Soft Cheesy Onion Bread
Soft Cheesy Onion Bread is a tender, fluffy bread combining the rich, melty goodness of mozzarella cheese with the natural sweetness and savoriness of slow-caramelized onions. Perfect as a snack, side dish, or appetizer, this recipe is easy to make at home with simple ingredients and offers a comforting, flavorful experience with every bite.
- Author: Gloria
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 8-10 servings) 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Diet: Gluten Free
Dough Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free version)
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp melted butter or olive oil
Filling Ingredients
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp butter or olive oil (for caramelizing onions)
- 1 tsp salt (for onions)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or vegan cheese for dairy-free option)
- Optional fresh herbs: 1 tbsp chopped thyme or rosemary
For Brushing
- Preparing the Dough: Activate the yeast by dissolving it in warm water with a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes until frothy. In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and the yeast mixture. Add melted butter or olive oil. Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover with a damp towel and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Caramelizing the Onions: While the dough rises, thinly slice the onions. In a pan, cook them over low heat with butter or oil, stirring occasionally for 20-30 minutes until golden brown and sweet. Add salt to enhance flavor. Let onions cool before assembling.
- Assembling the Bread: Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently. Roll it out into a rectangular shape on a floured surface. Spread the caramelized onions evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Roll the dough into a log and pinch the edges to seal. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking pan.
- Final Rise and Baking: Cover the loaf and let it rest for 30 minutes for a second rise. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the loaf with melted butter for a golden crust. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the bread is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. Allow to cool slightly before slicing.
Notes
- Use fresh yeast and check expiration for proper dough rise.
- Caramelize onions slowly over low heat to maximize sweetness and flavor.
- Allow dough to rise twice for better texture and flavor.
- Use room temperature ingredients to help dough come together and rise smoothly.
- Brushing bread with butter before baking adds richness and golden color.
- For gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour blends and xanthan gum to mimic dough texture.
- Substitute mozzarella with your favorite melting cheese or vegan alternatives.
- Optional additions include jalapeños for heat, fresh herbs mixed into dough, or sun-dried tomatoes for tanginess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximate)
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: Soft Cheesy Onion Bread, caramelized onion bread, cheesy bread, homemade bread, comfort food, appetizer, snack, gluten-free bread