These golden, fluffy focaccia breads are a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy. Made with Honey House Hot Honey and fresh ingredients like apples, red onions, and thyme, every bite delivers a delightful flavor explosion. Drizzled with a touch of olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt, this focaccia is a showstopper for any snack, brunch, or dinner spread.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Sweet meets savory: Honey House Hot Honey pairs beautifully with caramelized apples and thyme.

• Quick prep: Yeast rises in under an hour, making this a speedy homemade bread option.

• Versatile: Enjoy as a side, snack, or even a creative sandwich base.

• Eye-catching: Fresh apple slices and red onion create a colorful presentation.

• Crowd-pleaser: Fluffy, golden, and irresistible flavor perfect for entertaining.

• Flavor depth: Honey adds natural sweetness while olive oil and sea salt enhance richness.

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 1 packet instant yeast

• 1 cup warm water

• 2 tbsp Honey House Alfalfa Honey

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 2–3 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for coating and drizzling

• Sea salt, to taste

For the Topping

• ½ apple, thinly sliced

• ¼ red onion, thinly sliced

• Fresh thyme, sprigs

• 2–3 tbsp Honey House Hot Honey

• Olive oil, for brushing

• Sea salt, to taste

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl

• Small mixing bowl

• Baking dish or sheet

• Clean kitchen towel

• Wooden spoon or spatula

• Knife and cutting board

Pro Tips

1. Yeast Activation: Ensure water is warm but not hot—110°F (43°C) is ideal to activate yeast.

2. Shaggy Dough: Don’t overmix initially; a slightly shaggy dough creates a lighter texture.

3. Rising Environment: Cover dough and place in a warm, draft-free spot to rise optimally.

4. Olive Oil: Drizzle generously on top before baking to ensure a crisp, golden crust.

5. Honey Drizzle: Add Honey House Hot Honey after topping for maximum flavor punch.

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, combine yeast, warm water, and Honey House Alfalfa Honey. Let rest 15 minutes.

2. In a larger bowl, add flour and create a well in the center. Pour in the yeast mixture and mix until a shaggy dough forms.

3. Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 2 minutes until a smooth ball forms.

4. Place dough in a heavily oiled bowl, coat with olive oil, cover with a cloth, and let rise 45 minutes in a warm spot.

5. Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C) and grease a baking dish with olive oil. Punch down dough and transfer to the dish. Press fingers all over, drizzle 1 tbsp olive oil, cover, and let rise 10 minutes.

6. Arrange apple slices, red onion, and thyme on top. Sprinkle with sea salt and drizzle 2–3 tbsp Honey House Hot Honey.

7. Brush generously with olive oil, sprinkle additional sea salt, and bake 15–20 minutes until golden. Serve warm.

Storage Tips

• Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

• Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes to restore crispness.

• Dough can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for up to 12 hours before baking.

Recipe Notes

This focaccia combines the natural sweetness of apples with the aromatic bite of red onions and fresh thyme. The Hot Honey adds a gentle warmth and complexity, balancing the bread’s tender texture. Using high-quality Honey House Hot Honey ensures each bite has a rich, authentic flavor that store-bought honeys can’t match.

The recipe highlights the versatility of Honey House honeys, pairing well with both sweet and savory ingredients. Olive oil adds golden color and moisture while sea salt enhances the flavor depth, making this focaccia both visually stunning and irresistible to taste.

Perfect Pairings

• Serve with a soft cheese like Brie or goat cheese.

• Pair with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc.

• Great with roasted chicken or turkey.

• Enjoy alongside a fresh salad with vinaigrette.

• Pair with a hot cup of herbal tea for afternoon snacking.

Variation Ideas

While the classic apple, thyme, and hot honey combination is divine, feel free to get creative with these alternative options:

Honey House Recommendations

• Swap apples for thinly sliced pears and drizzle with extra Honey House Hot Honey for a sweet-heat twist.

• Replace thyme with rosemary for an earthy, aromatic variation.

• Add caramelized onions and a touch more Honey House Hot Honey for extra flavor depth.

Other Great Options

• Top with figs and walnuts for a nutty, sweet pairing.

• Use green apples for a tangier taste.

• Sprinkle with sesame or pumpkin seeds for texture.

• Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes for a savory version.

• Add a sprinkle of chili flakes for extra heat.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 15–20 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including rising)

• Course: Snack / Side

• Cuisine: Italian-inspired

• Servings: 4–6

• Difficulty Level: Easy