Ready in: 18 hours 30 minutes (including rising) · Serves: 8 · Technique: No-Knead Baking · Storage: Airtight for 2 days, freezer-friendly.
Quick Answer
This no-knead cheese bread is an effortless recipe perfect for holiday gatherings, combining simple ingredients for a flavorful result.
If there’s one thing about living in New York City during the holiday season, it’s that the allure of freshly baked bread wafts through the chilly air, making it impossible to resist. With Thanksgiving and Christmas knocking at our door, I’ve found myself drawn to the cozy art of bread baking—especially when it comes to this no-knead cheese bread. It’s perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or simply to delight your loved ones during this festive time. What I love about this recipe is its simplicity and the heavenly aroma of melting cheese that fills my kitchen, mingling with notes of sweetness and nuttiness.
A Cozy Holiday Treat
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No kneading required—perfect for novice bakers!
- Deliciously cheesy and aromatic, making it a crowd-pleaser.
- Versatile for any occasion—great for potlucks or cozy family dinners.
- Simple ingredients that highlight the natural flavors.
- Long rise time develops complex flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your no-knead cheese bread:
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon active dry yeast
Wet Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups warm water
Cheese and Herbs
- 1 cup shredded cheese (sharp cheddar and Gruyère preferred)
- ½ cup chopped fresh herbs (like rosemary and thyme)
- Additional flour for dusting
How to Make No-Knead Cheese Bread (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to bake your own delicious no-knead cheese bread.
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and active dry yeast until evenly combined. This step ensures that the salt is distributed properly, enhancing the flavor of your bread.
Step 2: Add the Water
Pour in the warm water—aiming for a comfortable temperature, similar to a warm bath. Stir with a wooden spoon until it forms a shaggy, wet dough. Don’t worry if it appears a bit lumpy; this is perfectly fine!
Step 3: Combine Cheese and Herbs
Gently fold in the shredded cheese and chopped herbs into the dough. The sound of the cheese rustling against the dough is an exciting cue of deliciousness ahead.
Step 4: Let It Rise
Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise at room temperature for about 12 to 18 hours, ideally overnight. You’ll know it’s ready when it doubles in size and has a beautifully bubbly surface.
Step 5: Preheat the Oven
About 30 minutes before you plan to bake, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and place a Dutch oven inside to heat up, preparing to create a perfect crust.
Step 6: Shape the Dough
Dust a clean surface with flour and gently turn out the risen dough onto it. Use floured hands to shape the dough into a round loaf without kneading, just forming it gently.
Step 7: Second Rise
Let your formed loaf rest for about 30 minutes while the oven continues to heat up. If you have a proofing basket, now is the time to utilize it for added shape.
Step 8: Bake It
Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven and place your bread inside. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the crust is a gorgeous golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Remove the bread and let it cool on a rack. The aroma will fill your kitchen with warmth. Wait about 30 minutes before slicing to maintain the cheese’s structure.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the rise time; allowing the dough to rise adequately is crucial for a lighter texture.
- Using cold water; warm water is essential for activating the yeast properly.
- Overmixing the dough; mix only until the ingredients are incorporated to avoid tough bread.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- For an extra flavor burst, sprinkle some coarse sea salt on top of the dough before baking.
- Experiment with different cheeses—try adding feta or gouda for variation!
- If you have a favorite herb blend, feel free to play around and add different combinations to the dough.
Variations
- Substitute the sharp cheddar with mozzarella for a milder flavor.
- Add sundried tomatoes and olives for a Mediterranean twist.
- Try using a mix of dried herbs like Italian seasoning instead of fresh herbs.
How to Serve
- Serve warm with a side of olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping.
- Pair with a hearty soup or salad for a complete meal.
- Toast slices and top with avocado or smoked salmon for a delicious brunch option.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Prepare the dough the night before and let it rise overnight for a convenient bake the next day.
- Storage: Store any leftover bread in an airtight bag or container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: To enjoy leftovers, reheat in the oven for a few minutes until warm.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil for longer storage; freezes well for up to 3 months.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
This bread taught me the beauty of simplicity in baking. It’s all about letting the natural ingredients shine and allowing time to work its magic. Plus, every loaf feels like a warm hug during these cozy holiday months.
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 1 loaf · Serving Size: 1 slice
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~210 calories · 8g protein · 30g carbs · 8g fat
Effortless No-Knead Cheese Bread for Gatherings
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and active dry yeast until evenly combined.
- Pour in the warm water and stir with a wooden spoon until it forms a shaggy, wet dough.
- Gently fold in the shredded cheese and chopped herbs into the dough.
- Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise at room temperature for about 12 to 18 hours.
- About 30 minutes before you plan to bake, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and place a Dutch oven inside to heat up.
- Dust a clean surface with flour and gently turn out the risen dough onto it. Shape the dough into a round loaf without kneading.
- Let your formed loaf rest for about 30 minutes while the oven continues to heat up.
- Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven and place your bread inside. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the crust is a gorgeous golden brown.
- Remove the bread and let it cool on a rack. Wait about 30 minutes before slicing.
Notes
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese for this recipe?
Absolutely! While this recipe features a mix of sharp cheddar and Gruyère, you can experiment with other cheeses like feta or gouda to create your own unique flavor profile.
How can I ensure my bread rises properly?
To ensure proper rising, make sure to use warm water (around 110°F) when mixing your dough and allow enough time for it to rise—typically 12 to 18 hours at room temperature is ideal.
What should I do if I want to store leftovers?
Store any leftover bread in an airtight bag or container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
