Description
This homemade onion bread with sage is a flavorful and aromatic bread perfect for savory meals or as a standalone snack. Featuring caramelized onions, fragrant dried sage, and a rustic herb topping, this bread offers a delightful combination of texture and taste. The dough is enriched by olive oil and slowly risen for a tender crumb with a golden crust. Ideal for those who appreciate hearty, homemade bread with a twist of herbal goodness.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 large red onions, chopped fine
- 2 teaspoons dried sage, rubbed fine
- 2 teaspoons pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 envelopes dry yeast (about 4 ¼ teaspoons)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
For Greasing and Topping:
- ¼ cup butter for greasing
- 2 tablespoons sea salt, kosher salt, or pickling salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper, coarsely ground
- 2 tablespoons dried rosemary or herbes de Provence, rubbed fine
- Additional olive oil for brushing
Instructions
- Cook the Onions: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add finely chopped onions, 2 teaspoons dried sage, and 2 teaspoons pepper. Stir regularly until onions become tender and translucent. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine 2 envelopes dry yeast, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 1 ½ cups warm water. Stir well and let sit for 10 to 15 minutes until frothy. Stir in 1 tablespoon olive oil into the activated yeast mixture.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a very large bowl, mix 5 cups all-purpose flour and 2 teaspoons salt until evenly distributed.
- Meld Ingredients Together: Add the yeast mixture and the cooled onion mixture to the flour. Mix thoroughly until a rough dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Dust your work surface with flour and knead the dough by hand for at least 5 minutes, adding extra flour if needed to prevent sticking. The dough should become smooth and elastic.
- Prepare for First Rise: Lightly grease a large bowl with ¼ cup butter by rubbing butter onto the inside surface with a paper towel. Place the dough in the bowl and flip it over to coat all sides in butter. Brush the top surface of the dough generously with olive oil.
- First Rise: Cover the bowl with a warm, damp cloth and set it in a warm (not hot) place such as an off oven. Allow the dough to rise for 45 to 50 minutes until it doubles in size. Avoid over-proofing to prevent excessive air holes in the bread.
- Degas the Dough: Punch the dough gently in the center to release trapped air.
- Shape the Loaves: Divide the dough into three equal pieces. Shape into three individual loaves or optionally braid them together for a decorative finish.
- Prepare Baking Surface: Grease a rimmed baking sheet with butter or cooking spray. Place the shaped loaves on the sheet and lightly brush each one with olive oil.
- Prepare Herb Topping: In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon coarsely ground black pepper, 2 tablespoons sea salt (or kosher/pickling salt), and 2 tablespoons dried rosemary or herbes de Provence. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of each loaf.
- Second Rise: Leave the un-covered loaves to rise again for 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to heat thoroughly.
- Bake the Bread: Bake the loaves on the prepared baking sheet for 35 to 45 minutes, until the crust turns a deep golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool and Serve: Remove loaves from the oven and allow to cool on a wire rack before slicing and enjoying.
Notes
- Using warm water between 105°F and 115°F helps the yeast activate properly without killing it.
- Do not rush the rising steps; proper proofing ensures better texture and flavor.
- The onion mixture should be cooled completely before adding to the dough to prevent killing the yeast.
- Brush the dough with olive oil before both rises to keep the surface moist and flavorful.
- Feel free to braid the dough for a decorative loaf.
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- This bread pairs excellently with soups, stews, or as a sandwich base.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American