How to Create Savory Caramelized Onion and Cheddar Stuffed Bread: A Step-by-Step Guide
Imagine sinking your teeth into warm, soft bread filled with gooey cheddar cheese and caramelized onions. It sounds like a dream, right? This recipe is what happens when comfort food meets elegance. You don’t need to be a professional baker to enjoy this delicious treat at home—our easy instructions will guide you to making a stuffed bread that will wow your family or guests. So grab your apron, and let’s get started!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start, make sure to gather these simple ingredients:
For the bread dough:
– 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
– 1 cup warm water (about 110°F or 45°C)
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
For the filling:
– 3 large onions, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
– 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
– 1 teaspoon thyme or rosemary (optional, for flavor boost)
Steps to Make Savory Caramelized Onion and Cheddar Stuffed Bread
1. Prepare the Bread Dough
First, let’s make the dough, which will be the foundation of your stuffed bread.
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In a small bowl, mix the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast on top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until bubbly or foamy. This step activates the yeast.
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In a larger bowl, mix the flour and salt. Then add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a dough begins to form.
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Knead the dough on a clean countertop or in the bowl for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If the dough feels sticky, add a little more flour (1 tablespoon at a time).
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Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
2. Caramelize the Onions
Now it’s time for the magic—caramelized onions!
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Heat the butter and olive oil in a large pan over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and sprinkle with salt.
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Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for about 20-30 minutes. The onions will turn soft, golden brown, and slightly sweet. If you want to enhance the sweetness, sprinkle in the sugar during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
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Add your optional thyme or rosemary for a hint of herbal flavor. Remove the onions from the pan and let them cool.
3. Combine the Filling
Mix the caramelized onions with shredded cheddar cheese in a bowl. This filling will become the heart of your stuffed bread. Keep it handy while preparing the dough!
4. Assemble Your Stuffed Bread
After your dough has risen and your filling is ready, it’s time to assemble.
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Punch down the risen dough to release air bubbles. Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and divide it into two equal portions (you can make one large stuffed bread or two smaller ones).
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Roll out one portion of the dough into a flat, oval shape. Spread half the caramelized onion and cheddar cheese mixture onto the center of the dough, leaving about an inch of border around the edges.
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Fold the edges over the filling and pinch the dough to seal it tightly. Shape it into a loaf or oval. Repeat this process with the second portion of dough and remaining filling (if you’re making two loaves).
5. Let It Rest
Place your stuffed bread on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with a clean towel and let it rest for another 30 minutes. This allows the dough to rise again and ensures a soft texture when baked.
6. Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Brush the stuffed bread with a little olive oil or melted butter for a golden finish.
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Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped gently.
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Let the bread cool slightly before slicing—it’ll be hard to resist, but allowing it to set for a few minutes helps the filling stay in place.
Enjoy Your Creation!
There you have it: savory caramelized onion and cheddar stuffed bread that’s perfect for any occasion. Serve slices warm as an appetizer, snack, or side dish at dinner. Pair it with a bowl of soup, a salad, or enjoy it all on its own.
This recipe is so versatile that you can even tweak the filling to include your favorite flavors. For example, add cooked bacon bits for a smoky touch or swap cheddar for Gouda or mozzarella.
Making bread at home might seem intimidating at first, but once you get started, it’s incredibly rewarding. And trust us—the combination of caramelized onions and melted cheese nestled inside soft bread is worth every step.
So, give this recipe a try. Impress your loved ones, and most importantly, treat yourself to something truly delicious!
Feel free to share your experience with this recipe in the comments below. Happy baking!
That’s it—simple, savory, and so satisfying. The warmth of freshly baked bread combined with caramelized onion sweetness and cheesy richness is what comfort food is all about. Go ahead and make your kitchen smell amazing! 👩🍳🍞
