If there’s a savory bread that brings pure joy to your kitchen, it has to be Caramelized Onion & Gouda Sourdough. Imagine a crusty exterior, each slice unveiling a swirl of melting Gouda with sweet, golden onions nestled in a perfectly chewy crumb. This loaf isn’t just bread; it’s an experience—one that turns an ordinary meal into something memorable. Whether toasted for breakfast, fashioned into the most decadent grilled cheese, or served alongside your favorite soup, Caramelized Onion & Gouda Sourdough is bound to win hearts and disappear quickly!

Caramelized Onion & Gouda Sourdough Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role—the flours build our sturdy yet tender base, while the Gouda and caramelized onions transform it into something extraordinary. Keeping it simple means every flavor and texture truly shines, so take a moment to appreciate these essentials before you start mixing!

Bread Flour: Delivers that essential chewy, artisan texture with a robust structure for a lofty loaf.
Whole Wheat Flour: Adds just a touch of earthiness, enhancing both flavor and nutritional value.
Salt: Brings all the flavors together and subtly strengthens the dough.
Instant Yeast: Offers backup fermentation power for a beautifully risen bread, even with a sourdough starter.
Lukewarm Water: Ensures easy mixing and helps wake up the yeast and starter.
Caramelized Onions: Sweet, deeply savory, and golden—these are the soul of the bread, adding ribbons of flavor in every bite.
Shredded Gouda Cheese: Melts into glorious pockets, turning each slice irresistibly savory and slightly creamy.
Sourdough Starter: Active and bubbly, this brings tangy complexity and the signature sourdough chew.

How to Make Caramelized Onion & Gouda Sourdough

Step 1: Mix the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine bread flour, whole wheat flour, salt, and instant yeast. Stir in the lukewarm water and bubbly sourdough starter until a shaggy dough comes together. The dough doesn’t have to look perfect—it’s okay if it appears a little rough at this stage. Cover the bowl with a damp towel and let it rest for 30 minutes, giving the flour time to fully hydrate.

Step 2: Add the Flavor

After the initial rest, gently fold in the caramelized onions and shredded Gouda cheese. Be gentle here so you don’t smash all those flavorful pockets! Fold until the onions and cheese are evenly distributed throughout the dough—this will guarantee every bite of your Caramelized Onion & Gouda Sourdough is packed with goodness.

Step 3: Long Rise

Cover the bowl again and let the dough rise at room temperature for 8 to 12 hours (overnight works perfectly). This slow fermentation lets the sourdough flavors blossom and creates that fluffy-yet-chewy texture we crave. Over time, the dough will double in size, become airy, and develop plenty of bubbles.

Step 4: Shape and Second Rise

Dust your work surface with flour and turn out the dough. Gently shape it into a round loaf, tucking the edges underneath to build surface tension. Place the shaped dough, seam-side up, into a well-floured proofing basket or bowl. Cover and let it rise for another 1 to 2 hours, until slightly puffy and ready for baking.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 450°F with a Dutch oven inside. Once the dough finishes its second rise, carefully invert it onto parchment paper. Use a sharp knife to score the top—this helps the loaf expand beautifully. Carefully set the dough (on the parchment) into the hot Dutch oven. Cover and bake for 30 minutes, then remove the lid and bake an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the crust is deep golden brown and gloriously crisp.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Transfer your gorgeous bread to a wire rack and let it cool for at least one hour—even though the aroma is almost impossible to resist. This wait ensures the crumb sets and the cheese stays luscious in each slice. Now, your Caramelized Onion & Gouda Sourdough is ready to steal the show!

How to Serve Caramelized Onion & Gouda Sourdough

Garnishes

A classic loaf like this shines with a touch of elegance—try a sprinkle of extra shredded Gouda or a scattering of fresh chopped chives right before serving. A light drizzle of good olive oil or flaky sea salt on the sliced bread adds depth, making each piece feel restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs beautifully with creamy tomato soup, hearty lentil stew, or a crisp green salad. For a brunch twist, serve toasted slices topped with poached eggs or avocado. Caramelized Onion & Gouda Sourdough has enough flavor to stand on its own but also loves a cozy, comforting side.

Creative Ways to Present

Impress guests by slicing the loaf and layering pieces with roasted veggies and a swipe of herbed butter for an open-faced sandwich. Or serve thick, rustic slices alongside a cheese and charcuterie board—the savory, cheesy notes make it the star of any gathering. For wow-factor, cut the bread into cubes and bake briefly to make flavorful croutons for salads or soups.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Caramelized Onion & Gouda Sourdough at its best, wrap the cooled loaf in a clean kitchen towel or bread bag. Store at room temperature for up to 2 days. Avoid airtight plastic, which can soften the crunchy crust.

Freezing

If you want to stash some for later, slice the bread and wrap the pieces individually in plastic wrap or foil. Place them in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 2 months. The onions and cheese freeze beautifully, so every thawed slice tastes fresh-baked.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat slices straight from the freezer or room temperature in a toaster or oven at 350°F for 5–10 minutes. The cheese gets melty all over again and the crust crisps up nicely, making it feel like it just came out of the oven!

FAQs

Can I use a different type Bread

Absolutely! While Gouda brings a mild, creamy flavor that melts beautifully, you can substitute with smoked Gouda, Gruyère, cheddar, or even Fontina if you’d like to play with different cheese profiles in your Caramelized Onion & Gouda Sourdough.

Do I have to use a Dutch oven?

A Dutch oven makes for that signature crust and allows the bread to steam while baking, but you can use any heavy, lidded oven-safe pot. If that’s not available, bake the loaf on a preheated baking stone with a pan of water placed in the oven for steam.

Can I make this recipe with 100% sourdough starter and skip the instant yeast?

You can! Omit the instant yeast and boost your sourdough starter amount by 1–2 tablespoons. Just know that the rise may take a bit longer, but the bread will still be wonderfully flavorful and chewy.

How do I caramelize onions for this recipe?

Slice two large onions thinly and cook them in a little olive oil or butter over low heat for 30–40 minutes, stirring often until deeply golden and sweet. Make them ahead of time—stored in the fridge, they’ll be ready whenever you bake.

Can I double the recipe for two loaves?

Yes! Simply double all the ingredients and split the dough after the bulk ferment. Shape and bake as two separate loaves, following the same baking instructions for each.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tasted homemade bread quite like this, you’re in for a treat—Caramelized Onion & Gouda Sourdough is all about bold, comforting flavors and an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen. Give this loaf a spot in your baking rotation, share it with friends, and watch as every slice brings joy to your table.

Caramelized Onion & Gouda Sourdough Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 6 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 13 hours (including rise time)
Yield: 1 loaf (10–12 slices) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the rich flavors of caramelized onions and Gouda cheese with this delectable Caramelized Onion & Gouda Sourdough bread. The combination of sweet onions and savory cheese creates a perfect balance of flavors in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Bread:

3 1/2 cups bread flour
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon instant yeast
1 3/4 cups lukewarm water

Add-Ins:

1 cup caramelized onions (about 2 large onions, cooked down until golden and sweet)
1 cup shredded Gouda cheese
1/4 cup sourdough starter (active and bubbly)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Mix the Dough: Combine bread flour, whole wheat flour, salt, and yeast. Add water and sourdough starter, mix until a dough forms.
Rest the Dough: Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.
Add-Ins: Fold in caramelized onions and Gouda. Let rise for 8–12 hours.
Shape and Proof: Shape into a loaf, proof for 1–2 hours.
Bake: Preheat oven to 450°F. Bake the loaf in a Dutch oven for 30 minutes covered, then 10–15 minutes uncovered.
Cool and Enjoy: Cool on a wire rack before slicing.