Easy Homemade No-Knead Artisan Cheese Bread Recipe
Wondering what to do with that last chunk of cheese? Whip up this easy, homemade, no-knead artisan cheese bread recipe. Here’s how.
Cheese bread is a filling and frugal addition to any meal; making it at home is easier than you might think. Made in a Dutch oven, this homemade, artisan cheese bread recipe combines simple ingredients to create a soft, cheesy loaf to serve with your favorite Dutch Oven soups or stews.
It’s also a good choice for a hearty lunch sandwich or with our hearty sweet potato and black bean soup. It’s versatility makes this bread a continuous resident on the list of the latest Tiktok food trends.
How to Make No-Knead Cheese Bread
I’m sharing my basic cheese bread recipe, which is pretty bare bones. Yet one of the best things about this recipe is that you can substitute other cheeses.
Want the printable recipe card? It’s down at the bottom of this post.
Ingredients
This is what you’ll need to get started. Go ahead and add your favorite herbs or spices to make a custom loaf. To make this delicious cheese bread, you will need:
- 3 cups bread flour or purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 1 1/4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Optional Cheese Bread Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Directions
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the bread flour, salt, active dry yeast, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning if you’re using them. Whisk the dry ingredients until thoroughly combined.
Add Wet Ingredients
Pour in the warm water and olive oil if you’re using it. Olive oil usually makes my homemade bread a bit softer and thicker. So, if “filling” is what you’re going for, try it! Stir the mixture until a sticky dough forms.
Add That Cheese
Add the shredded sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese to the dough if you use it. Mix well.
Let Cheese Bread Dough Rise
Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Allow the dough to rest at room temperature for 12-18 hours. The dough should rise and become bubbly. Tip: if you find your first loaf more dense than you like, then next time you make it, let it rise 12 hours the first time, punch it down then let it rise a second time for 6 hours.
Ready to Bake
When ready to bake, place an empty Dutch oven into the oven and preheat to 450°F. Heavily flour a flat surface (like a clean countertop) and shape the dough into a ball.
Bake the Bread
Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven. Place the dough in the Dutch oven and cover it with the lid. Bake for 30 minutes covered, then remove the lid and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown.
Cool and Serve
Now remove the bread from the Dutch oven and let it cool on a wire rack. Slice with a serrated knife and enjoy your homemade cheesy garlic bread.
Substitutions and Additions
As mentioned, this cheese bread recipe is very forgiving. It’s a good recipe for customizing it to your taste. Here are some great ways to modify the ingredients:
Choose Your Cheese
Substitute sharp cheddar with Monterey jack or sharp cheddar for different flavors. And use soft cheese like mozzarella for a gooey texture. Try parmesan for a tangy taste.
Herbs and Spices
Add fresh garlic or minced garlic for a stronger garlic butter flavor. Sprinkle in dried parsley or Italian herbs to enhance the savory profile.
Add-Ins
Mix in garlic powder or Italian seasoning for extra flavor. Add a handful of marinara sauce for a richer taste. Used finely diced fresh or dehydrated onions or sun-dried tomatoes and rosemary. This also makes a very pretty cheese loaf.
Flour Options
Use bread flour for a chewier texture. Select all-purpose flour for a lighter loaf.
Extra Ingredients
Drizzle melted butter over the top before baking for a golden finish. Sprinkle on cinnamon roll spices for a sweet twist. Add some dried cranberries for a festive cheese bread. And by the way, use stale cheese bread as a fun alternative when making homemade stuffing for a holiday side dish.
No-Knead Cheese Bread FAQs
You’re not alone if you have questions about making no-knead cheese bread. Here are some common questions and answers to help you perfect your recipe.
Can I Use a Bread Machine for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use a bread machine to mix the dough. Simply add the dry ingredients first, then the wet ingredients, and let the machine do the work. However, baking in a Dutch oven will give you the best artisan crust.
How Should I Store the Cheese Bread?
Store the cheese bread in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and kept at room temperature for several days.
What Can I Serve with Cheese Bread?
Cheese bread is a great side dish for pasta nights, soups, or salads. It also makes a perfect appetizer when served with marinara sauce or garlic herb butter. It’s also good a very filling side to my leftover turkey pot pie recipe.
This Easy Homemade Cheese Bread is a Winner
Making no-knead cheese bread at home is a great way to enjoy fresh, soft bread with loads of melted cheese. Whether you’re a bread machine beginner or prefer traditional baking methods, this cheesy bread recipe is a winner.
Customize it with your favorite cheeses and herbs to make it your best bread yet. Next time you plan a meal, try this easy garlic bread recipe and watch it become a favorite at your dinner table.
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Easy Homemade Cheese Bread Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 cups flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon yeast
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 1/4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Using a large mixing bowl, add in the flour, salt and yeast. Whisk the dry ingredients until fully combined.
- Add in the water and stir, a sticky dough will form . Stir in the cheddar cheese until its fully incorporated into the dough.
- Cover the dough and allow it to rest for 12-18 hours.
- When you are ready to bake your dough, put a dutch oven (empty) into the oven and preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
- Heavily flour a smooth surface and roll your dough into the flour until it forms a ball.
- When the oven has reached the full temperature, remove the dutch oven and place the bread dough into the dutch oven and cover,
- Allow the bread to bake for 30 mins, after 30 mins remove the lid from the dutch oven and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes until the bread is golden brown.
No sugar to help yeast to rise?
Not for this recipe. 🙂
Do you use parchment paper when baking?
I didn’t for this recipe, although I often do! Go ahead and use it. 🙂
If I use whole wheat flour should I increase the yeast & would there be any other modifications do you think?
I find that when I sub in whole wheat flour, the bread becomes more dense and is drier. I’d try substituting just 1 cup of whole wheat flour first, and increasing the yeast by 1/8 tsp. You may find you need to add a couple of tablespoons of water as well.
can i use grated parmesan cheese instead of sharp?
Yes indeed. You could even use a combination of cheeses to use up your odds and ends.
Should it go in the fridge while it rises or is it okay out on a counter?
Hi Amanda – Don’t put it in the fridge. On the counter is fine.