Picture the aroma of caramelized onions filling your kitchen as you bake this Caramelized Onion & Spinach Olive Oil Quick Bread. Each slice is packed with the earthy flavors of spinach, the richness of caramelized onions, and the tangy punch of cheese. This recipe is perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a side dish, snack, or centerpiece at brunch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: No yeast, no waiting for dough to rise—just mix, bake, and enjoy.
- Flavor-Packed: Caramelized onions, fresh spinach, and cheese make every bite savory and satisfying.
- Nutrient-Rich: Spinach and olive oil provide a wholesome boost.
- Versatile: Enjoy it on its own or pair it with your favorite soups, salads, or mains.
Ingredients for Caramelized Onion & Spinach Olive Oil Quick Bread
For the Caramelized Onions
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow onions | 2 medium, thinly sliced | Adds sweetness and depth of flavor |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons | For sautéing the onions |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon | Enhances the caramelization process |
| Sugar (optional) | 1/4 teaspoon | Optional for deeper caramelization |
For the Quick Bread
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups | Provides the base structure |
| Baking powder | 2 teaspoons | Helps the bread rise |
| Baking soda | 1/2 teaspoon | Reacts with the yogurt for fluffiness |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon | Balances the flavors |
| Black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon | Adds a subtle kick |
| Dried thyme or rosemary (optional) | 1/2 teaspoon | Adds an herby aroma |
| Eggs | 3 large | Binds the ingredients |
| Olive oil | 1/3 cup | Adds moisture and richness |
| Greek yogurt or sour cream | 1 cup | Provides tanginess and moisture |
| Spinach leaves | 1 cup, packed and roughly chopped | Adds freshness and nutrients |
| Shredded cheese | 1/2 cup | Use cheddar, Gruyere, or Parmesan |
| Milk | 1/4 cup, as needed | Adjusts the batter consistency |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Caramelize the Onions
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions and sprinkle with salt (and sugar, if using).
- Cook, stirring occasionally, for 20–25 minutes until the onions turn golden brown and caramelized.
- Remove from heat and let cool.
2. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme or rosemary (if using).
4. Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, olive oil, and Greek yogurt (or sour cream) until smooth and well combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined.
- Gently fold in the spinach, shredded cheese, and cooled caramelized onions.
- If the batter is too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time until the consistency is scoopable.
6. Bake the Bread
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pro Tips for Success
Caramelize Perfectly
- Keep the heat on medium-low and stir occasionally. Patience is key for rich, sweet caramelized onions.
Don’t Overmix
- Overmixing can result in dense bread. Stir just until the ingredients are combined.
Choose Your Cheese
- Gruyere adds nuttiness, Parmesan provides saltiness, and cheddar melts beautifully for a gooey texture.
Customizations for Your Bread
- Add Protein: Toss in crumbled cooked bacon or sausage for extra heartiness.
- Switch the Greens: Substitute spinach with kale, arugula, or Swiss chard.
- Herbal Notes: Use fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or basil instead of dried.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Serving Suggestions
- Breakfast: Pair with scrambled eggs or avocado slices for a balanced start to your day.
- Lunch: Serve alongside tomato soup, chicken noodle soup, or a fresh green salad.
- Dinner Side: Complement roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or veggie stir-fry.
- Snack: Enjoy on its own, warmed with a pat of butter or a drizzle of olive oil.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~190 |
| Protein | ~6 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~18 g |
| Fat | ~10 g |
| Fiber | ~1 g |
Note: Values may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
FAQs About Caramelized Onion & Spinach Olive Oil Quick Bread
1. Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
2. Can I prepare the caramelized onions in advance?
Absolutely! Store the caramelized onions in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
3. Can I freeze this bread?
Yes. Slice the bread, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze. Thaw and reheat as needed.
4. What’s the best way to reheat this bread?
Warm slices in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes for the best texture.
5. Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, but thaw it first and squeeze out excess moisture before adding to the batter.
6. Can I make muffins instead of a loaf?
Definitely! Divide the batter into a greased muffin tin and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes.
Why You Should Make This Recipe Today
This Caramelized Onion & Spinach Olive Oil Quick Bread is everything you want in a savory bread: moist, flavorful, and easy to make. It’s perfect for any meal, snack, or occasion. Bake a loaf today and treat yourself to the comfort of homemade bread packed with wholesome ingredients and delicious flavors.
Print
Caramelized Onion & Spinach Olive Oil Quick Bread
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 Slice 1x
Description
Ingredients
Scale
For the Caramelized Onions:
- 2 medium yellow onions (thinly sliced)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon sugar (optional, for enhanced caramelization)
For the Quick Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary (optional)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 cup packed fresh spinach leaves (roughly chopped)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Gruyere, or Parmesan)
- 1/4 cup milk (as needed, for batter consistency)
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions : Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and sprinkle with salt (and sugar, if using). Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Preheat the Oven : Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients : In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme or rosemary (if using).
- Mix the Wet Ingredients : In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, olive oil, and Greek yogurt (or sour cream) until smooth.
- Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients : Add the wet ingredients to the bowl of dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in the chopped spinach, shredded cheese, and cooled caramelized onions. Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, if the batter seems too thick (it should be a scoopable consistency).
- Bake the Bread : Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Caramelized Onions: For best results, cook the onions on medium-low heat and be patient. They should turn a deep golden color for maximum flavor.
- Cheese Options: Gruyere, cheddar, or Parmesan all work beautifully in this recipe. Use your favorite!
- Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter just until combined to avoid dense bread.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, American