Rosemary-Onion Bread with Blue Cheese Topping: A Rustic Delight
An herb-infused, crusty loaf brings homemade bakery charm to every table.
Breadmaking at home can be deeply rewarding, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas and resulting in a treat that far surpasses anything store-bought. Rosemary-Onion Bread with Blue Cheese Topping is one such loaf — savory, fragrant, and crowned with tangy, melting blue cheese. In this article, discover everything you need to make this rustic bread: an ingredient rundown, clear instructions, tips for success, and helpful answers to common questions.
Why You’ll Love This Bread
- Aromatic Rosemary: Makes every bite vibrant and herby.
- Caramelized Onions: Add a sweet, earthy undertone.
- Crusty yet Chewy Texture: A perfect artisan balance.
- Blue Cheese Topping: Provides tang, creaminess, and a gourmet finish.
- Versatile: Delicious as a side, appetizer, or snack on its own.
Ingredients Overview
This recipe features accessible ingredients you may already have at home. Here’s what you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Notes |
|---|---|
| Bread flour | 3 cups; creates the ideal chewy crumb |
| Warm water | 1 1/2 cups; activates the yeast |
| Active dry yeast | 3 teaspoons; for rising |
| Sugar | 1 tablespoon; boosts yeast activity |
| Olive oil | 3 tablespoons; for moisture and flavor |
| Yellow onion | 1 large; caramelized for sweetness |
| Rosemary | Small handful, chopped; freshly picked preferred |
| Kosher salt | 2-3 teaspoons; for bright flavor |
| Butter | 1 tablespoon for sautéing; additional for brushing |
| Blue cheese | 1/2 cup, crumbled; for topping |
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
1. Caramelize the Onions
- In a skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, stirring regularly until it turns golden and caramelized (about 8–10 minutes).
- Set aside and let cool slightly.
2. Activate the Yeast
- Pour 1 1/2 cups warm water into a large bowl.
- Sprinkle in 3 teaspoons active dry yeast and 1 tablespoon sugar.
- Add 3 tablespoons olive oil.
- Gently stir, then let it sit until foamy (about 5 minutes).
3. Prepare the Rosemary
- Strip the leaves from a few rosemary sprigs.
- Chop the leaves finely—the more, the better for bold herbal flavor.
4. Mix the Dough
- In a large bowl, combine 3 cups bread flour with 2–3 teaspoons kosher salt.
- Add in the cooled onions and chopped rosemary, stirring gently.
- Gradually pour in the yeast mixture, mixing until a sticky dough forms. (Alternate additions if needed.)
5. Knead the Dough
- Generously flour a clean surface.
- Turn out the sticky dough and knead 15–20 times, sprinkling on flour as required to prevent sticking—but don’t overdo it; the dough should stay slightly sticky for a moist crumb.
6. First Rise
- Drizzle another bowl with olive oil.
- Place the dough in the bowl, turn to coat, and cover with a towel or plastic wrap.
- Let rise in a warm spot for 1.5–2 hours until doubled in size.
7. Shape and Second Rise
- Punch down the dough and divide into 8 roughly equal pieces.
- Shape each into a round or slightly oblong form and place on a lined baking sheet.
- Cover loosely and let rise for another 15–20 minutes.
8. Bake
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- For a soft, golden finish, brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter halfway through baking.
- Bake for about 18–20 minutes until golden and crusty.
9. Blue Cheese Topping
- Once the bread is golden, sprinkle crumbled blue cheese over each roll or loaf.
- For melty cheese, return to the oven for the final 5 minutes of baking. For a softer finish, sprinkle cheese after baking and let the residual heat soften it.
10. Serve and Enjoy
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
- Best enjoyed fresh for optimum crustiness and flavor!
What others are reading
Expert Tips for Success
- Sticky Dough is Good: Keep the dough slightly sticky for a chewy, moist texture. Don’t dry it out with too much flour.
- Salt Matters: Two to three teaspoons of kosher or sea salt brings out flavor—don’t skimp, but adjust for your taste.
- Blue Cheese Choices: Try Roquefort, Gorgonzola, or any strong blue cheese for different nuances.
- Variations: Add chopped olives, roasted garlic, or even a sprinkling of parmesan for new twists on this bread.
- Make-Ahead: Rolls freeze beautifully. Defrost and refresh in a hot oven for best results.
Table: Blue Cheese Topping Options
| Method | Result |
|---|---|
| Added after baking | Softens slightly, rich flavor, keeps structure |
| Added with 5 minutes left | Melts and browns, extra creamy texture |
Serving Ideas
- Pair with soups—especially creamy tomato or onion-based broths
- Slice and use for gourmet sandwiches
- Serve as a dramatic side for stews, salads, or grilled meats
- Enjoy alone with butter, or honey for a sweet-savory contrast
Possible Variations
- Add-ins: Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or chopped nuts for complexity
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute with your favorite gluten-free bread flour blend (texture may vary)
- Alternative Cheeses: Try goat cheese, feta, or aged cheddar for a twist
Troubleshooting Common Breadmaking Issues
- Bread Too Dense: Ensure your yeast is active and that you allow enough rise time.
- Bread is Dry: Keep dough sticky during kneading and watch baking time closely.
- Cheese Won’t Melt: Add cheese for the last few minutes of baking and use fresh blue cheese crumbles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh?
A: Yes. Use about one-third the amount of dried rosemary, as it’s more concentrated. Fresh gives a brighter, more aromatic flavor.
Q: What’s the best way to caramelize onions?
A: Cook onions slowly in butter or olive oil, stirring often over medium heat, until deeply golden and soft. This brings out their natural sweetness.
Q: How do I know if my yeast is still active?
A: Yeast should foam and bubble after a few minutes in warm water with sugar. If nothing happens, use fresh yeast.
Q: Is there a way to make this bread ahead of time?
A: Yes. Shape the rolls, freeze them on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw and let them rise before baking as usual. Baked rolls also freeze well and can be reheated in the oven.
Q: Which blue cheese works best?
A: Any creamy, crumbly blue cheese works, such as Gorgonzola, Roquefort, or Stilton. Pick based on your taste preference for intensity.
More Homemade Bread Inspiration
- French Onion Grilled Cheese – For toast lovers who crave cheesy, savory comfort.
- Classic Focaccia – Loaded with olive oil and herbs for an Italian twist.
- Artisan Olive Loaf – Packed with briny cured olives for Mediterranean flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Rosemary-Onion Bread with Blue Cheese Topping is a celebration of artisan breadmaking at home—earthy, aromatic, and never short of personality. Serve it at gatherings, with casual weeknight dinners, or simply fresh from the oven with a pat of melting butter. It’s a recipe guaranteed to become a household favorite, whether you follow the classic approach or make it your own with creative add-ins.
Ready to enjoy a bread that’s packed with flavor, texture, and signature style? Roll up your sleeves and give this recipe a try. Happy baking!
References
- https://rachelhowdenblog.wordpress.com/2014/07/11/rosemary-onion-blue-cheese-rolls/
- https://florasfoodforay.wordpress.com/2010/05/04/rosemary-onion-bread-with-blue-cheese-topping-and-mixed-green-salad-with-apricot-vinaigrette/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a8887/rosemary-onion-bread-with-blue-cheese-topping/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BK7zPMkwOWE
- https://tastykitchen.com/recipes/breads/rosemary-onion-bread-with-blue-cheese-topping/
- https://garlicmysoul.com/blog/rosemary-blue-cheese-rolls-cooking-classes/
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