Green Onion Garlic Butter Bread Loaf Recipe
When it comes to cozy comfort food that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your heart with pure joy, few things compare to the **Green Onion Garlic Butter Bread Loaf**. This delightful loaf combines fluffy, homemade bread with a rich garlic butter spread studded with fresh green onions, creating layers of flavor that are as beautiful as they are delicious. Perfect for sharing or savoring on your own, this bread loaf is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and makes every meal feel like a special occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might be simple staples, but each one plays a crucial role in crafting the tender crumb and rich flavor of the Green Onion Garlic Butter Bread Loaf. From the yeast that gives the bread its rise to the melted butter that ensures every bite is decadent, every component is thoughtfully chosen.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour): The base of the loaf, providing structure and chewiness.
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast: Essential for helping the dough rise and become light and airy.
- 1 tablespoon sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds subtle sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F): Activates the yeast and helps create a tender crumb.
- 1 egg, room temperature: Adds richness and helps bind the dough.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened: Incorporated into the dough for moisture and softness.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Combined with garlic and seasonings to infuse the bread with flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Delivers that iconic punch of garlicky goodness.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the garlic butter mixture perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and depth.
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano (optional): A fragrant herbaceous note that blends beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat): For those who love a subtle spicy undertone.
- ½ cup green onions, finely chopped: The star addition that delivers freshness and vibrant color.
How to Make Green Onion Garlic Butter Bread Loaf
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Begin by whisking together warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a small bowl. The warmth of the milk wakes up the yeast, and after 5 to 10 minutes, you’ll see a lovely foamy layer forming. This signals your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, mix the all-purpose flour with the salt to ensure an even distribution of seasoning throughout your bread. This simple step sets the stage for a balanced flavor.
Step 3: Form the Dough
Add the egg, softened butter, and the foamy yeast mixture into the dry ingredients. Mix everything together until a dough starts to come together. This is where the transformation from powdery ingredients to a cohesive dough begins.
Step 4: Knead for Perfection
Knead your dough on a floured surface for about 8 to 10 minutes, or if you’re using a stand mixer with a dough hook, about 5 minutes. You want a smooth, elastic dough that’s soft to the touch but holds its shape.
Step 5: First Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour. You’ll know it’s ready when it has doubled in size and looks puffy—this step is key to that fluffy interior.
Step 6: Make the Garlic Butter Mixture
While the dough is rising, mix together melted butter, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, oregano if you like, and chili flakes if you’re in the mood for some heat. Stir in the finely chopped green onions last to infuse the buttery mixture with fresh, vibrant flavor.
Step 7: Shape and Fill the Loaf
After the first rise, punch the dough down gently to release air, then roll it out into a 12×8-inch rectangle. Brush the entire surface of this dough with your flavorful green onion garlic butter mixture.
Step 8: Roll and Prepare for Second Rise
Roll the dough tightly from the shorter edge, creating a log shape. Place this log seam side down into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover again and let it rise for 20 minutes; this little rest allows the loaf to get nice and fluffy before baking.
Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Before you pop it in the oven, brush the top with extra garlic butter to encourage a golden, flavorful crust. Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until the loaf is golden brown and makes a hollow sound when you tap the bottom—a classic test of done-ness.
Step 10: Cool and Serve
Once baked, allow the loaf to cool for at least 10 minutes. This resting time helps the bread set properly, making slicing easier and ensuring the crumb holds together beautifully.
How to Serve Green Onion Garlic Butter Bread Loaf
Garnishes
Sprinkling extra fresh green onions on top just before serving adds a lovely pop of color and an extra burst of freshness that complements the rich garlic butter beautifully.
Side Dishes
This bread loaf pairs wonderfully with almost any meal! Imagine it alongside a bowl of warm tomato soup, a crisp green salad, or even served with your favorite pasta for soaking up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the loaf thickly for a rustic sandwich or tear pieces apart for sharing at a casual gathering. You could even turn it into garlic bread toast points by toasting extra slices with a little more butter on top—utterly addictive!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Green Onion Garlic Butter Bread Loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the bread soft while preserving the flavors.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, slice the loaf and freeze it in a resealable bag. Freezing individual slices makes it easy to toast or warm only what you need without thawing the whole loaf.
Reheating
Reheat slices in a warm oven or toaster oven for best results. You can add a light brush of butter or garlic butter on the slices before warming to revive that freshly baked magic.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?
Yes, but keep in mind whole wheat flour can make the bread denser. You might want to experiment with a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour for a lighter texture.
What can I substitute for green onions?
If you don’t have green onions, chives or finely chopped leeks make excellent substitutions, providing a similar mild onion flavor.
Is it necessary to let the dough rise twice?
Yes, the first rise develops the dough’s texture and flavor, while the second rise after shaping ensures a tender, fluffy crumb and a beautifully risen loaf.
Can I add cheese to this bread?
Absolutely! Adding shredded mozzarella or cheddar between the dough layers before rolling can take this bread to cheesy new heights.
How spicy will the chili flakes make the bread?
The chili flakes add just a gentle heat that complements the garlic and green onion flavors without overwhelming the bread.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been looking for a savory, buttery, and utterly satisfying bread recipe, the Green Onion Garlic Butter Bread Loaf is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s simple enough to pull together on a weekend but impressive enough to steal the show at any meal. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this delicious loaf as much as I do!
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Green Onion Garlic Butter Bread Loaf Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A flavorful and aromatic Green Onion Garlic Butter Bread Loaf featuring a soft, tender crumb infused with garlic butter and fresh green onions. Perfect as a savory side or a snack, this homemade yeast bread combines classic ingredients with a fragrant garlic butter topping for a golden crust.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 1 egg, room temperature
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Garlic Butter Mixture
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)
- ½ cup green onions, finely chopped
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, whisk together the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy to ensure the yeast is activated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt evenly.
- Make Dough: Add the egg, softened butter, and the yeast mixture to the flour mixture and mix until a dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for about 5 minutes.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, oregano (if using), and chili flakes.
- Add Green Onions: Stir in the chopped green onions into the garlic butter mixture. Set aside.
- Shape Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a 12×8 inch rectangle on a floured surface.
- Spread Garlic Butter: Brush the garlic butter mixture evenly over the surface of the dough.
- Roll Dough: Roll the dough tightly from the shorter end, forming a log.
- Prepare for Second Rise: Place the rolled dough into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan, seam side down.
- Second Rise: Cover with a towel and let the dough rise for another 20 minutes.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Final Brush: Brush the top of the loaf with extra garlic butter for a golden, flavorful crust.
- Bake: Bake the loaf for 28-32 minutes, or until golden brown and it sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and let the bread cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve: Slice and serve warm, optionally with extra butter or a side of soup.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is warm but not hot (around 110°F) to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
- You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with bread flour for a chewier texture.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic or green onions to suit your taste preferences.
- Optional spices like oregano and chili flakes add extra flavor and a subtle kick, but can be omitted.
- For a crispier crust, bake the loaf on a lower rack or add a small pan of water in the oven to create steam.
- If storing bread longer than 3 days, freeze slices to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10 of loaf)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2.5g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: green onion bread, garlic butter bread, homemade loaf, savory bread, yeast bread
