Introduction

No-knead cheese bread is an easy and satisfying way to bake fresh, cheesy bread at home without the fuss of kneading. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you’ll have a golden, crusty loaf filled with melty goodness. Perfect for sandwiches, snacks, or alongside your favorite soups.

The image shows a round cheese bread with a rough, golden brown crust and melted cheese baked on top. The bread has a slightly cracked surface with an uneven texture, revealing a soft, white interior peeking through the crust. It rests on a light beige cloth, placed on a white marbled surface. The overall look is warm and rustic, showing the bread's crispy outer layer and cheesy topping. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 any meltable cheese of your choice)

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 gently. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise at room temperature for 1.5 to 2 hours, until it has doubled in size.
Step 2: About 30 minutes before the dough finishes rising, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and place a Dutch oven inside with the lid on to heat up.
Step 3: Once the dough has risen, scrape it onto a piece of parchment paper dusted with flour. Gently shape the dough into a rough ball—don’t worry about making it perfect, the rustic shape is part of the charm.
Step 4: Carefully lift the parchment with the dough 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, until the bread is deep golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
Step 5: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for 15 to 20 minutes before slicing. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

Always shred the cheese fresh for the best melt and flavor.
If using all-purpose flour instead of bread flour, expect a softer texture but still delicious bread.
Try substituting Colby Jack with cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of your favorite cheeses.
Add herbs like rosemary or thyme into the dough for extra aroma and taste.

Storage

Store leftover bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or a bread bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze slices in a zip-top bag and toast them directly from frozen to enjoy later. Reheat any bread briefly in the oven to refresh its crust.

How to Serve

A round loaf of bread with a golden-brown crust that is textured with crispy, slightly burnt edges and scattered melted cheese on top. The bread's surface shows a mix of lighter and darker yellow tones, with the interior slightly visible through cracks, revealing a soft, airy inside. The bread rests on a white cloth with a subtle texture, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use cold water instead of warm water?

Warm water helps activate the yeast more efficiently, so it’s best to use water around 120°F. Using cold water may slow the rising process significantly.

Do I need a Dutch oven to bake this bread?

While a Dutch oven helps create steam for a crusty exterior, you can bake the bread on a preheated baking stone or heavy baking sheet and cover with a large metal bowl to trap steam as a substitute.