Warm Onion and Cheese Stuffed Bread

Name: Warm Onion and Cheese Stuffed Bread
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons); 1 teaspoon sugar; 1 1/2 teaspoons salt; 1 1/2 cups warm water; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 large onions, thinly sliced; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 2 tablespoons butter; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Easy Everyday Meals

I absolutely love making Warm Onion and Cheese Stuffed Bread, especially during chilly evenings. The aroma of caramelized onions mingling with melted cheese creates an inviting atmosphere that draws everyone in. When I take that first bite, the warm, gooey filling combined with the soft, crusty bread just makes my heart skip a beat. It's a simple yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for sharing, whether as a snack or part of a cozy meal. Trust me, once you try it, you'll find yourself making it time and again!

Created by

Ethan

Last updated on 2026-01-17T14:22:28.091Z

Making my Warm Onion and Cheese Stuffed Bread is a delightful process that brings back memories of cooking with my family. The trick is to slowly caramelize the onions until they’re sweet and golden. This enhances their flavor and adds depth to the dish. The cheese, preferably a mix of mozzarella and cheddar, offers that perfect meltiness that binds everything together. While the bread bakes, the smell transforms my kitchen into a cozy haven.

One specific tip I learned is to ensure the bread is fresh and ideally homemade if you can. A bread that’s been allowed to rise properly creates that perfect texture to hold all the filling without falling apart. Slicing the bread diagonally after baking helps to expose more filling, making it even more irresistible. I can’t help but take an extra slice each time!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Hearty and comforting flavors that warm the soul
Gooey, melted cheese paired with sweet, caramelized onions
Perfect for gatherings or as a soothing solo treat

      

Perfecting the Dough

Creating a soft and flavorful dough is key to the success of this bread. Using warm water activates the yeast, while sugar provides the perfect fuel for fermentation. It's important to knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If it feels too sticky, you can add a touch more flour, but avoid overworking it, as this will make the bread dense instead of airy.

After kneading, let the dough rise in a warm environment. A 1-hour rise should give you a good volume. If your kitchen is chilly, consider placing the bowl in a slightly warm oven (turned off) or covering it with a damp cloth. The dough should double in size and have a puffy appearance when fully risen.

Once your dough has risen, you can shape it easily. Don't forget to punch it down gently after the rise to release any air bubbles; this ensures a light bite. The dough will be easier to roll out and shape for filling.

Crafting the Filling

Caramelizing onions is a technique that brings out their natural sweetness, which pairs beautifully with the savory cheeses. It's important to cook the onions slowly over medium heat to avoid burning. Stir them occasionally for about 20 minutes, and they should become golden brown and syrupy. If they start to stick, add a splash of water to deglaze the pan.

Combining the onions with mozzarella and cheddar creates a rich, gooey filling. Mozzarella offers that delightful stretch, while cheddar adds a sharp bite. If you're looking for variations, consider adding herbs like thyme or basil for extra flavor or using gouda for a smoky touch.

To ensure the filling remains moist, avoid overcooking the cheese. You want it just melted when you slice into the bread. The blend of flavors will meld together beautifully, becoming one cohesive indulgence.

Baking and Serving Suggestions

When you roll the dough after adding the filling, ensure it's tight but not so compact that the filling spills out. Allow the final rise on the baking sheet to create a fluffy texture. The aroma wafting from the oven will be irresistible! Bake until the bread turns golden brown, which is a sign that the inside is fully cooked and the flavors have developed.

Let the bread cool slightly before slicing to prevent the cheesy filling from oozing out too much. For serving, this stuffed bread pairs wonderfully with a simple marinara sauce or a garlic dipping sauce to enhance the flavors. You can also serve it alongside a light salad for a complete meal.

If you wish to store leftovers, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the oven to restore their crispness. For longer storage, freezing is easy; just wrap slices individually and place them in a freezer-safe bag. To enjoy later, simply thaw and reheat.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this delicious stuffed bread:

For the Bread

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
1 teaspoon sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 cups warm water
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Filling

2 large onions, thinly sliced
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons butter
Salt and pepper to taste

Ensure everything is measured accurately before starting to make the process smoother!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Warm Onion and Cheese Stuffed Bread:

Prepare the Dough

In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy. Mix in the flour, salt, and olive oil until a dough forms.

Knead for about 10 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.

Caramelize the Onions

In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add sliced onions, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes until they are soft and golden brown.

Combine the Filling

In a bowl, mix the caramelized onions with mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Set aside.

Assemble the Bread

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a rectangle. Spread the filling evenly over the dough and roll it up tightly.

Place it seam-side down on a baking sheet.

Bake the Bread

Let the rolled dough rise for an additional 20 minutes. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes until golden brown. Let cool slightly before slicing.

Enjoy your stuffed bread warm for the best experience!

Pro Tips

Using a mix of cheeses adds depth
consider including some spices or herbs like garlic powder or thyme for extra flavor.

Storage and Reheating

This stuffed bread can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. When storing, it's best to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. For longer storage, you can freeze it. Cut the bread into individual slices, wrap each slice in plastic, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This method helps maintain the bread's texture and flavor.

To reheat the bread, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the wrapped bread on a baking sheet and heat for about 15-20 minutes if thawed, or 25-30 minutes if frozen. This will help make the bread warm and slightly crispy again while melting the cheese inside.

If you’re in a hurry, you can also microwave individual slices for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. However, be mindful that microwaving can make the bread a bit chewy, so it’s less ideal than oven reheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking for a gluten-free option, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free bread blend. Ensure that the yeast and other ingredients are also labeled gluten-free. This may alter the texture slightly but can still yield delicious results.

For a lighter version, consider using low-fat cheese. However, be aware that low-fat cheeses may not melt as well as their full-fat counterparts. Mixing in some cream cheese can help maintain a creamy texture while reducing the overall fat content.

You can customize the filling by using different types of cheese, such as feta or ricotta, for a Mediterranean twist. Adding vegetables like spinach or roasted red peppers not only boosts nutrition but also adds wonderful flavors and colors to the bread.

Garnishing Suggestions

Elevate the presentation of your Warm Onion and Cheese Stuffed Bread by garnishing it with fresh herbs. Sprinkling chopped parsley or thyme on top before serving adds a pop of color and freshness that complements the dish beautifully.

You might also consider drizzling a little extra virgin olive oil over the sliced bread before serving. This can enhance the richness and offer an extra layer of flavor. Additionally, serving with a light sprinkle of sea salt enhances the overall taste.

For gatherings, cut the bread into smaller pieces and serve it on a platter with accompanied dipping sauces, like marinara or an herbed olive oil, to stimulate your guests’ appetites and make it a perfect snack.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use pre-made bread instead of homemade?

Yes, you can use store-bought bread, but homemade offers the best texture and flavor.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for a crispy texture.

→ Can I freeze the stuffed bread?

Absolutely! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. It can last up to 3 months.

→ What other fillings can I use?

Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, add cooked spinach, or even meats like ham or pepperoni.