Easy & Delicious No-Knead Cheese Bread

Table of Contents

Ingredients:

- All-Purpose Flour: 3 cups, plus extra for dusting
- Salt: 1 ½ teaspoons
- Instant Yeast: ½ teaspoon (or active dry yeast)

- Warm Water: 1 ¼ cups (around 95°F – 105°F)
- Olive Oil: ¼ cup
- Shredded Cheese: 1 – 1 ½ cups (cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, or a combination)

Instructions:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients:
  - In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and instant yeast.
2. Make the Dough:
  - - Pour in the warm water and olive oil. Mix with a wooden spoon or your hand until a shaggy dough forms. The dough will be sticky but manageable.
3. First Rise:
  - Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel to prevent drying out. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 3-5 hours, or until doubled in size.

1. Incorporate the Cheese:
  - Once risen, gently fold in the shredded cheese with a spatula. Reserve some cheese if desired for sprinkling on top before baking.
2. Shape and Second Rise:
  - - Lightly flour a work surface and your hands. Transfer the dough to the floured surface and fold it over itself a few times to shape it into a round loaf. Place seam-side down in a well-floured Dutch oven or baking dish. Cover and let rise for 1-2 hours.
3. Bake the Bread:
  - Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Remove the lid or cover from the Dutch oven/baking dish. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Enjoy:
- Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This helps the interior set and prevents excessive cheese oozing.

Additional Information:

- Active Dry Yeast vs. Instant Yeast: Both work for this recipe. If using active dry yeast, dissolve it in warm water with a pinch of sugar for 5 minutes before adding to the dry ingredients.

Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or Gouda. Add herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions:

- With Soups: Pair with your favorite soup for a comforting meal.
- With Salads: Serve alongside a fresh salad for a complete lunch or dinner.

As a Snack: Enjoy warm with a pat of butter.

Conclusion:

Skip the store-bought bread and enjoy the simplicity of this No-Knead Cheese Bread. With minimal effort, you’ll have a homemade loaf that’s warm, cheesy, and perfect for any meal. Ideal for both beginner and experienced bakers, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.