Name: Cheese Bread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 3 h 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups bread flour; 2 tsp instant yeast; 1 1/2 tsp cooking/kosher salt; 1 1/2 cups very warm tap water; 2 1/2 cups Colby cheese, freshly shredded

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Introduction

Cheese bread is a comforting and flavorful treat that combines a soft, airy crumb with melted, gooey cheese throughout. This easy no-knead recipe allows you to enjoy freshly baked bread with a cheesy twist, perfect for any meal or snack.

A white loaf of bread with a bubbly, golden brown cheese layer melted on top, showing stretchy, gooey cheese threads between the slices. The inside of the bread looks soft and light with visible air pockets. The bread is partly sliced, revealing the thick cheese crust on the top. It sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: In a large bowl, mix the bread flour, instant yeast, and salt until well combined.
Step 2: Add the very warm water to the dry ingredients and stir with a spoon until a sticky dough forms. Cover the bowl and let it rise for 2 to 3 hours, until doubled in size.
Step 3: About 30 minutes before the dough has finished rising, place a Dutch oven or heavy pot with its lid into your oven and preheat to 450°F (230°C).
Step 4: Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into a flat disc.
Step 5: Spread about half of the shredded Colby cheese over the disc of dough. Fold the dough over itself to enclose the cheese, gently pressing to seal and shaping it into a round loaf.
Step 6: Transfer the shaped dough onto a piece of parchment paper. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of the loaf to create a cheesy crown.
Step 7: Carefully remove the preheated pot from the oven, lift the parchment paper with the dough, and place it inside the pot. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes.
Step 8: After 30 minutes, remove the lid and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese on top is bubbly and slightly crisp.
Step 9: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing. This allows the bread to finish setting and prevents it from becoming gummy.

Tips & Variations

Use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded for better melting and flavor.
Substitute Colby cheese with cheddar, mozzarella, or a combination for different tastes.
For a more pronounced crust, brush the bread with melted butter after baking.
If you don’t have a Dutch oven, use any heavy oven-safe pot with a lid.

Storage

Store the cheese bread wrapped loosely in a kitchen towel or in a bread box at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep longer, wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–10 minutes to refresh the crust and melt the cheese.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a sliced loaf of bread with a golden-brown melted cheese crust on top, showing stretchy melted cheese strands between the cut slices. The bread inside is soft and light with a fluffy texture. The loaf rests on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface, with warm lighting highlighting the crispy texture of the cheese layer. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or any favorite melting cheese. Mixing cheeses can add more depth to the flavor.

Do I have to knead the dough?

No, this recipe is designed as a no-knead bread. The long rising time develops the gluten, resulting in a light and airy texture without kneading.