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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
