Golden Focaccia with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Onion Jam

This Golden Focaccia with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Onion Jam is a rustic, bakery-style bread that’s soft and airy on the inside with a crisp, golden crust. Topped with juicy, caramelized tomatoes and rich, savory onion jam, it’s perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or snack on its own.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft, chewy focaccia with a golden crust and rich flavor
• The sweet-savory balance of roasted cherry tomatoes and onion jam is irresistible
• Homemade or store-bought onion jam works beautifully
• Great as a side for soups, salads, or even charcuterie boards
• Ideal for meal prep—it stays fresh and flavorful for days

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Warm water
• Instant yeast
• Olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
• Sugar
• Salt
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Onion jam (homemade or store-bought)
• Fresh herbs (e.g., thyme or rosemary)
• Flaky sea salt (for topping)

Directions

1. In a large bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit until foamy (about 5–10 minutes).
2. Add flour, salt, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
3. Knead on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook.
4. Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1 hour).
5. Generously grease a baking tray or sheet pan. Gently press the dough into the tray, dimpling it with your fingertips.
6. Cover again and let rise for another 30–40 minutes.
7. Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F).
8. Top dough with spoonfuls of onion jam and halved cherry tomatoes (cut-side up). Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with herbs and flaky sea salt.
9. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden and crisp on the edges.
10. Cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Servings and timing

Serves: 6–8
Prep time: 1 hour 30 minutes (includes rising)
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: approx. 2 hours

Variations

• Add goat cheese or feta crumbles on top before baking for a creamy contrast
• Use sun-dried tomatoes for a richer flavor twist
• Spread a thin layer of pesto under the toppings for a herby base
• Try balsamic glaze as a drizzle post-baking
• Add caramelized onions instead of jam for a homemade feel

Storage/reheating

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days
• Refrigerate for up to 4 days
• Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness
• Freezes well when sliced and wrapped—just thaw and warm to serve

FAQs

Can I use store-bought focaccia dough?

Yes, store-bought dough is a great shortcut. Just let it rise and proceed with topping and baking.

What’s the best type of onion jam to use?

A rich, sweet onion jam made with caramelized onions and balsamic vinegar works best. You can use homemade or high-quality jarred versions.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and adjust hydration if needed.

Can I use other vegetables?

Absolutely. Roasted red peppers, olives, or thinly sliced zucchini are great additions or substitutions.

Do I need to pre-roast the cherry tomatoes?

Not necessary—the high oven temperature will roast them nicely during baking.

Why dimple the dough?

Dimpling helps create those classic pockets that hold olive oil and toppings, and prevents large bubbles during baking.

Can I make this a day in advance?

Yes, bake the focaccia a day ahead and reheat before serving. You can also refrigerate the dough overnight for slow fermentation and better flavor.

What herbs work best?

Fresh rosemary, thyme, or oregano are ideal. You can also use dried herbs, but reduce the quantity.

How thick should the focaccia be?

Typically about 1 inch thick after baking, but it can be made thinner or thicker based on preference.

What’s the best way to serve it?

Slice into strips or squares and serve warm as a side dish, appetizer, or base for sandwiches.

Conclusion

Golden Focaccia with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Onion Jam is an easy yet impressive dish that brings artisan bakery quality into your kitchen. With its fluffy interior, crispy crust, and sweet-savory topping, it’s a versatile bread you’ll make again and again. Serve it warm with a drizzle of olive oil or alongside your favorite soup or salad for a meal to remember.

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