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

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.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 55 minutes
Servings: 1 loaf (12 slices)
Course: Bread
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 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

Method
 

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