Name: No-Knead Cheese Bread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 2 h 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups bread flour (or all-purpose flour); 2 tsp instant yeast; 1½ tsp kosher salt; 1½ cups very warm water (~120°F); 2½ cups freshly shredded Colby Jack cheese (or your favorite meltable cheese)

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Introduction

This No-Knead Cheese Bread is a simple, hands-off way to enjoy a fresh, cheesy loaf with minimal effort. With just a few ingredients and a Dutch oven, you’ll have a rustic bread perfect for sandwiches or snacking. The melted Colby Jack adds a deliciously rich flavor and gooey texture.

A golden brown round loaf of bread with a rough, crispy crust covered in melted, slightly browned cheese, showing some melted cheese strands and a crunchy texture on the surface. The bread rests on a soft, light beige cloth with a subtle woven texture, and the background is a white marbled surface with a soft focus that highlights the bread’s detailed texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, instant yeast, and kosher 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, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Approximately 30 minutes before the dough finishes rising, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) with a Dutch oven inside, keeping the lid on.
Step 3: Transfer the dough onto a piece of floured parchment paper. Gently shape it into a rough ball—don’t worry about making it perfect, the rustic look is part of the charm.
Step 4: Carefully lift the dough, still 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 an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the bread is deep golden and sounds hollow when tapped.
Step 5: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a rack for 15 to 20 minutes. Slice, share, and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Substitute Colby Jack with cheddar, mozzarella, or any meltable cheese to vary the flavor.
For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of garlic powder or herbs like rosemary into the dough.
If you don’t have a Dutch oven, use any oven-safe pot with a lid or create steam in the oven by adding a pan of water on the bottom rack.

Storage

Store the bread in an airtight container or plastic bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread, then toast slices directly from frozen. To refresh, reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes to regain crustiness.

How to Serve

A round loaf of bread with a golden brown crust sits on a soft, textured beige cloth. The crust has a rough, crunchy texture with melted cheese baked on top, creating a mix of light yellow and deep golden tones. The bread's surface shows cracks and fluffy, soft inner bread peeking through. The background is a white marbled texture, softly blurred to keep focus on the loaf. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

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

Yes, all-purpose flour works fine but may yield a slightly less chewy texture. Bread flour has more protein, which helps develop gluten for a better structure.

Do I have to use a Dutch oven?

A Dutch oven helps create steam for a crispy crust, but if you don’t have one, use a heavy oven-safe pot with a lid or place a pan of water in the oven to create steam during baking.