This recipe presents a delicious bread featuring lightly caramelized onions, adding moisture, tenderness, and a deep, naturally sweet flavor to each bite. It pairs perfectly with roasted meats or chicken, grilled vegetables, and sharp or smoked cheeses. With simple ingredients and a relatively short baking time, this bread is a wonderful addition to any meal.
MAKES: About 6 servings
TIME: 1 hour
INGREDIENTS:
- 3 tablespoons butter or extra virgin olive oil
- 2 large onions, sliced about 1/4 inch thick
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup neutral oil, like grapeseed or corn
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium to large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter or heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 10 minutes.
- Use the remaining butter or olive oil to grease a 9-inch round baking dish, pie plate, or ovenproof skillet. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the greased surface, and spread the softened onions across the bottom.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
- In a separate bowl, beat together the egg, milk, and neutral oil. Add this wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir quickly until well combined.
- Spread the batter evenly over the caramelized onions in the baking dish or skillet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out dry.
- Allow the bread to stand for 5 minutes before cutting into wedges. If desired, you can invert the bread onto a plate before serving.
- Serve the caramelized onion bread warm, as it pairs exceptionally well with various dishes.
TIPS:
- When caramelizing the onions, make sure to cook them over medium heat and stir occasionally to prevent burning. This will result in soft and sweet onions with a rich flavor.
- To save time, you can caramelize the onions ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use them in the bread.
- Use a sharp knife to slice the onions evenly, about 1/4 inch thick, for consistent caramelization.
- If you prefer a deeper caramelized flavor, you can cook the onions for a longer period until they reach your desired level of browning.
- Be sure to grease the baking dish or skillet thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bread.
- To enhance the flavor profile, you can add herbs or spices to the batter, such as thyme, rosemary, or black pepper.
- Experiment with different types of cheese to accompany the bread, such as Gruyere, cheddar, or goat cheese. Simply serve a slice of the bread with the cheese on top and melt it in the oven for a delicious variation.
- Serve the bread warm for the best taste and texture. If you have leftovers, you can reheat them briefly in the oven or toaster to regain the warmth and crispness.
- This bread makes a great addition to a brunch spread or can be enjoyed as a flavorful snack throughout the day.
- For added visual appeal, sprinkle some fresh herbs, such as chopped parsley or chives, on top of the bread before serving.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can substitute the butter with olive oil throughout the recipe.
- Feel free to customize the bread by adding other ingredients like cooked bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or shredded cheese to the batter for added depth and variety.
- This bread can be made ahead of time and reheated when needed. Store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in foil, and gently warm it in the oven before serving.
Enjoy this flavorful and moist bread with its sweet and savory notes. Whether served as a side to a main course or enjoyed on its own, it is sure to impress with its delightful combination of caramelized onions and tender texture.
