Cheese and Onion Focaccia Bread

I've been on a bit of a bread kick lately, and was heading over to see my grandparents, so I decided to bake a loaf. Both of my grandparents are very picky, so I settled with something I knew I could make. Cheese and Onion Focaccia. This bread is usually very pretty, flavorful, and just overall great.

(This one actually burned a tiny bit in the oven, which explains the darkened onions on top.)




Cheese and Onion Focaccia


Ingredients
-3/4 cup of water (room temp.)
-2 tablespoons olive oil
-1 teaspoon salt
-2 cups bread flour
-1 tablespoon sugar
-1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
-1 medium onion, sliced
-garlic clove, minced
-1/8 cup butter
-Italian seasoning
-1/2 shredded cheddar cheese
-grated Parmesan cheese

In a bread machine, place the first 6 ingredients in the order suggested by your manufacturer. Set machine to 'dough' and let it run. After a few minutes, check on the dough and add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water or flour, if needed.

When your cycle is done, take it out of the machine and set in a lightly greased pizza pan. Pat it into a 10 inch circle. When doing this, I would recommend putting flour over your hands so the dough doesn't stick. Cover with a towel and let it rise in a warm place. I usually just put it in the oven. (Not turned on!) Wait until it doubles, about 30 minutes.

While your dough is rising, put the butter in a skillet and let it melt. Saute your onions and garlic in it for about 20 minutes, or until the onions have taken on a nice brown color. I threw some garlic seasoning over mine while they were cooking. When they're just about done, mix in your Italian seasoning and cook for 1 minute longer.

When your bread has risen, take it out. Using the end of a wooden spoon, make indentations in your dough about 1 inch apart. Top with the onion and garlic mixture. Sprinkle your cheeses all over the dough, or until covered. Bake the bread at 400 degrees for about 15-18 minutes.

This bread is great when it's just out of the oven and still a bit warm. Even throw some spaghetti sauce on top of it. My grandparents loved it. Have fun !