SESAME ONION BRAID

Sesame Onion Braid image

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

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h20m

Yield 2 loaves (2/3 cup butter).

Number Of Ingredients 20

Ingredients

6-1/2 to 6-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
2 teaspoons salt
1 cup sour cream
1-1/4 cups water, divided
2 large eggs
1 envelope onion soup mix
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
GLAZE:
1 large egg
1 tablespoon cold water
3 tablespoons sesame seeds
CARAMELIZED ONION BUTTER:
1 tablespoon diced onion
6 tablespoons butter, softened, divided
1 garlic clove, minced
3 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 teaspoon minced fresh parsley

Steps:

In a large bowl, combine 5 cups flour, sugar, yeast and salt. In a small saucepan, heat the sour cream, and 1/4 cup water to 120°-130°; add to dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Add 2 eggs, soup mix, butter, baking soda. remaining warm water and 1/2 cup flour; beat 2 minutes longer. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a firm 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 egg and cold water; 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 garlic is tender. , In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, onion mixture, parsley and remaining butter until creamy. Serve with bread.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 159 calories, Fat 6g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 36mg cholesterol, Sodium 282mg sodium, Carbohydrate 21g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 4g protein.