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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 110°F / 43°C)
  • 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 5–10 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 450°F (230°C). 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 110°F 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