Description
This Soft Cheesy Onion Bread is a delightful homemade loaf combining the rich flavors of caramelized onions and a blend of melted cheeses within a tender, fluffy dough. Perfect as a savory snack or a side, this bread offers a satisfying cheesy pull and a golden crust achieved through careful rising and baking.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp salt
Filling
- 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
- 4 tbsp butter (for caramelizing onions)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, Gruyère, or mix)
- Additional shredded cheese for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: Warm the milk to a comfortable, lukewarm temperature and stir in the sugar and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating that the yeast is active.
- Prepare Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the foamy yeast mixture, egg, and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Mix everything until it forms a sticky dough.
- Knead Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic, which helps develop the gluten for a soft texture.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Caramelize Onions: While the dough is rising, melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes until they are golden brown and caramelized. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Shape Bread: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface. Evenly spread the caramelized onions over the dough, then sprinkle with shredded cheese. Roll or twist the dough as desired and place it in a greased baking pan.
- Second Rise: Cover the shaped dough again and let it rise for an additional 30 to 40 minutes while you preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake: Optionally sprinkle extra shredded cheese on top of the dough before baking. Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool slightly to set before slicing. Serve warm to enjoy the soft, cheesy goodness.
Notes
- Use a combination of cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, and Gruyère for depth of flavor.
- Make sure the milk is warm, not hot, when activating yeast to avoid killing the yeast.
- Caramelizing onions slowly over medium heat brings out their natural sweetness and enhances the bread’s flavor.
- You can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days or freeze slices for longer storage.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free cheese.
