Savory Onion Herb Focaccia

Focaccia is one of those rare breads that feels both rustic and elevated, comforting yet endlessly versatile—and the best part is that it’s naturally vegan. With no need for substitutions or complicated swaps, focaccia leans fully into the beauty of simple ingredients: flour, water, olive oil, salt, and yeast. That’s it. Somehow, those five humble elements come together to create something extraordinary—a golden, airy, deeply flavorful bread that fits seamlessly into any occasion. Whether you’re serving it alongside a cozy bowl of soup, slicing it for sandwiches, dipping it into good olive oil, or topping it with seasonal produce, focaccia delivers a beautiful balance of crisp edges and pillowy softness that never disappoints.

What makes this Tomato, Olive & Rosemary focaccia with caramelized onion recipe truly special is its reliability and flexibility. It’s a dough that welcomes you in, even if you’re not a confident bread baker. The process is simple, forgiving, and designed to let time do most of the work. A warm, slow rise creates those signature airy pockets, while a generous pour of olive oil gives the crust its irresistible crunch and rich flavor. From here, you can take this foundation and transform it into whatever you’re craving: studded with rosemary and flaky salt, decorated with tomatoes and herbs, infused with garlic, or kept plain and classic.

This Tomato, Olive & Rosemary Focaccia with caramelized onion is the perfect recipe because it celebrates everything good about homemade bread with none of the stress. It’s approachable, customizable, and consistently delicious—an everyday staple that also feels worthy of a holiday table. One bite and you’ll understand why focaccia is a beloved classic that belongs in every home cook’s repertoire.

✨ Tomato, Olive & Rosemary Focaccia with Caramelized Onion Recipe ✨

Serves: 8–10 | Prep: 15 min + rise time | Bake: 20–25 min

Ingredients

Dough

• 4 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tsp kosher salt

• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)

• 1 ¾ cups warm water (110°F)

• 1 teaspoon maple syrup

• 2 tbsp olive oil (for dough)

Pan + Toppings

• ¼ cup olive oil (for pan & topping)

• Flaky salt

• Fresh rosemary, chopped

• 3-4 campari tomatoes, sliced

• ½ cup mixed olives, halved

Caramelized Onion Nests

• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Pinch of salt

• 1–2 tsp balsamic vinegar

Instructions

1. Caramelize the onions

In a skillet, warm 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
Add the sliced onion and a pinch of salt, and cook 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft, golden, and caramelized.
Stir in 1–2 tsp balsamic vinegar and cook 1–2 more minutes until glossy.
Set aside to cool completely.

2. Activate the yeast

In a large bowl, combine the warm water, maple syrup, and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes, until foamy.

3. Make the dough

Add the flour, salt, and 2 tbsp olive oil. Mix until a soft, sticky dough forms. Knead briefly (1–2 minutes) until it just comes together—dough should stay very soft.

4. First rise

Cover the bowl with a damp towel or plastic wrap. Let rise 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.

5. Prep the pan

Pour at least 2 tbsp olive oil into a 9x13" pan (for thicker focaccia) or a sheet pan (for thinner). We love baking this focaccia in a cast iron skillet—the even heat and naturally seasoned surface help create those perfectly crisp, golden edges while keeping the inside tender and airy. If you have one, it’s absolutely worth using.
Transfer the dough into the pan and gently stretch it toward the corners. If it resists, let it rest for 10 minutes and stretch again.

6. Second rise

Cover and let rise 30–40 minutes.

7. Dimple + add toppings

Coat your hands with olive oil and press deep dimples all over the dough. Drizzle with more olive oil.

Scatter evenly over the surface:

• campari tomatoes

• Olives

• Chopped rosemary

Create 6–10 slightly deeper dimples (“nests”).
Spoon 1–2 teaspoons of the caramelized onions into each nest, keeping them contained to prevent burning.
Finish with flaky salt.

8. Bake

Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes, until golden, crisp-edged, and aromatic.

9. Cool + serve

Let cool 10–15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Focaccia has a way of bringing people to the table—its aroma alone feels like an invitation to slow down, tear off a warm piece, and savor something simple but deeply satisfying. As you finish your baking process and pull this golden loaf from the oven, you’ll see just how rewarding this recipe truly is. The crisp, olive-oil-kissed edges, the airy center, and the delicate balance of salt and richness make this focaccia a timeless staple you’ll want to bake again and again. It’s proof that some of the most beautiful foods come from the humblest ingredients, transformed through patience, intention, and a love for good bread.

What also makes focaccia such a joy is how adaptable it is. This one master recipe becomes a canvas for endless creativity—whether you want to keep it classic or dress it up for a special gathering. Focaccia plays well with nearly any topping, flavor profile, or season; it’s equally at home on a holiday table as it is sliced for weekday lunches. And because it’s naturally vegan, it’s a crowd-pleasing option that everyone can enjoy without feeling like it’s been modified or adapted. This is focaccia in its truest form: rustic, beautiful, and irresistibly delicious.

As you continue making this recipe your own, here are a few flavor combinations to spark your imagination:

✨ Flavor Combo Ideas

• Rosemary + Sea Salt (classic): Simple, fragrant, and perfect every time.
• Cherry Tomato + Basil: Sweet roasted tomatoes with fresh basil added after baking.
• Caramelized Onion + Thyme: Deeply savory and slightly sweet—perfect for fall and winter.
• Garlic Confit + Chive: Buttery, mellow garlic spread throughout the dough.
• Olive + Lemon Zest: Bright, briny, and Mediterranean-inspired.
• Grapes + Rosemary (schiacciata style): A subtly sweet, unexpected twist.
• Za’atar + Sesame: Herbaceous, aromatic, and delicious with hummus.

However you choose to flavor it, this focaccia is a recipe that will grow with you—adaptable, reliable, and always a joy to share.