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Easy Cheesy No Knead Cheddar Bread

Easy Cheesy No Knead Cheddar Bread - featured image

A simple, no-knead cheddar bread recipe perfect for beginners, featuring a golden crust and gooey cheddar pockets with minimal hands-on time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 1/2 cups (440 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp active dry yeast
  • 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) warm water (about 110ยฐF / 43ยฐC)
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 1/2 cups (170 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp honey (optional)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups warm water with 1 tsp active dry yeast and 1 tsp honey (if using). Stir gently and let sit for 5โ€“10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1 1/2 tsp salt until evenly combined.
  3. Add wet ingredients: Pour the yeast mixture and 1 tbsp olive oil into the dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon or dough scraper until just combined. The dough will be sticky and shaggy.
  4. Fold in cheese: Gently fold 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the dough, distributing it evenly.
  5. First rise: Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours.
  6. Shape the dough: Dust a clean surface with flour and turn the dough out carefully. Fold it over itself a few times to shape into a ball or loaf shape.
  7. Second rise: Place the shaped dough into a lightly greased loaf pan or Dutch oven. Cover and let rise for 1 to 2 hours until puffy but not doubled.
  8. Preheat the oven: About 30 minutes before baking, preheat oven to 450ยฐF (230ยฐC). If using a Dutch oven, place it inside to heat as well.
  9. Bake: If using a Dutch oven, transfer dough inside, cover with lid, and bake for 30 minutes. Remove lid and bake another 10 to 15 minutes until crust is golden and crisp. For a loaf pan, bake uncovered for about 40 minutes.
  10. Cool: Transfer bread to a wire rack and let cool completely before slicing.

Notes

Do not rush the rise times; the long fermentation develops flavor and texture. Use warm water around 110ยฐF to activate yeast without killing it. Fold cheese gently to avoid clumping. Preheat baking vessel for better crust. Cool bread completely before slicing to avoid gummy texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: no knead bread, cheddar bread, easy bread recipe, cheesy bread, beginner bread recipe, no knead cheddar bread