Cheese, onion, and sriracha garlic bread combines the classic comfort of garlic bread with a spicy twist. This flavor-packed bread is perfect for those who love a bit of heat and a lot of savory goodness in their meals.

Whether served as an appetizer, side dish, or snack, this bread is sure to impress. Below, you’ll find a comprehensive recipe for making cheese, onion, and sriracha garlic bread, along with tips, variations, and serving suggestions to enhance your baking experience.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F or 45°C)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

For the Sriracha Garlic Butter:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions:

Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, granulated sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.

Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until the dough begins to come together.

Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until it is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time. If it’s too dry, add a bit more water, a teaspoon at a time.

First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Prepare the Sriracha Garlic Butter: While the dough is rising, prepare the sriracha garlic butter. In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, sriracha sauce, salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley. Mix well. Stir in the finely diced onion and grated Parmesan cheese (if using).

Incorporate the Cheese: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and gently knead in the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses until evenly distributed.

Shape the Dough: Shape the dough into a round loaf or a long baguette, depending on your preference. Place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Second Rise: Cover the shaped dough with a damp cloth and let it rise again for about 30-45 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the dough is undergoing its second rise.

Apply the Sriracha Garlic Butter: Once the dough has risen, use a sharp knife to make several diagonal cuts across the top of the loaf. Brush the sriracha garlic butter mixture generously over the entire surface of the dough, making sure to get some into the cuts.

Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If the top is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.

Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm to enjoy the full flavor of the cheese, onion, and sriracha garlic combination.

Tips for Success:

Yeast Activation: Ensure the water is warm, not hot, as too high a temperature can kill the yeast, preventing the dough from rising.

Kneading: Proper kneading is crucial for developing gluten, which gives the bread its structure and chewiness. If you’re unsure if the dough is ready, do the “windowpane test” by stretching a small piece of dough. If it stretches into a thin, translucent sheet without breaking, it’s well-kneaded.

Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh garlic, onion, and parsley for the best flavor. High-quality cheeses also make a significant difference in the taste and texture of the bread.

Sriracha: Adjust the amount of sriracha to your taste. If you prefer a milder bread, reduce the amount, or omit it for a non-spicy version.

Variations:

Herb and Cheese:

Add 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning to the dough for a more herbaceous flavor. You can also mix in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese into the dough for an extra cheesy loaf.

Garlic and Herb:

Incorporate 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1 teaspoon of dried basil into the sriracha garlic butter for a more complex flavor profile.

Spicy Cheese:

Use a spicy cheese like pepper jack instead of cheddar for an additional kick.

Whole Wheat Version:

Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added fiber.

Stuffed Garlic Bread:

Spread a layer of marinara sauce and pepperoni slices over the dough before rolling it up for a pizza-inspired bread.

Pesto Cheese Bread:

Substitute the sriracha garlic butter with basil pesto for a fresh, herbal flavor.

Serving Suggestions:

Plain and Simple: Enjoy the cheese, onion, and sriracha garlic bread on its own as a snack or appetizer.

With Soups and Stews: Serve alongside a bowl of tomato basil soup, minestrone, or any hearty stew for a comforting meal.

As a Side Dish: Pair with pasta dishes, salads, or grilled meats for a delicious side.

Dipping Bread: Serve with a variety of dipping sauces such as marinara, ranch, or a cheesy dip.

Party Platter: Include slices on a party platter with an assortment of cheeses, cured meats, and fresh vegetables.

Sandwich Base: Use the bread to make flavorful sandwiches with fillings like grilled chicken, ham, or roasted vegetables.

Nutritional Benefits:

Cheese, onion, and sriracha garlic bread, when made with fresh ingredients, offers some nutritional benefits. Garlic is known for its potential health benefits, including antibacterial properties and heart health support.

Onions add vitamins C and B6, folate, and potassium, along with beneficial antioxidants. Cheese provides protein and calcium, while using whole wheat flour in variations can increase the fiber content, making the bread more filling and nutritious.

Conclusion

Cheese, onion, and sriracha garlic bread is a delicious and versatile recipe that brings together the comforting flavors of traditional garlic bread with a spicy twist. The process is straightforward, and the results are impressive, with each slice infused with rich, cheesy, garlicky, and spicy goodness.

Whether you serve it as an appetizer, a side dish, or a snack, this bread is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy experimenting with different variations and serving styles to find your perfect cheese, onion, and sriracha garlic bread. Happy baking!