Roasted Apple, Onions, and Cheese Focaccia Recipe
Focaccia, with its soft, fluffy texture and flavorful toppings, makes for an exceptional side dish or snack, perfect for any occasion. This Roasted Apple, Onions, and Cheese Focaccia takes a delightful turn with sweet caramelized apples and onions, a hint of earthy thyme, and a finishing touch of crumbled feta cheese. Baked to golden perfection, this focaccia offers a savory-sweet combination thatโs sure to please any palate. It pairs wonderfully with afternoon tea, or as a party appetizer to surprise your guests with something unique and delicious. Letโs dive into this simple yet mouthwatering recipe.
Ingredients for Roasted Apple, Onions, and Cheese Focaccia
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Active dry yeast | 2 teaspoons |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Whole Wheat Flour | 1 cup |
| All Purpose Flour (Maida) | 1 cup |
| Apples (thinly sliced) | 2 |
| Onions (thinly sliced) | 2 |
| Black pepper powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Nutmeg powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh Thyme leaves | 5 sprigs |
| Feta Cheese (crumbled) | 1/4 cup |
| Salt | to taste |
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 10mg |
| Sodium | 300mg |
| Potassium | 250mg |
| Sugars | 10g |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 70 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Italian
Course: Side Dish
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions for Roasted Apple, Onions, and Cheese Focaccia
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Preheat your oven to 180ยฐC (350ยฐF) and let it warm up for about 10 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, and sugar. Mix well to combine the dry ingredients.
- Gradually add lukewarm water and knead the mixture into a soft dough with a consistency similar to pizza dough. If the dough feels too sticky, you can add a little extra flour. If it’s too dry, add a bit more water, one tablespoon at a time.
- Once the dough is smooth, cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and place it in a warm spot to rise for about 30 minutes or until it has doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Topping
- While the dough is rising, heat a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add a little oil and let it warm up.
- Add the sliced apples to the pan and sautรฉ them until they are golden brown and slightly caramelized. Stir occasionally to avoid burning. This should take about 8-10 minutes.
- Once the apples have caramelized, add the sliced onions to the pan, along with brown sugar, nutmeg powder, and salt. Stir to combine, and continue sautรฉing for another 5 minutes. The onions should soften and become slightly caramelized as well.
- Once the apples and onions are well-cooked, remove the mixture from the heat and set it aside.
Step 3: Shape and Assemble the Focaccia
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and knead it for about 10 seconds to remove any air bubbles.
- Grease a baking pan with some oil and lightly dust it with flour to prevent the dough from sticking.
- Spread the dough out on the pan, using your fingers to press it into an even layer. You can also shape the dough into a rectangular or circular form, depending on the pan you’re using.
- Once the dough is flattened, top it evenly with the sautรฉed apple and onion mixture. Make sure to distribute it well across the surface of the dough.
Step 4: Bake the Focaccia
- Brush the edges of the focaccia with honey to help create a crispy, golden brown crust as it bakes.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes or until the focaccia is golden brown and cooked through. The crust should be crispy, and the edges should be lightly browned.
- Once the focaccia is out of the oven, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top while the focaccia is still warm. The heat will help the cheese melt slightly, adding a creamy texture and tangy flavor to the dish.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Allow the focaccia to cool slightly before slicing it into pieces.
- Serve the Roasted Apple, Onions, and Cheese Focaccia as an appetizer at your next party, or enjoy it as a light snack or tea-time treat.
- Pair it with a fresh salad or a warm soup for a wholesome meal.
Tips for Perfecting Your Roasted Apple, Onions, and Cheese Focaccia
- Apple Variety: Use a mix of sweet and tart apples (such as Fuji and Granny Smith) to balance the flavors. The sweet apples caramelize beautifully, while the tart ones add a nice contrast to the richness of the focaccia.
- Thyme: If you can’t find fresh thyme, you can use dried thyme, but be sure to use less. Dried herbs are more concentrated, so about 1-2 teaspoons of dried thyme would be sufficient.
- Customize the Cheese: If you’re not a fan of feta, try using goat cheese or blue cheese for a different twist.
- Make It Vegan: To make this focaccia vegan, simply omit the feta or replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative.
Why You’ll Love This Roasted Apple, Onions, and Cheese Focaccia
This focaccia combines the best of both worldsโsweet and savory. The caramelized apples and onions bring out a depth of flavor, while the fresh thyme and nutmeg powder elevate it with aromatic warmth. The crumbled feta adds a tangy richness that makes every bite a delightful experience. Whether you’re looking for an impressive party appetizer or a cozy tea-time snack, this focaccia delivers the perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Conclusion
The Roasted Apple, Onions, and Cheese Focaccia is a deliciously unique take on the classic Italian bread, with a savory-sweet topping that will have your guests coming back for more. The combination of caramelized apples, onions, fresh herbs, and feta cheese creates a complex flavor profile that’s both comforting and exciting. Serve this focaccia warm, and watch it disappear quicklyโthis is one recipe you’ll want to make again and again!
