UPDATE: This post was updated on March 24, 2025 to include conversions for metric measurements, a video, and nutrition information.
This Caramelized Shallot Focaccia is a wonderful combination of the crusty bread with a fluffy interior, and the salty-sweet combo of the caramelized shallots on top. It's a show-stopper, smells amazing, and is absolutely delicious. Chef's kiss!
If you're looking for something to serve with this Caramelized Shallot Focaccia, try it with this Butternut Squash and Red Pepper Soup or with this Chicken Bolognese.
And if you're looking for a few other focaccia or bread options, try these Hawaiian Dinner Rolls, Homemade Everything Bagels, or these Sourdough Discard Garlic Rolls.
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Why you'll love this recipe
- The hands-on time for this recipe is minimal and most of the time is spent with the dough rising!
- Focaccia is a great recipe for beginners and those new to baking bread, as it's very forgiving.
- Caramelized shallots add delicious flavor and a bit of salty-sweet flavor.
- Focaccia freezes well, so it's great to make a batch and then freeze some for later!
Ingredients
The key ingredient to making great focaccia is time. Other than that, there are just a few things you will need.
- Warm water: The key to making sure your yeast activates is to use warm water. This should be like very hot bath water (but not so hot that it is burning you).
- Active dry yeast: When added to the water, you'll let this sit for about 5 minutes until foamy. If the yeast does not foam (and you've made sure your water is warm), that means your yeast is dead. You'll need to start over with fresh yeast.
- Brown sugar: This will help feed the yeast and also add some of the caramelized sweetness to the shallots.
- Olive oil: Be generous with the olive oil with focaccia! It adds great flavor, but also makes sure the bread doesn't get stuck in the pan (or your fingers don't stick to the dough when dimpling!).
- Shallots: I like to use 3-4 large shallots, but this is one you can measure with your heart. Use more or less, depending on your flavor preferences!
- Flaky sea salt: An absolute must for topping. I like to use Maldon Sea Salt for its big crystals. Do not use regular table salt for the top of the bread - it will just melt into the focaccia.
See full recipe below for detailed directions.
Substitutions & Variations
Focaccias are very adaptable and there are several easy variations you can make to really make this recipe your own:
- Add fresh herbs: Add fresh rosemary or thyme along with the caramelized shallots to the top of the focaccia.
- Add garlic: Add a few cloves or slices of garlic to the top of the focaccia and press into the dough along with the caramelized shallots.
- Make a sourdough version: You can use my Sourdough Discard Focaccia as the base of this recipe, then top it with caramelized shallots!
I have not tested this recipe with other variations, but if you do, let us know how it turns out in the comments! I always love to hear how you're adapting these recipes and use those as ideas for future recipes as well!
How to make Caramelized Shallot Focaccia
There are two rises to this recipe, so the main ingredient here is patience. But otherwise, the steps to make this Caramelized Shallot Focaccia are very easy!
Mix your dough in the bowl of a stand mixer. Transfer to an oiled bowl and let rise 2-3 hours until doubled in size.
Gently fold the dough and transfer to an oiled 13x9-inch. baking pan. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let rise for another 1 ½ - 2 hours until it fills the pan completely.
While the dough completes the second rise, thinly slice the shallots and add to a small skillet with the olive oil and brown sugar.
Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until the shallots are soft and starting to brown. You do not want them to get crispy as they will cook more while the bread bakes. Set aside to let cool.
Drizzle the focaccia with olive oil, then the cooked shallots (make sure they're cool enough to touch).
Use your fingers to dimple the dough all over, then sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Bake the focaccia for 25-35 minutes, then drizzle with additional olive oil.
Expert Baking Tips
- The dough will be very shaggy once mixed - it's ok! Trust the process. This will end up giving a fluffy, airy focaccia.
- Give the dough enough time to rise. Rising times will vary based on the temperature or your room. If the room is warmer, you'll need less time. If the room is colder, you'll need more time. Be patient!
- Do not let the shallots get crispy in the skillet. They are going to cook more in the oven while the bread bakes, and you don't want them to burn.
- Make sure the shallots are cooled before you press them into the dough. You'll be using your fingers, so be careful here!
- Be generous with the olive oil. The olive oil keeps the bread from sticking to the baking pan, but also gives great flavor. Be generous!
How to Caramelize Shallots
Caramelizing the shallots appropriately is what gives this Caramelized Shallot Focaccia such an excellent flavor. There are a few key things to keep in mind:
- You do not want the shallots to get crispy in the skillet. They will cook more in the oven while the bread is baking and you want them to still be pliable while you're putting them on the dough. The key to doing this is to cover the shallots and let them steam a little bit in the skillet, stirring occasionally. If the skillet seems too dry, add more olive oil.
- Make sure to let them cool enough to touch them. After the second rise, you will drizzle the dough with olive oil, then add the caramelized shallots. The shallots should be soft and pliable so they easily press into the dough while you're dimpling (rather than hard and crispy). But they shouldn't be so hot that you burn yourself!
If they do get crispy in the skillet, it's not the end of the world! They'll still be delicious and you can absolutely still use them on the dough. They'll just be a bit more crispy on the final bread.
Equipment
I like to use a stand mixer to make this dough (I use a KitchenAid 5-Quart Stand Mixer), but it's optional. You could also make this in a large mixing bowl with a wooden spoon. You'll need a large bowl for the dough to rise in, and you'll also need a 9x13-inch baking pan.
You will also need a cutting board and sharp knife to slice the shallots, and a small skillet with a lid (I like the Great Jones Small Fry) to cook the shallots.
kitchen essentials
My Favorite 9x13-inch Baking Pan
Perfect for focaccia, cinnamon rolls, and more!
Storage
Room Temperature Storage: If you plan to eat it within 1-2 days of baking, store the focaccia at room temperature in an airtight container. If needed, reheat the bread in the microwave for about 30 seconds to make it warm and soft again.
Freezer Storage: Focaccia freezes very well. Let the bread cool completely, then cut into squares and place in freezer-safe plastic bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave for 30-60 seconds and drizzle with additional olive oil before serving.
Recipe FAQ
If your yeast doesn't foam in the first steps of the recipe, that means your yeast is dead (yes, it's a living thing!). You should discard the yeast and water mixture and start again with a fresh, new yeast.
Yes, fresh herbs would be great with this focaccia! I would recommend using thyme or rosemary, and adding them on top of the bread before baking. You could also mix some into the dough, if you prefer.
Focaccia is delicious cut into single-serving pieces, then dipped in olive oil. You can also serve it as a side dish with pasta that has a lot of sauce or oil that you would dip the bread into. Another option: slice it like sandwich bread and create an amazing sandwich!
Caramelized Shallot Focaccia
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Bread
- 2 ½ cups warm water
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast about one envelope
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
For the topping
- ¼ cup olive oil divided
- 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter
- 3-4 shallots thinly sliced
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- flaky sea salt for topping
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine warm water and 1 teaspoon brown sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let sit for 5 minutes, until foamy. If the yeast does not foam, it is dead and you will need to start over with fresh yeast.
- Add the flour, salt and black pepper and mix on low speed until combined. This will be a very shaggy dough. Transfer the dough to a large, oiled bowl and turn to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise at room temperature until doubled in size, about 2-3 hours.
- Generously brush a 13x9 inch baking pan with 2-3 Tablespoons olive oil and set aside.
- Once the dough has risen, use a spatula to gently scrape around the outside of the bowl, deflating the dough. Transfer the dough to the center of the prepared baking pan. Cover with a clean dish towel and let rise at room temperature until it again doubles in size and fills the pan completely, about 1 ½ - 2 hours.
- During the second rise, heat 1 Tablespoon olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add 1 Tablespoon butter and sliced shallots. Sprinkle with 2 teaspoons brown sugar, stir to combine. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes until the shallots start to brown and are very soft. Set aside to cool.
- Preheat the oven to 450°F. Remove the towel from the dough and drizzle the dough generously with 2-3 Tablespoons olive oil. Spread the caramelized shallots on the dough, then use your fingers to push the shallots into the dough and create dimples all over the bread. Sprinkle generously with flaky sea salt.
- Bake 25-35 minutes until the focaccia is puffy, golden and crusty. Remove from the oven and drizzle with an additional 1-2 Tablespoons olive oil. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool fully. Slice and enjoy!
Jessica Vogl says
The caramelized shallots give this focaccia such an incredible flavor!