of the day!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
water
1 cup (room temperature)
olive oil
1/4 cup (divided)
salt
1 1/2 teaspoons
flour
2 1/4 cups (all-purpose)
yellow cornmeal
1/3 cup
sugar
2 teaspoons
bread machine yeast
2 teaspoons
fresh rosemary leaf
1 tablespoon (coarsely chopped)
oregano
2 tablespoons
red onions
1 1/4 cups (sliced)
fresh rosemary
2 tablespoons
salt and pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Measure and add the first 9 ingredients in the bread machine in the order recommended by the manufacturer. Use the dough cycle to mix and knead the ingredients until a smooth dough forms.
2
In a small frying pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced red onions and sauté for about 3 minutes, or until they start to soften. Stir in the chopped fresh rosemary and cook for an additional minute to combine flavors. Remove from heat and set aside.
3
Once the dough cycle is complete, transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Roll or gently stretch the dough into a large circle or rectangle according to your preference.
4
Cover the shaped dough with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and allow it to rise in a warm spot for 20 minutes, or until it has roughly doubled in size.
5
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Once the dough has risen, use your fingers to poke dimples all over the top of the dough. Brush the surface generously with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
6
Spread the sautéed onion and rosemary mixture evenly across the top of the dough. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the focaccia is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Allow it to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rosemary & Red Onion Artisan Focaccia?
It is a savory, herb-infused flatbread known for its crisp golden crust and soft, airy interior, topped with sautéed red onions and fresh rosemary.
Can I make this focaccia without a bread machine?
Yes, while the recipe is designed for a bread machine dough cycle, you can mix and knead the dough by hand until it is smooth.
What type of flour is recommended for this recipe?
This recipe calls for 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour.
What is the purpose of adding cornmeal to the dough?
The 1/3 cup of yellow cornmeal adds a unique texture and flavor to the artisan crust.
How should I prepare the red onions for the topping?
Slice the red onions and sauté them in olive oil for about 3 minutes until soft, then stir in fresh rosemary.
How long does the dough need to rise?
After shaping the dough, let it rise in a warm spot for about 20 minutes or until it has doubled in size.
At what temperature should the focaccia be baked?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How long does the baking process take?
Bake the focaccia for 25 to 30 minutes until it is golden brown.
Why do I need to poke dimples in the dough?
Poking dimples with your fingers helps the olive oil and toppings settle into the bread and prevents the dough from rising too much like a standard loaf.
Can I add cheese to this focaccia?
Yes, you can experiment by adding tangy feta or sharp cheddar cheese to the toppings.
What should I serve with this bread?
It is perfect for dipping in olive oil or serving alongside your favorite soup or salad.
What order should I add ingredients to the bread machine?
Add the first 9 ingredients in the order recommended by your specific bread machine manufacturer.
How do I know when the focaccia is done baking?
It should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when you tap the bottom of the bread.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Rosemary & Red Onion Artisan Focaccia is a vegetarian-friendly recipe.
Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh?
While fresh rosemary is recommended for the best flavor, you can use dried rosemary in smaller quantities.
What is the role of sugar in this bread recipe?
The 2 teaspoons of sugar help feed the yeast and contribute to the browning of the crust.
What temperature should the water be?
The water should be at room temperature to ensure proper yeast activation without killing it.
How much olive oil is used in total?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of olive oil divided between the dough, the sautéing process, and brushing the top.
What shape should I make the dough?
You can roll or stretch the dough into a large circle or a rectangle according to your personal preference.
Can I use bread machine yeast for this?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 2 teaspoons of bread machine yeast.
What spices are included in the dough mixture?
The dough includes salt, coarsely chopped fresh rosemary leaf, and oregano.
Should I cover the dough while it rises?
Yes, cover the shaped dough with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap during the 20-minute rise.
Can I store leftover focaccia?
Yes, store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly. It can be reheated in the oven to restore the crisp crust.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients including the seasonings like salt and pepper.
Do I need to grease the baking sheet?
The recipe uses olive oil on the dough, but you may lightly flour the surface or use parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Can I use other types of onions?
Red onions are used for their sweet, caramelized flavor, but yellow or white onions can be used in a pinch.
Is this bread good for sandwiches?
Absolutely, its soft interior and robust flavor make it excellent for gourmet sandwiches.
Does the dough require a long kneading time?
The bread machine handles the kneading during the dough cycle until the dough is smooth.
Can I add extra herbs?
Yes, feel free to customize the herb profile by adding thyme or basil if desired.
How should I cool the bread?
Allow the focaccia to cool slightly on a wire rack before slicing to maintain the texture of the crumb.