Soft Cheesy Onion Bread
Soft Cheesy Onion Bread is a warm, gooey loaf combining the rich savoriness of melted cheese with the sweet, aromatic flavor of caramelized onions. This pillowy-soft bread offers a perfect balance of tender texture and delicious taste, ideal for breakfast, snacks, or as a side dish. Made with simple pantry staples and easily customizable, it is a comforting, crowd-pleasing favorite.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 8-10 servings) 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Dough Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm milk or water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Onion and Cheese Mix
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp butter or oil (for caramelizing onions)
- 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar or mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Prepare the Dough: Activate the yeast by mixing it with warm milk or water and a pinch of sugar. Let it foam for 5–10 minutes until bubbly. In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and melted butter to the flour. Knead the dough either by hand for 8–10 minutes or with a stand mixer for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Caramelize the Onions: While the dough is rising, heat butter or oil in a pan over low heat. Add thinly sliced onions and stir frequently. Cook slowly for 20–30 minutes until onions are soft, golden, and fragrant, releasing their sweetness.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size, ensuring a light and airy texture.
- Incorporate Cheese and Onions: Gently punch down the dough and knead in the caramelized onions and shredded cheese, distributing them evenly without overworking the dough to maintain softness.
- Shape and Second Rise: Shape the dough into a loaf or round shape. Place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet or greased loaf pan. Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy and ready to bake.
- Bake Until Golden: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 25–30 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the cheese on top has melted and bubbled. Allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to help yeast activate effectively and ensure smooth dough formation.
- Caramelize onions slowly over low heat for deeply sweet and flavorful results.
- Mix gently after adding cheese to avoid toughening the dough.
- Brush the hot baked loaf with melted butter for a glossy, rich crust.
- Test for doneness by tapping the bottom of the loaf; it should sound hollow.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/10th of loaf)
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: soft bread, cheesy bread, onion bread, caramelized onions, savory bread, homemade bread, snack bread, easy bread recipe