Description
This pull-apart bread features sweet caramelized onions and nutty Gruyère cheese baked into a soft, homemade dough. It’s perfect for sharing and surprisingly easy to make.
Ingredients
- For the Caramelized Onions:
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried)
- Pinch of salt
- For the Dough:
- 1/2 cup warm milk (105-110°F or 40-43°C)
- 1 1/2 tsp active dry yeast
- 2 tsp granulated sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs, whisked
- For Assembly:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups grated Gruyère cheese, divided
- 1 tbsp melted butter for brushing (optional)
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and olive oil. Add onions, thyme, and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 30-45 minutes until deep brown and sweet. Set aside to cool.
- Make the Dough: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- In a stand mixer bowl, combine yeast mixture, melted butter, and whisked eggs.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and pepper.
- Add flour mixture to wet ingredients on low speed. Increase to medium and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 60-90 minutes, or until doubled.
- Assemble the Bread: Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Punch down dough and roll into a 12×16-inch rectangle on a floured surface.
- Spread softened butter over the dough.
- Layer the cooled caramelized onions over the butter, leaving a border.
- Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of Gruyère cheese over the onions.
- Roll dough tightly from the long side into a log. Place seam-side down.
- Slice log into 12 equal rolls. Arrange cut-side up in the prepared pan.
- Sprinkle remaining ½ cup cheese over the top.
- Cover and let rise for another 45-60 minutes until puffy.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, until golden brown and cheese is melted.
- Let cool in pan for 5-10 minutes. Brush with melted butter if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Ensure milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly.
- Dough should be smooth and elastic after kneading.
- Allow dough to rise in a consistently warm place.
- Cool onions completely before adding to dough to prevent melting the butter.
- Adjust baking time based on your oven.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French