Experience the aromatic delight of Herb and Onion Crusted Bread. This bread combines the perfect balance of basil, onions, and melted cheese, creating a flavorful crust that’s sure to please. Follow along to see how this delicious bread is made and savor every bite.
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 flour
- 1 tsp salt
For the Topping:
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp full-fat milk
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the lukewarm water, room temperature yogurt, olive oil, sugar, and instant yeast. Mix well and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast begins to activate.
- Gradually add the flour and salt to the mixture, stirring until a dough forms. You may need slightly more or less than 4 cups of flour, so add it gradually until the dough is soft and not too sticky.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise:
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Topping:
- In a small bowl, beat the egg and mix with 1 tbsp of full-fat milk.
- In another bowl, combine the finely chopped onion, chopped fresh basil, grated mozzarella cheese, and Italian seasoning.
- Shape the Bread:
- After the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a lightly floured surface.
- Form it into a loaf shape, either round or oval.
- Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Add the Topping:
- Brush the top of the loaf with the egg and milk mixture.
- Evenly sprinkle the onion, basil, and cheese mixture over the top of the bread, pressing gently to ensure it adheres to the dough.
- Second Rise:
- Cover the loaf with a kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the Bread:
- Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool and Serve:
- Take the bread out of the oven and cool it on a wire rack.
- Slice and serve warm, enjoying the aromatic and flavorful crust.
Conclusion
This Herb and Onion Crusted Bread is a delightful addition to any meal. The combination of fresh herbs, onions, and melted cheese creates an aromatic and delicious crust that’s perfect for savoring with every bite.