Print

Focaccia with Figs, Caramelized Onions, and Gorgonzola Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

For The Focaccia Dough:

  • 5 Cups All-purpose Unbleached Flour
  • 2 Teaspoons Instant Yeast
  • 23 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