Fridge Friend Recipes
Cheesy Purple Onion Bread Bake recipe
Golden, savoury bread baked with sweet, softened purple onion and melted cheese for a comforting, crisp-edged bake. It’s a simple crowd-pleaser with a rich, savoury flavour and a soft, custardy centre.
35 min · Easy · British Jump to method
Ingredients
- 300g Bread
- 1 large Purple Onion
- 150g Cheddar Cheese
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 pinch Salt
- 1 pinch Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Dried Mixed Herbs
| Nutrition | Per servingEstimated |
|---|---|
| Calories | 398 kcal |
| Protein | 17.2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 40.8 g |
| Fat | 16.8 g |
| Saturated fat | 9.1 g |
| Fibre | 2.6 g |
| Sugar | 2.8 g |
| Sodium | 625 mg |
Why this works
A fairly energy-dense bake with a good protein contribution from cheddar, but it is also relatively high in saturated fat and sodium, and only modest in fibre.
Calcium-rich. Cheddar provides a substantial amount of calcium for bone health, though it also increases saturated fat.
Contains beneficial plant compounds. Purple onion and dried herbs contribute antioxidants and flavour with very few calories.
Salt and cheese raise sodium. Even a small pinch of added salt, plus cheddar and bread, means this dish is not especially low in sodium.
Method
- Preheat the oven to 190°C (Fan 170°C, 374°F, Gas Mark 5).
Let the oven fully come up to temperature before the dish goes in so the bread starts crisping straight away rather than drying out gradually.
- Slice the purple onion thinly and cook it gently in a little oil until soft and sweet.
Keep the heat low enough that the onion sweats and turns translucent; if it starts browning quickly, the flavour can turn sharp and the pieces may catch.
- Cut the bread into chunks or thick slices and arrange it in a baking dish with the softened onion.
Aim for a mix of piece sizes so the bread has both crunchy edges and softer centres, and tuck some onion between the pieces for better flavour throughout.
- Scatter the cheese evenly over the top.
Use the cheddar in an even layer right to the edges, but avoid pressing it down or it can fuse into a dense, greasy crust instead of a light, bubbling topping.
- Season lightly, then bake for 20–25 minutes until the bread is crisp at the edges and the cheese is melted and golden.
Watch for the cheese to turn properly molten with a few golden patches and the bread edges to feel dry and firm; if the top darkens too fast, cover loosely with foil.
- Serve warm straight from the dish.
Let the bake sit for a minute or two before serving so the cheese settles slightly, which makes it easier to lift out without the filling sliding apart.
Other Purple Recipes
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15 min · Golden mushrooms and onion in a creamy cheese sauce make a rich topping for toast or any crisp bread you have. It is indulgent, quick and full of flavour.
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50 min · A comforting savoury bread pudding layered with ham, cheddar and bread, then baked in a silky egg custard. Golden on top and soft underneath, it makes a hearty brunch or лёгкое supper dish.
Spiced Chorizo and Egg Shakshuka with Orange
35 min · A rich, smoky skillet of chorizo simmered in spiced tomato sauce, finished with baked eggs and a bright lift of orange juice. Melty cheese on top makes it hearty, colourful and ideal for a relaxed brunch or supper.
Bread Sauce
25 min · A classic Christmas bread sauce simmered on the hob, served warm with a festive meal.
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