Focaccia Bread with Caramelized Shallots and Thyme

One of the easiest homemade bread recipes is Focaccia bread. This Focaccia bread with caramelized onions and thyme is a fantastic small batch bread recipe that is perfect for weekend baking or for holiday bread.

It makes 9 generous squares or can be sliced on the diagonal for a larger serving size of 18 triangles. You can make it in the morning, and just quickly reheat it before serving.

Why You'll Love It:

• The texture of this focaccia bread is light and springy and when combined with the sweet caramelized shallots and thyme the result is so delicious.
• It also makes fantastic sandwich bread, toasted the next day, for your leftover turkey sandwiches! 
• You can make it ahead of time and just reheat it before serving

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STEP#1: Create the Yeast Mixture

For this recipe I use Active Dry Yeast, which needs to be dissolved in warm water first. It's important that the water is within the range of 110F-115F. If it's not warm enough, the yeast will not activate, if it's too hot it will kill the yeast. 

How To Tell If Your Yeast Is Alive?

You will know your yeast is active if it turns foamy and cloudy. It should look like this. If the yeast is active, you can proceed to the next step of adding the rest of the ingredients. 

If the yeast doesn't foam, it means it is dead and is no longer active. At this point, it's best to start again with a fresh yeast packet, before continuing with the recipe.

STEP#2: Add Yeast Mixture to the Dry Ingredients

Once the flour and salt have been combined, add the foamy yeast mixture and combine with a dough whisk or wooden spoon. 

Then you'll knead the dough on a floured board for 3-4 minutes until the dough is elastic and no longer sticky to the touch. Place the dough in the oiled bowl and cover it with a clean dishtowel to rise for 1 hour in a warm place. 

STEP#3: 1st Rising

Once risen the dough will triple in size and fill the bowl. Remove the dough and transfer to a floured surface and knead again for a few minutes, adding flour if needed to avoid sticking.

STEP#4: Place Focaccia Dough in Pan

Roll the dough out to a rough square and then fit it into a 9 x 9 square pan that has been greased with olive oil. If the dough is hard to stretch, just allow it to rest for a minute and then try again. It gets easier to maneuver as it rests. 

Why I Love Using a Removable Bottom Pan

Making this bread in a removable bottom pan will make it easier to remove once the Focaccia bread has been baked. The removable bottom pan will also help keep the carmelized shallots from rubbing off the top of the bread as well.

 And you can also use it for other recipes such as my Blueberry Crumb Cake Recipe, my Pecan Bar Recipe and my Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting.

STEP#5: 2nd Rising

Cover the pan with a clean dishtowel and allow to rise in a warm place for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, you can prepare the shallots. 

STEP#6: Caramelize the Shallots

In a large non-stick skillet cook the shallots in olive oil. Don't touch them too frequently, in order to allow the shallots to turn golden brown and caramelize. Then add the balsamic vinegar and thyme.

Caramelized shallots are so delicious when cooked this way, they practically taste like candy! For a similar flavor profile try my Sour Cream and Carmelized Onion Dip, another great one for holiday entertaining. 

STEP#7: Create Indentations

One of the hallmarks of focaccia bread is the indentations on the top. To create those divets, place your fingertips in the dough, pressing your fingertips deep enough in the dough to lightly touch the bottom of the pan. Then sprinkle with a little flakey sea salt and then add the shallots and the remaining thyme on top. 

As the focaccia bakes, it will bake the shallots into the top of the bread, setting them into the focaccia but also crisping them up even further. Allow the focaccia to cool before trying to remove it. You can also leave it in the pan, to make reheating it before serving even easier. 

Serve it as squares or slice it on the diagonal and serve it as wedges. To store, wrap it tightly in foil and refrigerate. The next day it's best enjoyed heated in the microwave for :45 to soften or slice and toast it. 

More Great Yeasted Bread Recipes!

• No-Knead Cinnamon Raisin Bread
• Savory Monkey Bread 
• Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Loaf
• Foolproof Homemade Pizza Dough

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