Cheese Bread Recipe

Introduction

This cheese bread is a delightful combination of a soft, airy crumb and a cheesy, golden crust. Made with a simple no-knead dough and plenty of Colby cheese, it’s perfect for snacking or serving alongside your favorite soup or salad.

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 warm water and mix until the dough is sticky and well combined. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise at room temperature for 2 to 3 hours until it has puffed up.
2. Step 2: About 30 minutes before baking, preheat a heavy pot with a lid (such as a Dutch oven) in your oven at 450°F (230°C).
3. Step 3: Turn the risen dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat it into a disc shape without deflating it too much. Spread about half of the shredded Colby cheese on top, 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 evenly over the top of the loaf, creating a cheesy crown.
5. Step 5: Carefully remove the hot pot from the oven. Using the parchment paper, lift the dough into the pot. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes.
6. Step 6: After 30 minutes, remove the lid and bake for an additional 15 minutes to brown and crisp the cheese topping.
7. Step 7: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This allows the cheese to set and the crumb to finish baking.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of cheeses like sharp cheddar or mozzarella for a more complex flavor.
• For extra flavor, add herbs such as rosemary or thyme into the dough or on top of the bread.
• If you don’t have a Dutch oven, bake the loaf on a preheated baking stone or heavy baking sheet and cover loosely with a large metal bowl for the covered baking step.

Storage

Store leftover cheese bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep it longer, freeze the bread wrapped well and thaw at room temperature. Reheat slices in a toaster oven or regular oven to restore crispiness before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute Colby with other cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend. Choose a cheese that melts well and has good flavor for the best results.

Do I need to knead the dough?

No, this recipe uses a no-knead method where the dough is simply mixed and left to rise. This makes it easy to prepare and results in a light, airy texture.

Cheese Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 127 reviews

• Author: Victor
• Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (about 8 inches diameter) 1x

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Description

This Cheese Bread recipe is a delightful no-knead bread with a gooey and flavorful cheese center, crowned with extra cheese on top. It features a simple dough made with bread flour, yeast, salt, and water, combined with generous amounts of shredded Colby cheese. The bread is baked in a preheated covered pot to create a crisp crust and tender inside, then finished uncovered for a golden cheese crown. Perfect for cheese lovers, this homemade bread is both rustic and indulgent.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough

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

Cheese Filling & Topping

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

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Instructions

1. Make the Magic No-Knead Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, instant yeast, and kosher salt. Add the very warm tap water and stir until the mixture forms a sticky dough. Cover the bowl loosely with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and allow the dough to rise at room temperature for 2 to 3 hours, until it has nearly doubled in size and is bubbly.
2. Preheat the Pot: About 30 minutes before baking, place a heavy, oven-safe pot with a lid (such as a Dutch oven) into the oven and preheat to 450°F (232°C). This ensures the pot is hot enough to create steam and a crisp crust.
3. Shape the Loaf: Lightly flour a work surface and gently turn out the dough. Pat the dough into a rough 8-inch disc. Spread most of the shredded Colby cheese evenly over the disc, then fold the dough over the cheese to enclose it. Carefully shape the dough into a round loaf and place it on a sheet of parchment paper for easy transfer.
4. Add the Cheese Crown: Sprinkle the reserved shredded Colby cheese generously over the top of the shaped loaf to create a cheesy crown.
5. Bake the Bread Covered: Using oven mitts, carefully remove the preheated pot from the oven. Lift the parchment paper with the loaf and place it into the hot pot. Cover with the lid and return the pot to the oven. Bake covered at 450°F (232°C) for 30 minutes, allowing the bread to steam and the cheese inside to melt thoroughly.
6. Bake Uncovered: After 30 minutes, remove the lid and continue baking the loaf uncovered for an additional 15 minutes. This helps develop a golden, crisp crust and melts the cheese on top into a beautiful cheese crown.
7. Cool the Bread: Carefully lift the bread from the pot using the parchment paper and transfer it to a wire rack. Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing; this helps the cheese set and the crumb to stabilize for perfect slices.

Notes

• Ensure the water is very warm but not hot to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
• Using a preheated heavy pot traps steam, which is essential for the crust texture.
• Colby cheese melts well, but you can experiment with other semi-hard cheeses like Monterey Jack or mild cheddar.
• Letting the bread cool completely before slicing prevents the cheese from becoming too gooey and falling apart.
• Store leftover bread in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 2 days, or freeze for longer storage.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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