Why You’ll Love This Sourdough Onion Herb Bread Recipe
When you take a bite of this Sourdough Onion Herb Bread, you’ll immediately understand why it’s a favorite in my kitchen.
The rich, tangy flavor of sourdough pairs beautifully with the savory notes of onion and herbs, creating an aroma that fills my home.
Each slice is perfectly crusty on the outside and soft on the inside, making it ideal for sandwiches or simply slathered with butter.
I love how versatile it is; it complements any meal or stands alone as a snack.
Trust me, once you try it, it’ll quickly become a staple in your home too!
Ingredients of Sourdough Onion Herb Bread
To whip up a delicious batch of Sourdough Onion Herb Bread, you’ll need a few key ingredients that come together to create a mouthwatering loaf. Picture yourself in the kitchen, surrounded by the comforting scents of herbs and onions as you prepare this delightful bread.
It’s a straightforward list, but each ingredient plays a crucial role in the flavor and texture, making it a joy to work with. You’ll be amazed at how these simple elements transform into something truly special.
Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- 1 3/4 cups proofed sourdough starter
- 3/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup dried potato flakes
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons dried onion flakes
- 2 teaspoons dried mixed Italian seasoning
- 4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
Now, let’s talk about those ingredients. The proofed sourdough starter is the star of the show, bringing that signature tangy flavor we all love.
If you’re like me, you probably have a love-hate relationship with maintaining a sourdough starter, but trust me, it’s worth it. The milk and butter add richness, while the sugar helps with browning and flavor.
Those dried potato flakes? They’re a secret weapon; they keep the bread moist and tender. And don’t skimp on the herbs and onion flakes. They pack a punch of savory goodness that takes this bread to the next level.
How to Make Sourdough Onion Herb Bread
Making Sourdough Onion Herb Bread is a delightful journey that fills your kitchen with incredible aromas and results in a wonderfully fluffy loaf. To kick things off, gather your ingredients: you’ll need 1 3/4 cups of proofed sourdough starter, 3/4 cup milk, 2 tablespoons sugar, 4 tablespoons butter, 1/4 cup dried potato flakes, 2 teaspoons salt, 2 tablespoons dried onion flakes, 2 teaspoons dried mixed Italian seasoning, and 4 cups of unbleached all-purpose flour.
Once everything is in front of you, you’ll feel like a bread-making wizard ready to create some magic.
Now, let’s get that bread machine involved. Add all the ingredients to the bread machine in the order recommended by the manufacturer—this is key for the best results. I usually do the wet ingredients first, followed by the dry ones, but your machine may have its quirks.
Select the dough cycle, but here’s a little secret: you want to remove the dough from the machine right after the kneading cycle, skipping the rising stage in the machine itself. This is where the fun begins. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured board and shape it into two loaves. Place them into greased bread pans.
Now, give those loaves a gentle spritz with non-stick cooking spray, cover them, and let them rise in a warm spot for, oh, about 2 ½ to 3 hours. This part can test your patience, but trust me, it will be worth it when you see them puff up like fluffy clouds.
Finally, preheat your oven to 350°F and bake those beauties for around 30 minutes. You’re looking for a golden-brown color that screams “I’m delicious,” and trust me, you’ll know when they’re ready.
The moment you pull them out, resist the urge to plunge in immediately, even though the scent is intoxicating. Instead, turn them out of the pans onto a wire rack to cool. If you’re feeling fancy, brush the tops with butter while they’re still hot—this gives them that irresistible shine and extra flavor.
And there you have it, your very own Sourdough Onion Herb Bread, just waiting to be slathered with butter or made into a mouthwatering sandwich. Happy baking!
Sourdough Onion Herb Bread Substitutions & Variations
Sourdough Onion Herb Bread offers endless opportunities for customization, allowing you to tailor the flavors to your liking.
For a twist, try swapping dried onion flakes for fresh sautéed onions, adding a savory depth. If you enjoy a hint of sweetness, incorporate caramelized onions or roasted garlic.
You can also experiment with herbs; rosemary or thyme can add a fragrant touch. For a cheesy variation, mix in shredded cheese like cheddar or mozzarella.
Finally, if you want a bit of heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes. The possibilities are truly endless, so feel free to get creative!
Additional Tips & Notes
While baking Sourdough Onion Herb Bread, I’ve found a few tips that can really enhance the final result.
First, using a kitchen scale for measuring flour guarantees accuracy and consistency. If you want an extra boost of flavor, consider adding fresh herbs or sautéed onions instead of dried.
Additionally, let your dough rise until it doubles in size for better texture. If you’re short on time, you can speed up the rising process by placing the dough in a warm oven.
Finally, brushing melted butter on top right after baking gives a lovely sheen and extra flavor. Enjoy your baking!