There’s something truly special about the smell of freshly baked bread, but when that bread is topped with a savory mix of onions, herbs, and melted cheese, it becomes an irresistible treat. This Savory Herb and Onion Crust Bread takes classic homemade bread to the next level by adding a flavorful crust that’s crispy, cheesy, and packed with aromatic herbs. Whether you’re enjoying it as a side for soups and stews, or simply eating it warm with butter, this bread is sure to impress. Follow along with this easy-to-follow recipe and experience the joy of baking bread at home!
Ingredients:
For the Bread:
- ½ cup lukewarm water
- 1 cup room temperature yogurt
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp instant yeast
- About 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
For the Topping:
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (about 2 tbsp or as desired)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary)
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tbsp full-fat milk
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine the lukewarm water, yogurt, olive oil, sugar, and instant yeast. Stir gently to mix and let it sit for about 5 minutes, allowing the yeast to activate.
- Gradually add in the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. You can start with about 3 cups of flour and add more as needed to get a smooth, elastic dough that is slightly tacky but not too sticky.
- Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes, either by hand on a lightly floured surface or with a stand mixer using the dough hook attachment. The dough should become smooth and springy to the touch.
- Once the dough is kneaded, place it in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare the Topping:
- While the dough is rising, prepare the topping by finely chopping the onion and fresh basil. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, beat the egg with the milk to create the egg wash, which will give the bread a golden crust.
- Grate the mozzarella cheese and mix it with the Italian seasoning in a separate bowl.
- Shape the Dough:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and shape it into a loaf or a round shape, depending on your preference.
- Place the shaped dough onto a lined or greased baking sheet. Cover the dough with the kitchen towel again and allow it to rise for an additional 30 minutes.
- Add the Topping:
- Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
- After the second rise, brush the surface of the dough with the egg wash mixture. This will give the bread a shiny, golden color once baked.
- Evenly sprinkle the chopped onions, fresh basil, and the cheese mixture over the top of the dough, pressing down lightly so that the toppings adhere to the surface.
- For added flavor, sprinkle a bit more Italian seasoning on top if desired.
- Bake the Bread:
- Place the bread in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- To check if the bread is fully baked, tap the bottom of the loaf; it should sound hollow. If not, bake for an additional 5 minutes and check again.
- Cool and Serve:
- Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for about 15 minutes before slicing. The crust will be crisp, and the inside will be soft and airy.
- Serve warm with butter, or pair it with your favorite soup, salad, or pasta dish for a delicious meal.
Conclusion:
This Savory Herb and Onion Crust Bread brings the best of both worlds together: a soft, fluffy interior and a crunchy, cheesy topping loaded with herbs and onions. It’s a versatile bread that can complement a variety of dishes or stand on its own as a snack. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to bread-making, this recipe is simple to follow and delivers a truly delightful result. With every bite, you’ll savor the perfect harmony of flavors, from the fragrant herbs to the gooey mozzarella and the slight sweetness of caramelized onions. Enjoy this homemade treat warm, and watch it disappear from the table!