Sesame Onion Braid
Taste of Home
Convenient onion soup mix gives this stunning braided loaf mild onion flavor. It's even more delicious spread with Caramelized Onion butter. As a music professor/conductor, I sometimes share this treat with my musicians to give us all an energy boost!
-Patrice Stribling Donald, Edwardsville, Illinois
SERVINGS: 32
CATEGORY: Breads
METHOD: Baked
TIME: Prep: 45 min. + rising Bake: 35 min.
Ingredients:
- 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
- 1-1/4 cups warm water (110° to 115°), divided
- 1 cup warm sour cream (110° to 115°)
- 3 eggs
- 1 envelope onion soup mix
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 6-1/2 to 6-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cold water
- 3 tablespoons sesame seeds
- CARAMELIZED ONION BUTTER:
- 1 tablespoon diced onion
- 6 tablespoons butter, softened, divided
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 package (3 ounces) cream cheese, cubed
- 1/2 teaspoon minced fresh parsley
Directions:
In a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in 1/4 cup warm water; let stand for 5 minutes. Add sour cream, 2 eggs, onion soup mix, butter, sugar, salt, baking soda and remaining warm water; mix well. Stir in enough flour to form a soft dough.
Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place dough in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide into six portions. Shape each into a 15-in. rope. Place three ropes on a greased baking sheet; braid. Pinch ends to seal; tuck under. Repeat. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
Beat cold water and remaining egg; brush over dough. Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake at 350° for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
In large skillet, saute onion in 1 tablespoon butter until golden brown. Add garlic; cook 1-2 minutes longer or until golden.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, onion mixture, parsley and remaining butter until creamy. Serve with bread. Yield: 2 loaves (2/3 cup butter).