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Cheese Bread (No Knead!): A Deliciously Simple Recipe for Every Baker

  • Author: ating
  • Total Time: 3 hours 55 minutes
  • Yield: 1 loaf (12 slices) 1x

Description

This no-knead cheese bread is a simple yet delicious recipe that delivers a bakery-quality loaf with minimal effort. With a golden crust and gooey cheese throughout, it’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or as a cozy treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups bread flour (all-purpose flour can also be used)
  • 2 tsp instant yeast (rapid rise)
  • 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 1/2 cups very warm tap water
  • 2 1/2 cups freshly shredded Colby cheese (or substitute with cheddar, gouda, or Monterey Jack)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough:
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, kosher salt, and instant yeast.
    • Add the very warm tap water and mix with a rubber spatula until no dry flour remains. The dough will be sticky.
  2. Let It Rise:
    • Cover the bowl with cling wrap and place it in a warm spot to rise for 2-3 hours. The dough should double in size and become bubbly.
  3. Preheat the Pot:
    • About 30 minutes before the dough is ready, place a heavy pot (like a Dutch oven) with its lid in the oven.
    • Preheat the oven to 240°C/450°F (220°C for fan-forced ovens).
  4. Shape the Dough:
    • Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of flour on a clean surface and scrape the dough onto it.
    • Gently pat the dough into a disc about 20cm (8 inches) wide.
    • Spread half the shredded cheese over the dough, then fold the edges inward four times, layering more cheese between folds.
  5. Prepare for Baking:
    • Flip the dough onto a sheet of parchment paper, seams down, and shape it into a neat round.
    • Top the dough with the reserved cheese to create a golden crown.
  6. Bake the Bread:
    • Carefully transfer the dough (on the parchment) into the preheated pot.
    • Cover with the lid and bake for 35 minutes.
    • Remove the lid and bake for an additional 10 minutes to develop a golden, cheesy crust.
  7. Cool and Serve:
    • Transfer the bread to a cooling rack using the parchment paper.
    • Let it cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Enjoy warm!

Notes

  • Use fresh, good-quality cheese for the best flavor.
  • The preheated pot is essential for creating steam, which helps achieve a crispy crust.
  • If you don’t have a Dutch oven, use a heavy baking dish with a tight-fitting lid or place a baking sheet with water at the bottom of the oven to create steam.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 2-3 hours rising time)
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: No-Knead Baking
  • Cuisine: Comfort Food

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Find it online: https://friendlywell.com/cheese-bread-no-knead-a-deliciously-simple-recipe-for-every-baker/