Name: Soft Cheesy Onion Bread
Prep time: 2 h
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 2 h 35 min
Ingredients: 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast; 1 cup warm milk; 2 tbsp sugar; 4 tbsp butter, melted; 1 large egg; 1 tsp salt; 2 medium onions, thinly sliced; 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, Gruyère, or mix

Soft Cheesy Onion Bread is the kind of homemade indulgence that turns an ordinary dinner into something unforgettable. With its fluffy interior, golden cheesy crust, and sweet caramelized onions woven throughout, each slice delivers a rich, savory experience. It’s the perfect companion for soups, salads, or as the base for hearty sandwiches.

What makes this bread so irresistible is the contrast between the soft, pillowy crumb and the melted cheese that bubbles over the top, crisping beautifully in the oven. The sweet onions tucked inside add layers of flavor, transforming simple dough into a bakery-worthy loaf you’ll be proud to pull from your oven.

What Kind of Cheese Should I Use?

The beauty of Soft Cheesy Onion Bread is its flexibility. Sharp cheddar adds a bold, tangy flavor, while mozzarella melts into gooey pockets. For extra flair, mix in Gruyère or Parmesan for nutty depth. Choose your cheese based on what you love—or combine a few for the ultimate cheesy bite.

Ingredients for the Soft Cheesy Onion Bread

All-purpose flour: Forms the base structure, giving the bread its soft crumb.
Yeast: Essential for rise and fluffiness.
Milk: Adds richness and softness to the dough.
Sugar: Feeds the yeast and balances the savory notes.
Butter: Enriches the dough and boosts flavor.
Egg: Helps bind the dough and adds tenderness.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors.
Onions: Caramelized for sweetness and depth.
Cheese: Your choice, shredded and folded in, plus more on top for that golden crust.

How To Make the Soft Cheesy Onion Bread

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Warm the milk until it’s just slightly warm to the touch, then stir in sugar and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, egg, and melted butter. Mix until a soft dough forms.

Step 2: Knead and Let Rise

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 1–1.5 hours.

Step 3: Caramelize the Onions

While the dough rises, cook thinly sliced onions in butter over medium heat until golden and sweet, about 20 minutes. Set aside to cool.

Step 4: Shape and Fill

Punch down the dough and roll it into a rectangle. Spread caramelized onions and sprinkle cheese over the surface. Roll it up like a jelly roll or fold it and twist for a rustic look. Transfer to a greased loaf pan or baking sheet.

Step 5: Final Rise and Bake

Let the shaped dough rise again for 30–40 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Before baking, sprinkle extra cheese on top. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until golden and the cheese is bubbly.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing to keep the texture perfect. Serve warm for maximum cheesy goodness.

Serving and Storing Soft Cheesy Onion Bread

Soft Cheesy Onion Bread is best enjoyed fresh from the oven, when the cheese is melty and the crust has that irresistible crunch. Slice it thick and pair it with soups like tomato basil or creamy broccoli, or use it to upgrade your grilled cheese game. Leftovers make excellent toasted snacks the next day.

For storage, wrap the cooled bread tightly in foil or keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze it for up to a month—just thaw and reheat in the oven to bring back that fresh-baked feel.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

It should double in size and feel puffy. Gently press it with your finger—the indentation should stay.

Can I use a stand mixer?

Absolutely! Use the dough hook attachment for kneading to save time and effort.

What’s the best onion for this recipe?

Yellow or sweet onions work beautifully because they caramelize into rich, mellow layers of flavor.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes! Prepare the dough and caramelized onions the day before, store them separately, and assemble just before baking.

How do I reheat leftovers?

Warm slices in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes, or toast them lightly for a crisp edge.

Want More Bread Ideas?

If you love this Soft Cheesy Onion Bread, you’ll probably enjoy these other favorites:

• Homemade Naan Bread for pillowy, skillet-cooked goodness.
• Pillsbury Biscuit Garlic Butter Cheese Bombs for a shortcut cheesy snack.
• Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread for a sweet and savory party treat.
• Cheesy Baked Tennessee Onions if you want even more onion magic.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you go bold with blue cheese or stick with classic cheddar? Did you twist it or roll it? I love hearing your kitchen stories and tips—let’s swap ideas!