Oh, friend, let me tell you about my Soft Cheesy Onion Bread. Just the smell of it baking takes me right back to childhood. My grandma used to make something similar, and the aroma would fill the whole house. There’s just something so comforting about the combination of warm bread, savory onions, and melty cheese. It’s like a warm hug in bread form, you know?

I’ll be honest, the first few times I tried to recreate that memory, it was a disaster. Either the bread was too dry, the onions were burnt, or the cheese was… well, let’s just say it wasn’t the gooey, delicious mess I was going for. It took a few tries, a LOT of flour dusting, and one memorable incident involving a smoke alarm and a very stubborn onion, but I finally got it right. Now, this Soft Cheesy Onion Bread is a staple in our house. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when I need something quick and satisfying to go with soup or salad. And honestly, sometimes it is the meal.

It fits perfectly into the chaos of my life. I can prep most of it while the kids are doing homework, and the actual baking time gives me a chance to relax and breathe. The family loves it. Even the picky eaters gobble it up, which is a win in my book. This Soft Cheesy Onion Bread is not only easy, but it fills my house with a smell that is reminiscent of my childhood memories. If you love this, you should try this easy Onion Beef Fried Rice. So, if you’re ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible scent of Soft Cheesy Onion Bread, come on, let’s get started! I promise, it’s easier than you think.

Ingredients for Soft Cheesy Onion Bread

Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting bread. The aroma alone is worth the effort!

4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1 ½ cups warm water (105-115°F)
2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for greasing
1 ½ teaspoons salt
2 large onions, thinly sliced
4 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese blend!)
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)

When it comes to making this Soft Cheesy Onion Bread, I always use a good quality cheddar cheese. It just melts so beautifully and has that sharp flavor that complements the sweetness of the onions perfectly. However, a lot of times I’ll use what’s in the fridge. If you are looking for a shopping tip when making Soft Cheesy Onion Bread, be sure to grab the cheese when it is on sale and freeze it, that way you have some on hand when you need it.

Here’s a Soft Cheesy Onion Bread tip I learned from my mom, which is the importance of blooming the yeast. Don’t skip this step! It ensures your bread rises properly. If you’re short on time, you can even use pre-shredded cheese to save a few minutes. Also, if I have leftover onions, I store them in the fridge in a sealed container. The storage is key to keeping the odors down, otherwise your fridge will smell only of onions. I make sure to put a date label on the container and try to use it within a week. Now, let’s move on to how to get this delicious cheesy onion bread recipe done!

How to Make Soft Cheesy Onion Bread – Step-by-Step

Follow these steps to bake your own Soft Cheesy Onion Bread:

Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes, until foamy. This is how you know the yeast is alive and kicking!
Make the Dough: Add the olive oil and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. You may not need all the flour, so add it slowly!
Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time. I learned the hard way with Soft Cheesy Onion Bread that sticky dough equals flat bread!
First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. While the Soft Cheesy Onion Bread is rising, I usually catch up on laundry or read a few chapters of my book.
Prepare the Onions: While the dough is rising, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and caramelized, about 20-25 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic during the last minute of cooking. You want the onions to be golden brown and sweet. Your kitchen should smell amazing right now!
Shape the Bread: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down the risen dough and divide it in half. On a lightly floured surface, roll each half into a 12×8-inch rectangle.
Assemble the Bread: Sprinkle half of the caramelized onions and half of the shredded cheese evenly over each rectangle of dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
Roll and Bake: Starting from one of the long ends, roll each rectangle up tightly into a loaf. Pinch the seam to seal. Place the loaves seam-side down on a greased baking sheet or in greased loaf pans.
Second Rise: Cover the loaves with a clean kitchen towel and let rise for another 30 minutes. This step is important for the final soft texture.
Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If the tops start to brown too quickly, you can tent them loosely with foil. Your Soft Cheesy Onion Bread should smell like a warm, comforting hug right about now!
Cool and Enjoy: Let the Soft Cheesy Onion Bread cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This is the hardest part, I know! Be patient, it’s worth it.

If you are looking for something else to make, try these Southern Cornbread Poppers Recipe.

Serving Suggestions

Here are a few ways to serve and enjoy your Soft Cheesy Onion Bread:

Make grilled cheese sandwiches with it. It adds a wonderful flavor to the classic sandwich.
Pair it with a simple tomato soup or a hearty chili on a cold day.
Serve it at potlucks and gatherings.
Use it to make croutons for salads, or as a base for mini pizzas.

During the fall, I love adding a little bit of dried thyme to the onion mixture for a warmer, more seasonal flavor. And around the holidays, I’ll sometimes add a sprinkle of dried cranberries for a festive touch. My friends always ask for this Soft Cheesy Onion Bread recipe, especially around the holidays when I bring it to parties. Check out this Braided Cheese-Onion Bread | A Bountiful Kitchen for some inspiration!

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Soft Cheesy Onion Bread:

My dough isn’t rising. What did I do wrong? Make sure your yeast isn’t expired and that your water is between 105-115°F.
Can I use a different kind of cheese? Absolutely! Gruyere, provolone, or a sharp cheddar would work beautifully.
Can I make this bread ahead of time? Yes, prepare the dough through the first rise, then refrigerate it for up to 24 hours.
The onions are burning! Help! Lower the heat and add a tablespoon or two of water to the skillet.
Can I add other ingredients to the onion mixture? Yes! Chopped bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or red pepper flakes are great additions.
My Soft Cheesy Onion Bread is browning too quickly. What should I do? Loosely tent it with foil.
Can I freeze this Soft Cheesy Onion Bread? Yes, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Check out this Caramelized Onion Cheddar Bread recipe for alternative ideas!

My Final Thoughts on Soft Cheesy Onion Bread

This Soft Cheesy Onion Bread recipe holds a special place in my heart because it reminds me of my childhood and the simple joys of home cooking. It’s a recipe that has been passed down and adapted over the years, and it’s one that I hope my family will continue to enjoy for generations to come.

Pro Tips for the Best Bread

Don’t Over Knead: Knead just until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Room temperature ingredients incorporate more easily.
Be Patient: Don’t rush the rising process.

As for variations, my husband loves it with a little bit of everything bagel seasoning sprinkled on top before baking. The kids love it when I add a swirl of pesto to the dough before rolling it up. And I personally enjoy it with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil after baking. A lot of people use a Dutch oven for a more even bake, as found here: Bloomin’ Onion Garlic Bread (Pull Apart Bread) – Cafe Delites.

I hope you’ll give this Soft Cheesy Onion Bread a try and make it your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses, herbs, and spices to create a flavor combination that your family will love. Remember, cooking is all about having fun and creating memories. So, gather your ingredients, put on some music, and let’s get baking! I am sure this cheesy onion bread recipe will become a staple at your house.

Soft Cheesy Onion Bread

Print Recipe

This soft and cheesy onion bread is incredibly flavorful and easy to make. It’s the perfect appetizer or side dish, loaded with caramelized onions and gooey cheese.

Author: Zoubida
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6-8 servings
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1 loaf (1 pound) Italian bread
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 large onions, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Slice the Italian bread in half lengthwise.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are soft and caramelized, about 20-25 minutes.
In a bowl, combine cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth.
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread.
Top with caramelized onions, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a sprinkle of garlic powder or onion powder to the cream cheese mixture.