No-Knead Cheese Bread Recipe

Introduction

This No-Knead Cheese Bread is an easy and delicious way to enjoy fresh, homemade bread with melty cheese baked right in. It requires minimal effort and yields a crusty, golden loaf perfect for any meal or snack.

Ingredients

• 3 cups bread flour (or all-purpose in a pinch)
• 2 tsp instant yeast
• 1½ tsp kosher salt
• 1½ cups very warm water (~120°F)
• 2½ cups freshly shredded Colby Jack (or your favorite meltable cheese)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, yeast, and salt. Stir in the warm water until a sticky, shaggy dough forms. Fold in the shredded cheese. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise at room temperature for 1.5 to 2 hours, until doubled in size.
2. Step 2: About 30 minutes before the dough finishes rising, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a Dutch oven with its lid inside the oven to heat up.
3. Step 3: Once risen, scrape the dough onto a piece of floured parchment paper. Gently shape it into a rough ball—it’s meant to look rustic.
4. Step 4: Carefully lift the dough on the parchment and place it into the hot Dutch oven. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the lid and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the crust is deep golden and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
5. Step 5: Let the bread cool on a rack for 15 to 20 minutes before slicing. Enjoy warm with your favorite toppings or on its own!

Tips & Variations

• Substitute your favorite meltable cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or gouda for a different flavor.
• For an herby twist, fold in 1–2 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme along with the cheese.
• Letting the dough rise longer, up to 3 hours, can enhance the flavor and texture.

Storage

Store leftover bread wrapped in a clean kitchen towel or in a paper bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the sliced bread in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, toast slices or warm the whole loaf briefly in the oven.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Yes, you can use all-purpose flour with good results, though bread flour will give a chewier texture and better rise.

Do I have to use a Dutch oven?

A Dutch oven helps create steam for a crisp crust, but if you don’t have one, you can bake the bread on a preheated baking stone or sheet and place a pan of hot water in the oven to add moisture.

No-Knead Cheese Bread Recipe

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4.5 from 150 reviews

This No-Knead Cheese Bread recipe creates a rustic, flavorful loaf that’s crusty on the outside and soft and cheesy on the inside. Using simple ingredients and minimal hands-on work, it combines bread flour, instant yeast, and shredded Colby Jack cheese to produce a melt-in-your-mouth experience. The dough is allowed to rise naturally, then baked in a preheated Dutch oven to achieve an ideal crust and crumb texture, making it perfect for cheese lovers looking for an easy homemade bread.

• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices) 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients

• 3 cups bread flour (or all-purpose flour in a pinch)
• 2 tsp instant yeast
• 1½ tsp kosher salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1½ cups very warm water (~120°F)

Add-ins

• 2½ cups freshly shredded Colby Jack cheese (or your favorite meltable cheese)

Instructions

1. Mix: In a large bowl, whisk together the bread flour, instant yeast, and kosher salt until combined. Gradually stir in the very warm water (around 120°F) until a sticky, shaggy dough forms. Gently fold in the shredded Colby Jack cheese, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the dough. Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise at room temperature for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
2. Preheat: About 30 minutes before the dough has finished rising, place a Dutch oven with its lid inside your oven and preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). This step ensures the Dutch oven is very hot and ready for baking the bread.
3. Shape: Lightly flour a sheet of parchment paper and scrape the risen dough onto it. Gently shape the dough into a rough ball shape—there’s no need to knead or create a perfectly smooth surface, as its rustic charm is part of the appeal.
4. Bake: Carefully lift the dough on the parchment paper and place it into the hot Dutch oven. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes. After that, remove the lid and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the bread develops a deep golden crust and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
5. Cool: Remove the bread from the Dutch oven and place it on a wire rack. Let it rest for 15 to 20 minutes to allow the interior to set before slicing. Once cooled, slice, share, and enjoy this cheesy, crusty bread!

Notes

• Ensure the water temperature is about 120°F to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
• The bread flour gives a better structure and crust, but all-purpose flour works fine if that’s what you have.
• You can substitute Colby Jack with other meltable cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend.
• Letting the dough rise until doubled is crucial for light texture.
• Use caution when handling the hot Dutch oven to avoid burns.
• The crust will be crispest if the bread is left to cool completely on a rack.

Keywords: no knead bread, cheese bread, easy bread recipe, Dutch oven bread, homemade bread, Colby Jack cheese bread