English bread with cheese and onion

Name: English bread with cheese and onion - Matilda P.
Ingredients: 1 finely chopped onion; 45g butter; 450g flour; 7g dried yeast (or 20g fresh yeast); 1 teaspoon mustard; 175g Cheddar cheese (I used Emmental); 150ml warm water; 150ml warm milk; 2 teaspoons salt; a pinch of pepper

Pasta/Pizza - English bread with cheese and onion by Matilda P. - Recipia

English bread with cheese and onion - A flavorful and comforting delicacy Who doesn't love warm bread, fresh out of the oven, with an inviting aroma of cheese and onion? English bread with cheese and onion is a perfect choice for any occasion, whether it's a family dinner or a gathering with friends. This delicious recipe combines the fluffy texture of the bread with the intense flavor of cheese and the sweetness of caramelized onions, creating a dish that will delight any palate. Preparation time: 20 minutes Baking time: 45 minutes Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes Number of servings: 20 small balls Necessary ingredients: - 1 large onion, finely chopped - 45 g butter (plus a little for greasing) - 450 g wheat flour - 7 g dry yeast (or 20 g fresh yeast) - 1 teaspoon mustard - 175 g Cheddar cheese (or any preferred cheese, I used Emmental) - 150 ml lukewarm water - 150 ml lukewarm milk - 2 teaspoons of salt - A pinch of pepper Preparing the bread: 1. Sautéing the onion: Start by melting 25 g of butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté gently, stirring constantly to avoid burning. The onion should become translucent and reveal its sweet aroma. Once done, remove the pan from heat and let the onion cool slightly. 2. Mixing the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift the flour and add the yeast, mustard, salt, and pepper. The mustard will add a subtle flavor note, while the pepper will enhance the aromas. 3. Adding the wet ingredients: In the center of the flour mixture, add 3/4 of the grated cheese (reserve the rest for topping) and the sautéed onion. Pour the lukewarm milk and water over the dry ingredients. Use a spatula or your hands to mix the ingredients until you obtain a soft dough. If the dough sticks to your hands, add a little flour until it becomes manageable. 4. Kneading the dough: Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and homogeneous. Kneading is essential for gluten development, which will make the bread fluffy. 5. Rising the dough: Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil or butter. Cover it with a greased film (to prevent sticking) and let it rise in a warm place for 45 minutes, or until it doubles in volume. 6. Shaping the dough balls: Once the dough has risen, divide it into 20 equal balls. This is a fun step, and the size of the balls can be adjusted according to preference. 7. Preparing the baking tray: Place half of the balls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or greased with butter. Pour some of the melted butter over them to add a delicious flavor and texture. 8. Adding the remaining balls: Place the other half of the balls on top of the first ones, brush them with the remaining melted butter, and cover them with a greased film. Let them rise again for 45 minutes until they reach the top edge of the tray. 9. Baking the bread: Preheat the oven to 190 degrees Celsius. Once the dough has risen, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and bake the bread for 45 minutes, or until golden and crispy. 10. Cooling and serving: After removing the bread from the oven, let it cool on a rack. This will help maintain the crispy texture. Once cooled, you can slice it and enjoy its distinctive aroma. Practical tips for a perfect result: - Ingredient choices: Use quality cheese, as it will influence the bread's flavor. Cheddar is a classic choice, but you can experiment with other cheeses like Gouda or Gruyère. - Temperature control: Make sure the milk and water are lukewarm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast. - Quick rising: If you're short on time, you can let the dough rise in a warm place, like next to a radiator or in a preheated but turned-off oven. - Variations: You can add fresh or dried herbs (like rosemary or thyme) to the dough for an even more intense flavor. Nutritional notes: A serving of English bread with cheese and onion provides a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats, being a good source of calcium due to the cheese. It is ideal as an appetizer or accompaniment for soups and salads. Frequently asked questions: 1. Can I use other types of cheese? Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses, but make sure to choose ones that melt well. 2. How can I store the bread? The bread keeps best in an airtight container at room temperature, but it is also delicious toasted the next day. 3. Can I make the dough a day in advance? Yes, you can knead the dough and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. The next day, let it come to room temperature before shaping. This English bread with cheese and onion is not just a simple recipe but also a wonderful way to bring family and friends together around the table. Whether you serve it warm alongside a cup of tea or a delicious soup, each bite will be a pleasant experience. Enjoy!