If you’re dreaming of a warm, mouthwatering french onion pull apart bread, this recipe is just what you need! It’s all about soft, fluffy layers brimming with caramelized onions, fragrant garlic, and creamy vegan cheese, making it utterly cozy.
This recipe tackles common challenges of dry texture and bland flavor in bread, creating a tasty and shareable dish perfect for gatherings.
I’ve found that creating pull-apart bread can often be tricky. Many recipes leave the bread dense or the filling uneven. Thankfully, this version adjusts those little quirks, ensuring the bread rises beautifully while letting every layer shine. You’ll even appreciate being rewarded with that golden crust and savor that warm aroma wafting through your kitchen.
What’s great about this recipe is the straightforward timing: in about 3 hours and 45 minutes, you’ll turn out a tempting loaf that’s easy to share with everyone at home or those unexpected guests. It’s well-tested, so you can feel confident every time you decide to whip it up.
If you’re searching for a savory treat, try my onion bagels as well!
Table of contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Savory Layers of Flavor , Caramelizing sweet onions brings out their natural sweetness, which melds beautifully with garlic and fresh herbs. Each pull-apart piece is a tasty bite full of aromatic goodness.
- Soft and Fluffy Texture , The dough rises perfectly due to the combination of yeast and baking powder, resulting in soft, airy layers that make this bread so satisfying to tear apart and enjoy.
- Easy Make-Ahead Option , You can prepare the filling ahead of time, letting the flavors deepen overnight. This not only saves time on serving day but also means you can enjoy the bread fresh from the oven when it’s needed most.
- Small-Batch Comfort Food , This bread fits perfectly into cozy dinners for two or small get-togethers with friends. Its shareable nature invites everyone to dig in, making it a heartwarming addition to any table.
Vegan French Onion Pull Apart Bread
- Prep Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Cool Time: N/A
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Delicious vegan caramelized onion and rosemary pull-apart bread, perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (240 ml) non-dairy milk (soy or oat recommended), warm
- 4 tablespoons (56 g) vegan butter, melted (for dough)
- ½ cup (113 g) vegan butter, divided (for filling and cooking onions)
- 1 tablespoon (12 g) sugar
- 1 packet (2¼ teaspoons or 7 g) active dry yeast
- 3 cups (375 g) flour (bread flour preferred, all-purpose as alternative)
- 1 teaspoon (4 g) baking powder
- 1 teaspoon (6 g) salt
- 2 large sweet onions, sliced (yellow onions recommended)
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- ½ cup (120 ml) vegan mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup (25 g) vegan parmesan cheese, freshly grated preferred
- ½ teaspoon (1 g) black pepper
- Chopped fresh chives, for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Warm the non-dairy milk to a temperature suitable for yeast activation (about 105-110°F / 40-43°C). In a bowl, combine the warm non-dairy milk, sugar, and 4 tablespoons melted vegan butter. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the mixture and let it rest for 10 minutes until it becomes bubbly, indicating the yeast is active.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure the leavening agents and salt are evenly distributed.
- Step 3: Pour the activated yeast mixture into the bowl with dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly until a smooth dough forms, ensuring all flour is incorporated.
- Step 4: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface. Knead for 7 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough is ready when it bounces back when pressed lightly with your finger.
- Step 5: Place the dough into an oiled bowl, cover it, and set aside in a warm area for 60 to 90 minutes until it doubles in size. Ideal rising conditions are a warm environment; if needed, place the dough in an oven preheated to 200°F (93°C) for 60 minutes then turned off.
- Step 6: While the dough is rising, melt ½ cup vegan butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced sweet onions, salt, and sugar. Cook over medium-low heat for about 30 minutes, lowering the heat if the onions start to brown too quickly after 15 minutes. Stir occasionally until the onions turn a rich golden color. Add minced garlic and fresh thyme during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Step 7: Let the caramelized onions cool. Once cooled, mix the onions with vegan mozzarella, vegan parmesan, and black pepper. If the filling feels too dry, add 1 tablespoon vegan butter to enhance moisture and flavor.
- Step 8: Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle. Spread the prepared filling evenly over the dough. Cut the dough into approximately 2×2 inch squares. Stack or fold the squares and arrange them into a greased loaf pan, ensuring the filling is distributed evenly to guarantee savory layers in every bite.
- Step 9: Cover the loaf pan and allow the dough to proof for 45 minutes until puffed up and noticeably risen.
- Step 10: Begin preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) about 20 minutes before the second rise completes to ensure it is hot when the bread goes in.
- Step 11: Place the loaf pan on a tray and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Rotate the pan halfway through baking at about 20 minutes for even browning. The bread is done when it has a golden-brown crust and the aroma of caramelized onions fills the kitchen.
- Step 12: Remove the bread from the oven and cool slightly in the pan before removing and serving. Garnish with chopped fresh chives.
Notes
- Room Temperature: Store bread in an airtight container away from direct sunlight for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: Keep bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Allow bread to return to room temperature before serving.
- Freezing: Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag or container. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before use.
- For a fluffy texture, ensure the yeast activates properly by maintaining the non-dairy milk temperature at 105-110°F (40-43°C).
- When caramelizing onions, cook slowly on medium-low heat and stir frequently to avoid burning. Lower heat if browning happens too fast.
- If dough does not rise, place it in a warm environment such as an oven preheated to 200°F (93°C) then turned off for up to 60 minutes.
- For better moisture in the filling, add a tablespoon of vegan butter after mixing in cheeses if it feels dry.
- Rotate the loaf pan halfway through baking for even baking and browning.
- Increase yeast to two packets for a lighter, airier texture if bread turns out dense.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: Not specified in sources
- Sugar: Not specified in sources
- Sodium: Not specified in sources
- Fat: Not specified in sources
- Saturated Fat: Not specified in sources
- Unsaturated Fat: Not specified in sources
- Trans Fat: Not specified in sources
- Carbohydrates: Not specified in sources
- Fiber: Not specified in sources
- Protein: Not specified in sources
- Cholesterol: Not specified in sources
Ingredient Notes
- Vegan butter: Choose a good quality vegan butter for rich flavor and moisture. It’s important for achieving the tender texture in this pull-apart bread.
- Onions: Use yellow onions for their sweetness, which carmelizes beautifully. Make sure they’re firm and not sprouting for the best flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is key! Mince it finely to release all those tasty flavors as it cooks down with the onions. Avoid pre-minced for best results.
- Fresh thyme: This adds aromatic freshness that elevates the savory flavor. Look for vibrant green leaves; dried thyme can substitute, but use half the amount.
- Bread dough: A store-bought vegan bread dough works well to save time. Just make sure it’s not too sticky and has a good rise for pulling apart easily.
- Vegetable broth: This enhances the depth of flavor, so choose a low-sodium variety to control overall saltiness. It also helps create a moist filling.
- Nutritional yeast: This provides a cheesy flavor without the dairy. Look for a flaky form for better melt and distribution throughout the bread.
- Vegan butter: Choose a good quality vegan butter for rich flavor and moisture. It’s important for achieving the tender texture in this pull-apart bread.
- Onions: Use yellow onions for their sweetness, which carmelizes beautifully. Make sure they’re firm and not sprouting for the best flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is key! Mince it finely to release all those tasty flavors as it cooks down with the onions. Avoid pre-minced for best results.
- Fresh thyme: This adds aromatic freshness that elevates the savory flavor. Look for vibrant green leaves; dried thyme can substitute, but use half the amount.
- Bread dough: A store-bought vegan bread dough works well to save time. Just make sure it’s not too sticky and has a good rise for pulling apart easily.
- Vegetable broth: This enhances the depth of flavor, so choose a low-sodium variety to control overall saltiness. It also helps create a moist filling.
- Nutritional yeast: This provides a cheesy flavor without the dairy. Look for a flaky form for better melt and distribution throughout the bread.
Recipe Tips
- If the bread dough isn’t rising, place it in a warm area, like an oven preheated to 200°F for 60 minutes after turning off.
- When the onions start browning too quickly, lower the heat to medium-low 15 minutes into cooking to ensure even caramelization.
- If the filling feels too dry, add 1 tablespoon of vegan butter after mixing in the cheeses for better moisture and flavor.
- For unevenly baked bread, rotate the pan halfway through baking for better heat distribution after 20 minutes in the oven.
- If the loaf is too dense, increase the yeast to 2 packets for a lighter texture on your next attempt.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the French onion pull apart bread with a side of vegan creamy mushroom soup or a light mixed green salad with vinaigrette. Pair alongside roasted Brussels sprouts or garlic sautéed spinach for additional flavors and textures.
Add to your meal by using leftover bread to create savory vegan breakfast sandwiches or a delicious cheese toast. Make a French onion dip using the leftover filling mixed with yogurt or cream cheese for a fun appetizer.
Top with a sprinkle of fresh chives or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra flavor. Consider adding a vegan cheese sauce or a homemade herb-infused olive oil for a unique finishing touch.
Recipe variations
- You can use bread flour or all-purpose flour to make the dough for the vegan French onion pull apart bread, depending on your preferred texture and chewiness.
- Add 1 tablespoon sugar and 1 teaspoon salt to the dough before kneading for flavor depth and yeast activation in the bread-making process.
- Either 2 large sweet onions or 1½ pounds of yellow onions can be caramelized slowly with 4 tablespoons vegan butter for the rich filling.
- If baking for more people, double the 3 cups flour and 1 cup non-dairy milk quantities, and bake in two loaf pans splitting the filling equally.
Save This Recipe!
How to Store?
To keep your vegan French onion pull apart bread fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
Room Temperature: Place in an airtight container. Store at room temperature up to 2 days. Keep away from direct sunlight.
Refrigeration: Use an airtight container in the refrigerator. Store for up to 5 days. Let bread return to room temperature before serving.
Freezing: Wrap in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag or container. Store in the freezer up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this french onion pull apart bread or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. I appreciate taking time to read about this recipe, thank you!
