Introduction

This soft cheesy onion bread combines tender yeast dough with sweet caramelized onions and sharp cheddar cheese for a flavorful treat. Perfect for sandwiches or as a savory snack, it’s a homemade loaf that’s sure to impress your family and friends.

A loaf of garlic cheddar bread is sliced into five pieces and laid on a wooden board. The bread has a golden brown, crispy crust with melted cheddar cheese and small bits of browned garlic on top. There are small green pieces of chopped chives scattered over the top and around the bread. The inside of the bread is soft and airy with a pale cream color. The wooden board is placed on a white marbled surface, with some whole garlic bulbs and onions blurred in the background. A small bowl with a dipping sauce and a bowl with chopped green onions sit on the right side of the board. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
3 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons milk (for brushing)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture becomes foamy.
Step 2: Add flour, salt, and softened butter to the yeast mixture. Stir until dough begins to come together, then turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 3: Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover with a clean towel and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 4: While dough rises, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until golden and caramelized, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
Step 5: Punch down the risen dough and turn onto a floured surface. Roll into a large rectangle. Spread caramelized onions evenly over dough, then sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 6: Roll the dough tightly into a log, pinching seams to seal and tucking ends under. Place loaf seam-side down into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Step 7: Cover the pan with a towel and let the dough rise for about 30 minutes, or until puffy.
Step 8: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 9: Brush the top of the loaf with milk. Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden brown and hollow sounding when tapped on the bottom.
Step 10: Remove bread from oven and cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the dough or on top before baking.
Use a mix of cheeses such as mozzarella or Gruyère to change the flavor profile.
Make sure the onions are fully caramelized to bring out their natural sweetness and avoid a raw onion taste.
Brush with melted butter instead of milk for a richer crust after baking.

Storage

Store the bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread, then toast or warm slices before serving. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to keep it soft and melty.

How to Serve

The image shows a rectangular loaf of cheesy garlic bread cut into five thick slices resting on a wooden board. The bread has a golden crust with melted, slightly browned cheese melted on top, scattered with small green herbs and bits of roasted garlic. Inside, the bread is soft and fluffy with a white, airy texture. Around the board, there are small bowls with sauce and chopped green onions, with some green onion pieces sprinkled on the wooden surface. The scene is set on a white marbled texture with a white cloth nearby and garlic bulbs blurred softly in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast by using about 2¼ teaspoons as well, but mix it directly into the flour instead of proofing it in water.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

The bread is done when it is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also check with an instant thermometer; the internal temperature should reach about 190°F (88°C).