Cheese Bread Recipe

Introduction

This cheese bread combines a simple no-knead dough with a generous amount of melty Colby cheese for a rich, flavorful loaf. It’s easy to make and perfect for sharing fresh from the oven or alongside your favorite meal.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, and yeast until combined. Pour in the warm water and stir until a sticky dough forms. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise at room temperature for 2 to 3 hours, until doubled in size.
2. Step 2: Place a heavy oven-safe pot with a lid into the oven and preheat to 450°F (230°C) while the dough rises.
3. Step 3: When the dough is ready, dust a work surface with flour and gently pat the dough into a disc shape. Spread about half of the shredded cheese over the dough, then fold the dough over the cheese to encase it. Transfer the dough onto a piece of parchment paper.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top of the dough to create a cheesy crown.
5. Step 5: Carefully remove the preheated pot from the oven and place the dough, with the parchment paper, inside. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes.
6. Step 6: Remove the lid and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese topping is bubbly and browned.
7. Step 7: Let the bread cool on a rack before slicing to allow the cheese to set properly.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of garlic powder or herbs like rosemary to the dough before rising.
• You can substitute Colby cheese with cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix for a different flavor profile.
• If you prefer a crustier loaf, bake uncovered for the last 25 minutes instead of 15.

Storage

Store leftover cheese bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To refresh, warm slices gently in a toaster oven or regular oven. Avoid refrigeration to prevent the bread from drying out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of bread flour?

Yes, all-purpose flour can be used, but bread flour yields a chewier texture due to its higher protein content.

Do I need to knead this dough?

No kneading is required. The dough is designed to be a no-knead recipe, relying on a longer rise time to develop gluten.

Cheese Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 119 reviews

• Author: Olivia
• Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (about 8 servings) 1x

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Description

This Cheese Bread recipe features a no-knead dough infused with Colby cheese, creating a flavorful, moist, and cheesy loaf. Baked in a preheated pot for a perfect crust, this homemade bread offers a soft interior with a delicious cheese crown on top, ideal for sandwiches or as a savory snack.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Dough

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

For the Cheese

• 2 1/2 cups Colby cheese, freshly shredded

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Instructions

1. Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, combine the bread flour, kosher salt, and instant yeast. Add the very warm water and mix together until a sticky dough forms. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise at room temperature for 2 to 3 hours until it has doubled in size.
2. Preheat the pot: Place a heavy cast iron or Dutch oven pot with its lid inside your oven and preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Preheating the pot ensures a crispy crust.
3. Shape the loaf: Lightly flour your hands and work surface. Turn the risen dough onto the floured surface and pat it gently into a disc shape. Sprinkle about half of the shredded Colby cheese on top of the dough, then fold the dough over to encase the cheese inside, pinching the edges to seal.
4. Transfer and add cheese crown: Place the dough seam-side down on a piece of parchment paper. Sprinkle the remaining shredded Colby cheese over the top of the loaf to create a cheesy crown.
5. Bake the bread: Carefully remove the preheated pot from the oven. Using the parchment paper as a sling, transfer the dough into the pot. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes to trap steam for a crusty exterior. After 30 minutes, remove the lid and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese on top is golden and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
6. Cool and serve: Remove the bread from the pot and place on a wire rack. Let it cool completely before slicing to allow the cheese and crumb to set.

Notes

• Make sure your water is very warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
• Using freshly shredded cheese improves melt and flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese.
• Cooling the bread completely before slicing prevents it from becoming gummy inside.
• You can substitute Colby with a mild cheddar for a sharper taste.
• Store leftovers wrapped tightly to keep the bread soft.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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