Soft Cheesy Onion Bread Recipe
Soft Cheesy Onion Bread combines the rich flavors of caramelized onions and sharp cheddar cheese baked into a fluffy, tender loaf. This homemade bread is perfect for sandwiches, as a side for soups, or enjoyed warm with butter.
- Author: Isla
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (approximately 12 slices) 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Dough
- 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
Filling
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Finishing
- 2 tablespoons milk (for brushing)
- Activate the Yeast: 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.
- Prepare the Dough: Add the flour, salt, and softened butter to the yeast mixture. Stir until the dough begins to come together. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it once to coat all sides. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Caramelize the Onions: While the dough is rising, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden and caramelized, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Assemble the Bread: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release air bubbles. Turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle. Evenly spread the caramelized onions over the dough and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Shape the Loaf: Roll the dough up tightly, starting from one edge, to form a log. Pinch the seams to seal and tuck the ends under. Place the loaf seam-side down into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Second Rise: Cover the pan with a kitchen towel and let the dough rise for about 30 minutes, or until puffy.
- Preheat the Oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the Bread: Brush the top of the loaf with milk to promote browning. Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Ensure the water is warm but not hot to properly activate the yeast.
- Caramelizing the onions slowly develops a deep, sweet flavor essential to the bread.
- You can substitute sharp cheddar with your favorite cheese for a different flavor profile.
- If you want a softer crust, brush the bread with butter after baking.
- The bread keeps well at room temperature for 2 days; slice and freeze for longer storage.
Keywords: cheesy onion bread, homemade bread, caramelized onion, cheddar bread, soft bread recipe