Description
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- ½ cup lukewarm water
- 1 cup room temperature yogurt
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
- About 4 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Topping:
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (as desired)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon full-fat milk
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine lukewarm water, yogurt, olive oil, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until bubbly.
- Gradually add flour and salt to the mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
2. First Rise:
- Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean towel.
- Let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
3. Prepare the Topping:
- In a small bowl, beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of milk.
- In another bowl, mix the onion, basil, cheese, and Italian seasoning.
4. Shape the Dough:
- After the dough has risen, punch it down to release air.
- Shape it into a round or oval loaf and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. Add the Topping:
- Brush the loaf with the egg wash.
- Sprinkle the onion, basil, and cheese mixture evenly over the top, pressing gently.
6. Second Rise:
- Cover the loaf with a towel and let it rise for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
7. Bake the Bread:
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
- Sauté the onions: For a sweeter flavor, lightly sauté the chopped onions before using them in the topping.
- Dough consistency: If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
- Serving suggestions: This bread pairs beautifully with soups, salads, or as a side for pasta dishes.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: International