1-In a large bowl, mix 1 tablespoon yeast with 1/4 cup warm water and 1 teaspoon sugar. Set it aside until it becomes bubbly, which activates the yeast perfectly.

2-Add 4 cups flour (that’s 3 cups all-purpose and 1 cup bread flour), 1/4 cup melted butter, 1/4 cup oil, 1/2 cup warmed milk, 1/2 cup warm water, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt, and 1 beaten egg to the yeast mixture. Stir everything together until combined.

3-Knead the dough using a dough hook on low speed for 2 minutes, or by hand if you prefer. This helps create a smooth, strong base for your bread.

4-Lightly oil the bowl sides, cover the dough, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour until it doubles in size. Patience here makes all the difference!

5-In another bowl, mix the filling: 1 cup finely diced onion, 1/4 cup melted butter, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, 1 cup grated cheddar, 1 tablespoon poppy seeds (if you like), 1 teaspoon garlic salt or alternative, and 1 teaspoon paprika. Set this aside for later.

6-On a floured surface, roll the dough into a 12×20-inch rectangle, adding more flour if it’s sticky. This step is where the fun begins!

7-Spread the filling evenly over the dough, then cut it lengthwise into three strips, each about 4 inches wide.

8-Pinch each strip to seal the filling inside, forming ropes that hold everything in place.

9-Place the ropes on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet and braid them together, tucking the ends underneath for a neat look.

10-Brush the braid with the second beaten egg for a shiny finish, then let it rise in a draft-free spot for about 45 minutes.

11-Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) with the rack in the center. This ensures even baking!

12-Bake the bread for about 35 minutes until it’s golden brown and smells amazing. Let it cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing.