Focaccia with Figs, Caramelized Onions, and Gorgonzola Recipe

Introduction

This focaccia combines the sweetness of caramelized onions and fresh figs with the bold tang of Gorgonzola cheese for a stunning and flavorful bread. Perfect as an appetizer or alongside your favorite salad, it’s a delightful twist on classic focaccia.

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
• 1¾ cups warm water
• 1 large onion, peeled and sliced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil (for onions)
• Extra virgin olive oil (for baking)
• 6 to 8 fresh figs, ends trimmed and sliced
• 4 to 5 ounces Gorgonzola cheese
• Coarse sea salt
• Cracked black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, salt, and 2 to 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Stir well to mix.
2. Step 2: Gradually add the warm water, starting with half, and stir until the dough begins to come together into a shaggy ball. Add more water as needed.
3. Step 3: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and pliant.
4. Step 4: Pour 2 tablespoons of olive oil into a large bowl and roll the dough ball in the oil to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place in a warm spot to rise until doubled in size, about 1 to 1½ hours.
5. Step 5: While the dough rises, prepare the caramelized onions. Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a heavy pan over medium-low heat, add the sliced onions, and cook slowly, stirring often, until soft and lightly browned, about 12 to 14 minutes. Cover and set aside.
6. Step 6: Lightly oil a 13×9 inch baking sheet. Transfer the risen dough into the pan, punch it down, and press evenly across the bottom.
7. Step 7: Cover with a kitchen towel and let the dough rise again for about 20 minutes until it dimples when pressed gently with your fingertip.
8. Step 8: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Use your fingertips to dimple the entire surface of the dough.
9. Step 9: Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the top, tilting the pan so oil settles into the indentations.
10. Step 10: Evenly scatter the caramelized onions over the dough, then arrange the sliced figs on top.
11. Step 11: Break the Gorgonzola cheese into small pieces and scatter over the focaccia.
12. Step 12: Sprinkle with coarse sea salt and cracked black pepper.
13. Step 13: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown. Let cool to room temperature before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use ripe but firm figs for the best texture and flavor.
• For a milder cheese option, substitute Gorgonzola with goat cheese or feta.
• Adding fresh rosemary to the dough before baking gives an aromatic boost.
• Make the dough ahead and refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor development.

Storage

Store leftovers tightly wrapped or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To refresh, warm slices in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes. Focaccia can also be frozen; wrap well and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use dried figs instead of fresh?

Fresh figs provide the best texture and juiciness, but dried figs can be used if soaked in warm water for 15 minutes to soften before slicing.

What type of olive oil is best for this recipe?

Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for both the dough and topping to enhance flavor and richness.

Focaccia with Figs, Caramelized Onions, and Gorgonzola Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 100 reviews

This Focaccia with Figs, Caramelized Onions, and Gorgonzola Cheese is a savory and sweet Italian flatbread that combines the soft, olive oil-enriched focaccia dough with tender caramelized onions, juicy fresh figs, and tangy, creamy Gorgonzola cheese. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or accompaniment to meals, this recipe yields a beautifully golden, dimpled bread with a delightful balance of flavors and textures.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 1 focaccia (about 8 servings) 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For The Focaccia 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

For The Onions:

• 1 Large Onion, Peeled & Sliced
• 3 Tablespoons Olive Oil

For Baking:

• 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

1. Prepare Dough Ingredients: Measure and assemble your flour, olive oil, salt, yeast, and warm water. Add everything except the water into a large bowl and stir to combine.
2. Add Water and Form Dough: Gradually add half the warm water and stir, then continue adding the remaining water until a shaggy dough ball forms.
3. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead with the heels of your hands for about 5 minutes until smooth and pliant.
4. First Rise: Lightly oil the bottom of a large bowl with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, place the dough inside, rolling it to coat all sides with oil. Cover with plastic wrap and a kitchen towel, then place in a warm spot to rise until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
5. Caramelize Onions: While the dough rises, heat 3 tablespoons olive oil over medium-low heat in a heavy frying pan. Add sliced onions and cook, stirring often, until very soft and beginning to brown, about 12 to 14 minutes. Cover and set aside.
6. Prepare Baking Pan and Dough: Lightly oil a 13 x 9 inch baking sheet with sides. Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to the pan. Use your fingers to gently spread it evenly across the bottom.
7. Second Rise: Cover the dough with a kitchen towel and let it rise for about 20 minutes, or until the dough dimples when pressed with a fingertip.
8. Dimple and Oil Dough Surface: Use your fingertips to dimple the entire surface of the dough, then drizzle olive oil over the top, tilting the pan to allow the oil to seep into the indentations.
9. Add Toppings: Evenly spread the caramelized onions over the dough, arrange the sliced figs on top, then scatter pieces of Gorgonzola cheese across the surface. Finish by sprinkling coarse sea salt and cracked black pepper over everything.
10. Bake: Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C). Bake the focaccia for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
11. Cool and Serve: Allow the focaccia to cool to room temperature before slicing and serving to enjoy the full depth of flavors and texture.

Notes

• You can substitute Gorgonzola with other blue cheese varieties if preferred.
• For a more intense caramelized onion flavor, cook onions longer on lower heat until deep brown but not burnt.
• Use fresh, ripe figs for best texture and sweetness contrast.
• Ensure water is warm but not hot to activate yeast effectively without killing it.
• This focaccia can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature and pairs well with salads and charcuterie boards.

Keywords: Focaccia, Fig Bread, Caramelized Onions, Gorgonzola Cheese, Italian Bread, Savory Bread, Flatbread, Appetizer, Snack