Focaccia with Red Onions and Stracchino Cheese
Focaccia with red onions and stracchino cheese is an irresistibly soft, savory Italian bread that combines the rich flavors of a lightly seasoned dough with the creaminess of stracchino cheese and the sweetness of caramelized red onions. The bread itself is wonderfully tender, thanks to the unique combination of flours and the addition of extra virgin olive oil, which adds a fragrant touch. This recipe is perfect for a cozy family meal or to impress your guests with a fresh, homemade delight.
Category: Yeast Breads
Serves: 6 people
Preparation Time: 2 hours and 30 minutes (including resting time)
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Manitoba flour | 200g |
| All-purpose flour (00 type) | 300g |
| Water | 300g |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 40g |
| Dry yeast | 4g |
| Fine salt | 8g |
| Sugar | 5g |
| Stracchino cheese | 250g |
| Red onions | 250g |
| Extra virgin olive oil (for topping) | to taste |
| Fine salt (for topping) | to taste |
| Black pepper (for topping) | to taste |
Instructions
1. Prepare the dough:
Start by placing the dry yeast and sugar into a large mixing bowl. Pour in the warm water and use a fork to mix the ingredients together, ensuring that the yeast and sugar dissolve completely. This will activate the yeast, setting the stage for a fluffy and airy focaccia.
2. Incorporate the flours:
Gradually add the Manitoba flour and all-purpose flour into the bowl, stirring continuously with a fork until the mixture starts to come together. When the dough begins to form, it’s time to add the olive oil. Pour in the 40g of extra virgin olive oil and continue mixing with the fork until the oil is fully incorporated.
3. Season the dough:
Add the fine salt into the dough and mix it in well. This will not only enhance the flavor but also help in the development of the dough’s structure. Once the ingredients are mixed, switch to using your hands to knead the dough. Knead for about 10 minutes, until the dough is smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky.
4. First proofing:
Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil and place the dough inside. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise for about 2 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size. This slow rise allows the yeast to develop the dough’s flavor and texture.
5. Prepare the toppings:
While the dough is resting, peel the red onions and slice them thinly into rings, keeping the slices intact and not separating the rings. Set them aside for later use.
6. Shape the dough:
Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles, and then transfer it onto a lightly floured surface. Using your hands, stretch the dough into a rough rectangle or circle that fits the size of your baking pan. The dough should be about 1 to 1.5 cm thick.
7. Second proofing:
Place the shaped dough onto a greased baking tray or a lined sheet pan. Use your fingertips to press indentations into the dough, which is characteristic of focaccia. Once the dough is evenly spread out, cover the tray with a clean cloth and let it rise for another 20 minutes. This second rise will ensure the dough becomes extra light and fluffy during baking.
8. Top the focaccia:
After the second rise, gently arrange the onion rings over the surface of the dough. Then, crumble or dollop the stracchino cheese evenly over the onions. Stracchino’s creamy texture will melt beautifully into the dough as it bakes, creating a rich and flavorful topping.
9. Season and bake:
Drizzle the dough with a generous amount of extra virgin olive oil, then sprinkle a pinch of fine salt and black pepper over the top to season the focaccia. This will enhance the flavors of the onions and cheese while ensuring that the crust develops a perfect golden color. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) in static mode, and bake the focaccia for 20 to 25 minutes, or until it is golden brown and the cheese has melted and bubbly.
10. Serve:
Remove the focaccia from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before slicing it into squares or wedges. The crust should be crisp, while the inside remains soft and fluffy, with every bite delivering a perfect balance of sweet onions and creamy cheese. Serve warm, as an appetizer, snack, or as part of a delicious Italian meal.
Enjoy this delightful focaccia with a glass of your favorite wine or alongside a fresh salad for a meal that’s bursting with Mediterranean flavors!
This Focaccia with Red Onions and Stracchino Cheese is a versatile dish that is sure to become a family favorite. The dough’s light, airy texture combined with the savory sweetness of the red onions and the rich creaminess of stracchino cheese makes it a standout addition to any meal. Whether served as a starter or enjoyed on its own with a side of fresh olives or prosciutto, this focaccia will elevate any occasion.
