Braided Onion Loaf Recipes

GARLIC AND ONION CHALLAH BREAD

Steps:

• In a medium bowl, combine the yeast, warm water and 1 teaspoon of the sugar and give it a little stir. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, until it becomes foamy on top.
• Meanwhile, in a large bowl or the bowl of stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, mix together the flour, kosher salt and remaining 1/4 cup sugar. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the oil and 4 of the eggs.
• When the yeast is foamy, add it to the dry mixture immediately followed by the egg mixture and stir to combine. Knead, either by hand on a floured surface or with a dough hook, adding more white flour as necessary (but resist any urge to add too much!), until you have a smooth and slightly sticky dough, 7 to 10 minutes.
• Transfer the dough to an oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature until it has doubled in size, about 2 hours. It will take slightly longer if you're using whole wheat flour. Alternatively, you can stick it in the refrigerator overnight and then let it sit at room temperature for about an hour before shaping.
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Divide the dough into 6 pieces. Roll out each piece into a large strip, 1/2 to 1/4 inch thick and about 3 inches wide. Brush down each center with melted butter. Down the center, add the chopped onions and garlic. Roll each piece to seal in the onion mixture. Braid 3 of the pieces together, tucking the ends underneath to seal. Repeat with the remaining 3 pieces to make a second loaf. Place on the lined baking sheet and cover loosely with plastic wrap. Allow to rest for 30 minutes.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Whisk together the honey and remaining egg in a small bowl. Brush the bread top with the mixture and sprinkle with flaky salt.
• Bake until golden brown and not doughy in the center, about 35 minutes, but start checking at 28 minutes. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

BRAIDED ONION-POTATO LOAF

Steps:

• Place potato and onion in a small saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and cook for 10-15 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Drain; mash until potatoes are smooth (about 3/4 cup); set aside., In bread machine pan, place the milk, mashed potato, egg, butter, honey, cheese, parsley, salt, pepper, flour and yeast in order suggested by manufacturer. Select dough setting (check dough after 5 minutes of mixing; add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water or flour if needed)., When cycle is completed, turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into thirds. Shape each into an 18-in. rope. Place ropes on a greased baking sheet and braid; pinch ends to seal and tuck under. , Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour. Uncover; brush top with beaten egg. Sprinkle with additional cheese. Bake at 350° for 25-35 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pan to a wire rack.

ONION BREAD II

Steps:

• In a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes.
• Stir salt, shortening, minced onions, oregano and 2 cups bread flour into yeast mixture. Stir in the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.
• Stir dough to deflate and place it into a lightly greased 9x5 inch loaf pan. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise until the top of the dough is within 1/2 inch of the top of the pan, about 40 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• After loaf has risen, arrange onion slices on top of the loaf. Pour melted butter over the slices and bake in preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from pan to cool on a wire rack.