There's something deeply satisfying about the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home, especially when it's infused with aromatic herbs and sweet caramelized onions. This herb and onion bread recipe creates a loaf that's perfect for sandwiches, alongside soups, or simply enjoyed on its own with a generous pat of butter.
Prep Time: 30 minutes + 2 hours rising Cook Time: 45 minutes Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes Serves: 1 large loaf
Ingredients:
- 3½ cups bread flour
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 1½ cups warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions:
- Caramelize the Onions Begin by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the diced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes until they turn golden brown and sweet. Add the minced garlic in the last 2 minutes of cooking. Set aside to cool completely.
- Prepare the Dough In a large bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add the flour, salt, and one tablespoon of olive oil. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Add the cooled onion mixture and herbs, incorporating them evenly throughout the dough.
- Knead and First Rise Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape and Second Rise Punch down the dough and shape it into a round loaf. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and let rise for another hour until puffy.
- Bake Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Before baking, slash the top of the loaf with a sharp knife in a crosshatch pattern. Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool and Serve Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
Tips for Success:
- Make sure your yeast is fresh and active
- Don't rush the onion caramelization – slow cooking develops the best flavor
- Use fresh herbs rather than dried ones or the best-taste
- The bread is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 190°F (88°C)
This bread stays fresh for 2-3 days when stored in a paper bag at room temperature. It also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months when wrapped well.
Whether you're an experienced baker or new to bread-making, this herb and onion bread is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. The combination of sweet caramelized onions and fragrant herbs creates a loaf that's both rustic and sophisticated – perfect for any meal of the day.
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