Savory Onion Bread 🍞🧅

This savory onion bread is bursting with flavor and is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoyed on its own. With a soft, airy crumb and a delightful golden crust, this bread is a great addition to any meal. The caramelized onion adds a delightful sweetness, balancing perfectly with the bread's texture.

Consider serving it warm with a pat of butter or using it to complement your favorite soup or salad. A slice also makes for a fantastic base for open-faced sandwiches! 🥪✨

Ingredients

For a 1.5-pound loaf

• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons water (about 110°F)
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 tablespoon margarine or softened butter
• 3 and 1/4 cups bread flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon dry milk
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 2 and 1/2 teaspoons yeast

For a 2-pound loaf

• 1 and 1/4 cups water (about 110°F)
• 2/3 cup chopped onion
• 4 tablespoons margarine or softened butter
• 4 cups bread flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 3 tablespoons dry milk
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons yeast

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the water (ensure it's warm, not hot), yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

🔬 This step activates the yeast, ensuring a good rise in your bread!

2. Combine Ingredients: Add the chopped onion, softened margarine or butter, dry milk, salt, and bread flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.

3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

🤲 If you're using a stand mixer, use the dough hook and knead on medium speed for about 5-7 minutes.

4. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

5. Shape the Loaf: Punch down the risen dough, shape it into a loaf, and place it into a greased loaf pan.

6. Second Rise: Cover the loaf again and let it rise until it puffs up about 1 inch above the rim of the pan, roughly another 30 minutes.

7. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the bread sounds hollow when tapped.

8. Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

🥄 For a golden crust, you can brush the top of the loaf with melted butter just before baking!

Variations

• Herb-Infused: Add chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for an aromatic twist! 🌿
• Cheesy Delight: Mix shredded cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella) into the dough or sprinkle on top before baking for a cheesy crust. 🧀
• Gluten-free: Substitute gluten-free bread flour for the regular flour, and consider adding xanthan gum for better structure.
• Onion Types: Experiment with different onions like yellow, red, or even caramelized onions for varying flavors and sweetness.

Enjoy this delightful savory bread any time of day! 🍽️✨