This impressive Cheese and Caramelized Onion Bread Recipe is one we came up with years ago. A golden baked pizza dough braid cocoons a delicious center of sweet onion and salty melted asiago cheese. It's the type of recipe that you want to serve as a delicious appetizer or alongside a soup or salad.
Jump to:
❤️ Why you'll love this recipe . . .
- it's quick and easy to make with pre-made pizza dough.
- can be made ahead and warmed up.
- takes only a few ingredients.
- make it to suit your taste.
We've made the caramelized onion bread many times, and it's never failed to impress our family, friends, and fussy foodies. And we always get recipe requests.
🛒 Ingredients
Note: The full list of this onion bread appetizer recipe ingredients with their amounts and options are listed in the recipe card below.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
- Refrigerated Pizza crust -- may use your own homemade pizza recipe.
- Butter -- richness and fat in cooking the onion.
- Brown sugar -- helps in the caramelization.
- Onion -- flavor and sweetness.
- Thyme leaves -- fresh or dried for taste and deep herb taste.
- Asiago cheese -- may substitute with Pecorino
- Egg white -- adds sheen to the braid and helps the poppy seeds stick.
- Poppy seed -- flavor and appearance.
🗒 Instructions
Note: This is an overview of the instructions. The full instructions are in the recipe card below.
- Sauté the onion in the butter.
- Cook until onion is golden brown. Stir in the brown sugar and thyme.
- Unroll pizza dough on parchment lined baking sheet. Sprinkle cheese down center.
- Spoon onion mixture over cheese.
- With scissors make cuts 1-inch apart on both long sides of dough.
- Start at the bottom crossing the dough.
- Alternately cross strips diagonally over filling.
- Turn the ends under and press to seal.
- Brush the egg white over the top of the dough.
- Sprinkle the poppy seeds over the top of the bread.
- Bake for 11 to 15 minutes until golden brown.
- Let stand 5 minutes before serving. Cut crosswise into slices.
🔪 Equipment
The following are affiliate links. we are a participant i the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
You’ll need the following items to make this recipe successfully
🤔 FAQs
These are the questions we are most frequently asked about making the Cheese and Onion Bread.
Yes you can. We like to use the pre-made ones you find in your dairy section. They are very easy to work with, especially when rolling out into a rectangle.
You can use any onions for caramelizing, red, yellow, white, sweet varieties will work.
You may also use Pecorino Cheese.
A heavy thick-bottom pan. You want the onions to slowly cook and not burn.
👩🏻🍳 Tips
The refrigerated pizza crust is really easy to use. I know, I know, we usually make our own pizza crust, but believe me, the prepared pizza crust works out great.
You need to unroll the pizza dough and then place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. With a rolling pin, press the dough into a 15 x 10-inch rectangle.
For cutting you'll need scissors or a sharp knife. We like to use scissors, as we did in our Pane Italiano because it seems like we have more control over the cuts.
📚 Variations
- You can also use other herbs such as oregano, marjoram, a combination such as Italian seasoning.
- Use other cheese such as Mozzarella or Fontina.
- Add a bit of caraway seeds to the caramelized onion and use Swiss cheese.
- For the spice lovers use pepper jack cheese and add a bit of red pepper flakes to the onion.
🥫 Storage
Once the cheese onion bread cools wrap it up in plastic wrap, then again with aluminum foil. It will keep at room temperature for two days or freeze right away.
Put the frozen bread on a baking tray and put it in the oven. Turn on the oven to 300℉. Once the oven reaches that temperature turn it off. Check the bread. It should be warm and be just like you baked it.
📗 Related Recipes
Herb cheese bread is a stuffed bread that can be used as a dinner bread or sliced as an appetizer. This is a wonderful addition to any holiday dinner.
Cheese Stuffed Panini are almost a meal in themselves. You may add a bit of prosciutto to them or mortadella for a delicious Italian sandwich.
Garlicky Soft Breadsticks are our answer to Olive Garden's breadsticks. These buttery breadsticks also make a delicious appetizer.
🍽 Serve with
This type of appetizer would be ideal next to a charcuterie tray like we did at this Thanksgiving.
Place it along side this scrumptious Baked goat Cheese and Marinara Dip. I can guarantee there won't be anything left.
And you don't have to wait to just eat it as an appetizer. Serve it alongside a delicious soup such as this Italian soup. You don't need a sandwich when you have Cheese and Caramelized Onion Bread.
📞 Chiacchierata
The hardest part of this scrumptious cheese onion bread is waiting for it to cool so you can slice it. Now, be prepared for the compliments, because we assure you they'll come. Just don't let on how very easy this recipe is.
It's also the type of recipe that you'll want to keep for yourself because it's that good. You don't want to give away all of our secrets, do you?
This super easy Cheese Caramelized Onion Bread Recipe will be our secret. 😉
Tutti a tavola è pronto!
Un caro saluto e alla prossima.
What's new? Check out my All Our Way Store on Amazon. We'll be adding more items we love and use or wish we had to make cooking fun and easy.
📝 Recipe Card
You can make several of these delicious appetizer onion cheese braids early in the day and bake them for your family and guests. Believe me, they'll be singing your praises, its called Impressive for a very good reason.
And if you can't get enough of caramelized onions, next time try our Saucy Tortellini with Caramelized Onion and Spinach. It's a one-skillet meatless dinner you family will love.
If you're looking for an unusual vegetable side that always gets rave reviews, you must try our Caramelized Fennel and Onion recipe. The rich flavor of the fennel and onions really come through. A little touch of lemon is the perfect Mediterranean touch for this combo.
If you love this recipe please give it 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.
📖 Recipe
Impressive Cheese and Caramelized Onion Braid
Equipment Needed
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 1 large onion cut in half, thinly sliced (about 2 cups)
- 1 Tablespoon packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 1 can 13.8 oz refrigerated pizza crust
- 1 cup Pecorino or Asiago cheese 4 oz
- 1 egg white beaten
- ½ teaspoon poppy seed
Instructions
- Heat oven to 425 F. Spray parchment-lined cookie or baking sheet with cooking spray.
- In 10-inch skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion; cook about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onion is golden brown. Stir in brown sugar and thyme. Cook 1 to 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat.
- Unroll pizza dough; place on parchment lined sheet. Starting at center out, with a rolling pin roll dough into 15 x10-inch rectangle.Sprinkle cheese down center third of dough. Spoon onion mixture evenly over cheese.
- With scissors or sharp knife, make cuts 1 inch apart on both long sides of dough to within ½ inch of filling. Alternately cross strips diagonally over filling; turn ends under and press to seal. Brush egg white over top. Sprinkle with poppy seed.
- Bake 11 to 15 minutes or until crust is golden brown. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. Remove from sheet; cut crosswise into slices.
Notes
Nutrition
Sign up for the emails and never miss another recipe!!
We'll never share your email or send you spam. PromiseFirst published August 26, 2016. Last updated November 15, 2021. Updated with more information and new photos and instructions for a better reader experience.
Note: Recipes and content from © All Our Way are copyright protected. Please do not use content or recipe without prior written permission. If you want to share the information, please link to this post. Grazie.
Bev
This is delicious and easy and fun to make. I used a pizza cutter to make the cuts in the dough. Will definitely be making this again.
Marisa Franca
Hi Bev! Thank you so much for taking the time to comment. I'm glad you like it -- we do too. Great idea about using the pizza cutter to make the cuts in the dough. Happy Easter! xoxo
Tatiana
This braid does look impressive and at the same time it look complicated to make! But your instructions help to cook it for everyone.
Denay DeGuzman
What a beautiful creation! That gorgeous braided bread is stunning. Thank you so much for sharing this special recipe with us. I'm excited to try this out for a gathering on New Year's Eve.
Claudia Lamascolo
Well you are about to meet the first Italian that is highly allergic to onion and can't eat them.. I think I can roast garlic cloves and sub them. I use to be so jealous when Mom would make onion focaccia and now this looks so mouthwatering.. I am always left out of eating out at Resturants and buffets because of
Danielle Wolter
OMG I need this in my life! It is beautiful and I am in love with all the onions. What an awesome idea!
Mahy Elamin
YUMMM! This was much easier to make than I thought it was going to be. It is SO yummy! Made it for my family and we all loved it! Will definitely be making this over and over again.
Jagruti Dhanecha
Impressive indeed, what a gorgeous and delicious looking bread. The flavours of sweet onion and cheese are just to die for. Bookmarking it.
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Jagruti! I know you'll love it.
Carrie Ditton
This is beautiful! In flavors and appearance! I saw this and made it today to munch on while my husband and I watched football. AMAZING!! PInned and will be making this again SOON!
Tammy
Impressive indeed! I wouldn't be able to stop myself from a few slices of this ;D I love caramelized onions...this recipe is definitely getting saved!
Veronika's Kitchen
Caramelized onions and cheese are the best flavors for this bread! I want to make one tonight!)
Jyothi (Jo)
I love simple fillings like this. Caramelized onions and cheese - i'm already loving it and the braid looks just perfect!
Amanda Mason
You've got some SERIOUS yumminess going on with this recipe! It's a beautiful braided bread but I want to eat it now! Guess that means I need to go make me a loaf!
Anna
What a great idea for the upcoming party season! Love stuffed breads, and this one definitely looks like a crowd pleaser!
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Anna! We never have any left whenever we serve it.
Nicoletta Sugarlovespices
Super yummy! Not only is it made with a pizza crust, but those caramelized onions are to die for! The guests would surely be impressed with this!
Analida Braeger
Mmmmm I've never met a carb that I didn't like...or a cheese! I can't wait to try this one out.
Dana
I love braided bread! I'm also a huge fan of cheese and onions together, I love the smooth textures of the melted cheese with the crunch of onion.
Aleta
Oh boy does this bread ever look incredible. I don't have to share, do I? I can't wait to add this to the menu on appetizer night, or the next time I have guests over! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Elaine Benoit
Oh, my gosh, Marisa! This cheese and onion braid looks fabulous, delicious and easy! Pinned it and it's on my to-do list!
Dana Sandonato
This is so beautiful! I love making homemade bread, but I've yet to brave anything beautiful and fancy like this bad boy right here. I really want to attempt it and you've made it look super easy—so I think I'm gonna have to just GO FOR IT.
Sarah
Oh my goodness- this looks amazing! I'm not always big on baked goods- especially if they're super sweet. I bet caramelized onions and cheese would be PHENOMENAL though! And I would be so intimidated by the braiding, but you make it look easy!
Tina
I think braided breads are very social. Just sharing some good ole bread amongst friends. The pre-made pizza dough is genius, your onion bread looks amazing and easy. I'm going to have to save this one. Thank you!
Megan Marlowe
This braid is super impressive. I love carmelized onions and always have some on hand in the fridge to put on everything. I love using it in this bread with the asiago cheese. This would be perfect for Mother's day brunch!
Carmy @ carmyy.com
Oh wow! You make braiding it look SO easy! I feel like I can totally do this too! It's absolutely gorgeous - I cannot wait to try it. I'll shamelessly double the cheese though, think that would affect baking time?
Marisa Franca
Hi, Carmy! It is very good -- easy to make too. Extra cheese may take it a little longer to bake.
Kathy McDaniel
That is one gorgeous bread braid. Definitely a way to impress family and friends. I absolutely love caramelized onions so this recipe is a must make for me! A delicious showstopper for sure!
Jennifer
That golden crust is everything! I love how simple it is to make, but this would majorly impress guests. Caramelized onions are a favorite of mine. I can't wait to give it a try.
Marisa Franca
Hi, Jennifer! It is so impressive. I've made it quite a few times and everyone loves it.
Lisa | Garlic & Zest
This is a lovely braid! Caramelized onions are something that I ALWAYS have on hand because we love them so much, but I've never seen them in this type of preparation. It's genius -- and I love the layer of cheese you've added. I think you're right, though. I would want this all to myself. Love the pizza dough -- it saves me from proofing and kneading.
Gloria
The bread lover in me LOVES this. Caramelized onions are the best...I just made French Onion Soup this past weekend....and they are so good. I would make a meal of this no problem. I have said for years that if I was stranded on an island with wine, cheese and bread I would be good to go. This would be the perfect idea of stranded for me.
Marisa Franca
Hi, Janet! The beauty of the recipe is you can make it savory but you can also add a fruit filling then put a glaze on it. But the caramelized onions are sooooo good!!
Elizabeth @ Ellie and Elizabeth
This looks AMAZING!!!!! I wish I could eat at your house for dinner every night, lol.
Marisa Franca
You're welcome anytime, plus family!! And don't forget Ellie! I want to have a heart to heart with her 🙂
Wendi J Spraker
That is truly a LOVELY braid! I thought about you on Saturday when my husband and I visited an authentic Italian restaurant - such DELICIOUS food. Homemade Foccacia, that tasty red sauce and oh man.... the meatball. That meatball was to DIE for! Your braid today reminded me of all of the delicious smells and tasty food! You have such a great recipe here - I believe this will appear on my dinner rotation soon! Thanks!
Marisa Franca
Hi, Wendi! Thank you! You're making my mouth water. Foccacia, meatballs, yum!! Let me know how you like the recipe, I think you'll really enjoy making it and enjoy eating it even more 🙂
Ciao Chow Linda
Oh my! I think this would be gone in a flash. I'd eat the whole thing myself.
Marisa Franca
It is a temptation -- We hurry and wrap it in plastic wrap, put it in a freezer bag, then into the freezer. Out of sight, out of mind. We'll get it out when family is around.
Rachel @ Bakerita
Holy cow - this bread looks SO good! I seriously need to whip up a loaf of this, but when lots of people are around because I would devour that whole thing. Swoon!
Marisa Franca
Hi, Rachel! I know how you feel, that's why we "tasted" it and then hurried and froze it. Such a temptation!! 🙂
Diane P.
I don't bake during the summer, but this and your herbed swirl bread will be at the top of my "TO TRY" list as soon as the weather turns cold. This seems easy to make, yet when finished gives off the impression of a bread that you worked on for hours! Thanks for another great post, Marisa!
Marisa Franca
You are going to love it, Diane! In fact saw the kids today and we were brainstorming on other things you could do. Sautéed mushrooms with the onions? Although you know who might not like it, but even thought some Italian meat. We will do more baking this fall -- let me know how the breads turn out 🙂
Jovina Coughlin
Love your bread recipes Marisa. I definitely have to add this to my list to make soon.
Marisa Franca
You will love the recipe,Jovina! You can easily make several braids at a time and believe me when I say it goes fast.