Cheese Bread (No-Knead!) Recipe

Introduction

This no-knead cheese bread is an effortless way to enjoy a warm, cheesy loaf with minimal hands-on time. The soft, chewy crumb combined with melted Colby cheese makes it an irresistible treat perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 3 cups bread flour
• 2 tsp instant yeast
• 1 1/2 tsp cooking or kosher salt
• 1 1/2 cups very warm tap water
• 2 1/2 cups Colby cheese, freshly shredded

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, mix the bread flour, salt, and instant yeast until combined.
2. Step 2: Add the very warm tap water and stir until the dough is sticky and all dry ingredients are incorporated.
3. Step 3: Cover the bowl and let the dough rise at room temperature for 2 to 3 hours, until it has doubled in size and is bubbly.
4. Step 4: Meanwhile, preheat a large oven-safe pot with its lid inside the oven to 450°F (230°C).
5. Step 5: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into a disc shape.
6. Step 6: Spread about 2 cups of the shredded Colby cheese on top of the dough, then fold the edges over to enclose the cheese.
7. Step 7: Transfer the dough seam-side down onto a piece of parchment paper.
8. Step 8: Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top to create a cheese crown.
9. Step 9: Carefully remove the preheated pot from the oven and place the dough with parchment paper inside. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes.
10. Step 10: Remove the lid and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is golden and the crust is crisp.
11. Step 11: Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing to allow the cheese to set.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella along with Colby for a richer flavor.
• Be sure your water is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
• If you prefer a crustier loaf, bake uncovered for a longer final bake time.
• Adding herbs like rosemary or garlic flakes to the dough can give the bread an extra punch of flavor.

Storage

Store the bread in an airtight container or wrapped in foil at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread in a zip-top bag. Reheat slices in a toaster oven or regular oven until warm and the cheese is melty.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

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

Yes, but bread flour has more protein, which gives the bread better structure and chewiness. Using all-purpose flour may result in a softer loaf.

Do I need to knead the dough?

No, this recipe is designed to be no-knead. The long rise time allows gluten to develop naturally, making kneading unnecessary.

Cheese Bread (No-Knead!) Recipe

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This no-knead cheese bread recipe delivers a rustic, artisan-style loaf packed with melty Colby cheese. With minimal hands-on time and effortless preparation, this bread is perfect for home bakers looking for a flavorful, cheesy twist on classic homemade bread. The dough requires no kneading, only a simple mix and a few hours to rise, then it bakes in a covered Dutch oven to create a perfectly crisp crust and soft interior crowned with golden cheese.

• Author: luca
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 1 large loaf (8–10 servings) 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 3 cups bread flour
• 2 tsp instant yeast
• 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups very warm tap water

Cheese

• 2 1/2 cups Colby cheese, freshly shredded (reserve a small amount for topping)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Magic No-Knead Dough: In a large bowl, combine the bread flour, kosher salt, and instant yeast. Pour in the very warm tap water and stir with a wooden spoon until a sticky dough forms. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 2 to 3 hours, until it has doubled in size and is bubbly on the surface.
2. Preheat the Dutch Oven: About 30 minutes before baking, place a large Dutch oven with its lid inside your oven and preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C). This creates a hot, enclosed environment for baking your bread with a crispy crust.
3. Shape the Loaf: Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat it into a rough disc shape. Sprinkle the shredded Colby cheese evenly over the dough, then fold the dough over the cheese to encase it. Transfer the folded dough seam side down onto a sheet of parchment paper, shaping it loosely into a round loaf.
4. Add the Cheese Crown: Top the dough with the reserved shredded Colby cheese, pressing lightly to help it adhere to the surface. This will create a crispy, cheesy crust when baked.
5. Bake the Bread Covered: Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven and lift the parchment paper with the dough into the pot. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes. This step traps steam to develop a chewy crust.
6. Bake Uncovered: After 30 minutes, remove the lid and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes to let the cheese on top brown and the crust crisp further.
7. Cool and Slice: Once baked, transfer the bread onto a wire rack and allow it to cool completely before slicing. This resting time allows the crumb to set for the best texture.

Notes

• You can substitute Colby cheese with any mild, melty cheese like Monterey Jack or mild cheddar.
• Ensure the water is very warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
• Using a Dutch oven or heavy cast-iron pot is essential for the steam environment that yields the perfect crust.
• The dough is very sticky and wet; resist the urge to add more flour during shaping to keep the crumb light and airy.
• The bread is best enjoyed fresh the day it is baked but can be toasted the next day.

Keywords: no knead bread, cheese bread, Colby cheese bread, easy homemade bread, artisan bread, no knead recipe