Cheese Bread Recipe

Introduction

This cheese bread recipe is a delightful no-knead loaf that’s simple to prepare and packed with cheesy goodness. With a golden crust and a soft, flavorful interior, it’s perfect for any meal or snack.

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, combine the bread flour, instant yeast, and salt. Add the very warm tap water and stir until a sticky dough forms. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise for 2 to 3 hours at room temperature.
2. Step 2: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and place a heavy pot with a lid inside to heat up while you shape the dough.
3. Step 3: On a lightly floured surface, pat the dough into a disc shape. Sprinkle about half of the shredded Colby cheese onto the center, then fold the dough over the cheese to enclose it.
4. Step 4: Transfer the dough, seam side down, onto a piece of parchment paper. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top to create a cheese crown.
5. Step 5: Carefully remove the hot pot from the oven and place the dough inside with the parchment paper. Cover with the lid and bake for about 30 minutes.
6. Step 6: Remove the lid and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese topping is golden and the bread crust is crisp.
7. Step 7: Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to let the cheese set and the crumb finish developing.

Tips & Variations

• For a stronger flavor, try substituting part of the Colby cheese with sharp cheddar or smoked cheese.
• Make sure the water is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
• Use parchment paper to easily transfer the dough into the hot pot without losing shape.
• If you prefer a crustier bread, bake uncovered for a few extra minutes at the end.

Storage

Store any leftover cheese bread wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze sliced bread in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Reheat slices in a toaster oven or regular oven to restore crispness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese for this bread?

Yes, you can substitute Colby with cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend to vary the flavor and texture. Just choose cheeses that melt well.

Do I need to knead this dough?

No, this is a no-knead dough recipe. Simply mixing the ingredients until combined and letting it rise is enough to develop gluten for a good texture.

Cheese Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 108 reviews

This Cheese Bread recipe features a soft, no-knead dough enriched with freshly shredded Colby cheese. The bread is baked in a preheated covered pot to create a crispy crust and melty cheesy interior, making it perfect as a savory snack or accompaniment to meals.

• Author: lea
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (about 8 servings) 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough Ingredients

• 3 cups bread flour
• 2 tsp instant yeast
• 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 1/2 cups very warm tap water

Cheese

• 2 1/2 cups Colby cheese, freshly shredded (reserve some for topping)

Instructions

1. Prepare the no-knead dough: In a large bowl, combine the bread flour, instant yeast, and kosher salt. Add the very warm tap water and mix until the dough is sticky and all the flour is hydrated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise at room temperature for 2 to 3 hours until the dough has roughly doubled in size.
2. Preheat the oven and pot: Place a heavy covered pot, such as a Dutch oven, in the oven and preheat to 450°F (230°C). Preheating the pot ensures a crispy crust and proper baking environment.
3. Shape the loaf: Turn the risen dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it gently into a disc shape. Sprinkle the shredded Colby cheese evenly over the dough. Fold the dough edges over the cheese to enclose it, creating a stuffed dough ball. Transfer the dough ball onto a piece of parchment paper for easy handling.
4. Add cheese topping: Sprinkle the reserved shredded Colby cheese on top of the shaped dough to create a cheesy crown.
5. Bake covered: Carefully remove the hot preheated pot from the oven. Using the parchment paper, lift and lower the dough with cheese into the pot. Cover with the pot lid and bake for 30 minutes. Baking covered traps steam to help the bread rise and create a tender crumb.
6. Bake uncovered: After 30 minutes, remove the lid and bake for an additional 15 minutes to brown and crisp the cheese-topped crust.
7. Cool and serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pot for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy the warm, cheesy bread.

Notes

• Using warm water activates the yeast quickly for a faster rise.
• The no-knead method yields a tender and airy bread with minimal effort.
• Preheating the pot creates an ideal baking environment that simulates a steam oven, resulting in a crispy crust.
• Feel free to substitute Colby cheese with other semi-hard cheeses like cheddar or Monterey Jack for different flavor profiles.
• Allow the bread to cool before slicing to retain the structure and avoid gummy texture.

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