Gluten-Free Focaccia with Onions

This gluten-free onion focaccia is soft and airy on the inside, with sweet baked onions and a fragrant mix of herbs. Drizzled with olive oil, it’s a flavorful homemade bread that’s perfect for sharing, serving alongside a meal, or enjoying warm straight from the oven.

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Easy gluten-free bread recipe

There’s something special about homemade focaccia, from its golden edges and soft, airy center to the aroma of olive oil and fresh herbs as it bakes. This gluten-free onion focaccia brings all that goodness to the table, with tender onions, fragrant rosemary, sage, and parsley adding plenty of savory flavor to every bite. The onions soften as the focaccia bakes, adding a naturally sweet, savory layer that pairs beautifully with the olive oil, herbs, and bread.

Every bite brings together a tender crumb and flavorful toppings that make focaccia so good. It’s delicious served alongside a meal, paired with your favorite dips, or enjoyed warm straight from the pan. If you’re in the mood for more homemade bread, try this gluten-free buckwheat bread for another delicious addition to your baking routine.

What goes in: ingredient notes

• Gluten-free all-purpose flour: Gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
• Onion: Thinly sliced onion softens as the focaccia bakes, adding a gentle sweetness and savory flavor to every bite.
• Herbs: Fresh rosemary, sage, and parsley pair very well with the onions.
• Olive oil: An essential part of focaccia, olive oil contributes flavor, moisture, and a beautifully golden surface.
• Yeast: Instant dry yeast helps the dough rise and develop a lighter texture

How to make onion focaccia

Grease an 8-inch square pan or a similar-sized baking pan. Set aside.

In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free all-purpose flour, salt, yeast, cheese, and herbs. Make a well in the center and pour in the oil and water. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the liquid, mixing until a soft dough forms. The dough will be sticky, and that’s perfectly fine.

Transfer the dough to the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

While the dough rests and rises, prepare the onion topping and preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).

Once the dough has risen, gently press your fingertips into the surface to create dimples. Be careful not to press too firmly, as you want to preserve the air pockets that have developed during rising. Scatter the onions and sea salt over the top, then drizzle generously with olive oil.

Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the focaccia is golden brown around the edges and the top is nicely colored. Let it cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Allowing the focaccia to cool helps the crumb set properly; slicing it too soon may make the inside seem damp or gummy, even if the bread is fully baked.

Store the focaccia at room temperature in an airtight container for a short period to help maintain its texture, or in the refrigerator, but it can dry out the bread, so room-temperature storage is generally preferable. You can freeze the focaccia, cut it into portions, and freeze it in an airtight freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat from frozen or thaw first, then warm in the oven.

Good to know: baking tips

• Give the dough enough time to rise.
• Slice the onions thinly. Thin slices soften more evenly during baking and settle nicely into the surface of the bread.
• Use fresh herbs when possible; they pair very well with the onions.
• Be generous with the olive oil; it helps create the signature golden edges and adds richness to the finished bread.
• Let it cool slightly before slicing; it helps the crumb set, making it easier to cut without compressing the soft interior.

You might wonder: FAQ

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh? Yes, you can use dried rosemary and sage, but parsley is best added fresh for a brighter finish.

Can I add other toppings to gluten-free onion focaccia? Yes! You can customize your focaccia with cherry tomatoes, sliced olives, grated cheese, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Just keep the toppings balanced so the onions, rosemary, sage, and parsley can shine.

How to Serve Gluten-Free Onion Focaccia

This onion focaccia is best enjoyed slightly warm, when the olive oil and fresh herbs are wonderfully fragrant. Serve it alongside a bowl of soup, a crisp green salad, or your favorite pasta dish. For a simple appetizer, cut it into small squares and add it to a board with olive oil for dipping, a selection of cheeses, and briny olives.

For more gluten-free bread recipes

• Soda bread
• Buckwheat bread
• Cornbread
• Naan bread (with herb butter)
• Flatbread (with chickpea flour)

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