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

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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
Course Bread
Cuisine Comfort Food
Servings 1 loaf (12 slices)

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

Instructions
 

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.