Introduction
Imagine the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home, filled with the rich, savory goodness of melted cheese. This no-knead cheese bread recipe offers an easy way to achieve a bakery-quality loaf right from your kitchen without the fuss of traditional kneading. Whether enjoyed on its own or as an accompaniment to soups and salads, this cheese bread is sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 3 cups bread flour
– 2 teaspoons instant yeast (also known as rapid rise)
– 1½ teaspoons cooking or kosher salt
– 1½ cups very warm tap water
– 2½ cups (tightly packed) freshly shredded Colby cheese, or other cheese of choice
Prep Time
Active preparation time for this recipe is minimal, taking around 15 minutes. The bulk of the time is dedicated to allowing the dough to rise, which can take 1 to 2 hours.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
The bread requires approximately 45 minutes of baking time: 35 minutes covered and 10 minutes uncovered for that perfect golden crust. Including the rising time, the total time to enjoy your homemade cheese bread is about 2 to 3 hours, and this recipe yields one beautifully crafted loaf.
Give this hearty and delicious cheese bread a try; it’s perfect for any occasion!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
In a large bowl, mix together the bread flour, instant yeast, and salt using a rubber spatula. Add the warm water to the dry ingredients. Mix using the handle of the spatula until no dry flour remains. The dough should be sticky and shaggy.
First Rise:
Cover the bowl with cling wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 2 hours, or until it doubles in volume. The surface should be bubbly, and the mixture should jiggle when the bowl is shaken.
Preheat the Oven and Pot:
About 30 minutes before the dough has finished rising, place a 24-28 cm (4.5-8 quart) heavy-based pot with a lid into the oven. Preheat the oven to 240°C (450°F) (220°C fan-forced).
Shape the Dough:
Sprinkle a 30 cm (12-inch) area of your work surface with about 1 tablespoon of flour. Scrape the risen dough onto the floured surface using the rubber spatula. Sprinkle the surface of the dough with 1 teaspoon of flour to prevent sticking. Gently pat the dough into an approximate 20 cm (8-inch) disc.
Incorporate the Cheese:
Set aside one-third of the shredded cheese for topping. Spread half of the remaining cheese over the surface of the dough, leaving a 2 cm (¾-inch) border.
Fold the Dough:
Using a dough scraper or similar tool, fold the sides of the dough inwards four times to form a rough round shape. After each fold, sprinkle some of the remaining cheese onto the exposed dough, except for the final layer, which should remain cheese-free as it will be the base of the bread.
Transfer and Top with Cheese:
Place a 40 cm (16-inch) sheet of baking parchment next to the dough. Flip the dough onto the parchment so the seam side is mostly facedown. Tidy the shape into an even round or oval. Pile the reserved cheese on top of the dough.
Bake the Bread:
Carefully remove the preheated pot from the oven. Using the parchment paper, transfer the dough into the pot, keeping it on the paper. Cover with the lid and bake for 35 minutes. Remove the lid and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes to achieve a golden crust.
Cool and Serve:
Remove the pot from the oven. Using the parchment paper, lift the bread out and place it on a cooling rack. Slide the parchment paper out from underneath the bread. Allow the bread to cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Yeast:
Ensure you are using instant yeast as it does not require proofing before mixing with the flour.
Warm Water:
The water should be very warm but not scalding; test it with your finger to ensure it’s comfortably warm.
Flour Surface:
Adding flour to the work surface helps prevent the dough from sticking, but be cautious not to add too much as it may affect the dough’s consistency.
Oven Temperature:
Make sure to accurately preheat the oven as this is crucial for achieving the right bread texture and crust.
Cheese Options:
Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese such as cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend for varied flavors.
Cooling Time:
Cooling the bread properly before slicing helps maintain its structure and improves slice quality.
Cook Techniques
Mixing Ingredients
Incorporate dry ingredients thoroughly with a rubber spatula, ensuring even distribution before adding wet ingredients. This helps to activate the yeast properly.
Rising the Dough
Allow the dough to rise covered in a warm area until doubled in size. A longer rise enhances flavor and texture.
Preheating the Oven and Pot
Heat both the oven and the pot in advance to replicate a professional baking environment, ensuring a good crust and even cooking.
Shaping the Dough
Gently pat the risen dough into a disc to maintain air bubbles. This method preserves the lightness of the bread.
Incorporating Cheese
Layer cheese inside the dough for a gooey texture. Be sure to leave a border for proper folding.
Folding Technique
Fold dough evenly to create layers, which helps in developing a chewy texture while incorporating melted cheese throughout.
Baking Process
Start with a covered bake to retain moisture, allowing the bread to rise before uncovering to achieve a golden crust.
Cooling the Bread
Allowing bread to cool thoroughly on a rack prevents sogginess and helps set the structure.
FAQ
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute Colby cheese with other cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix of your favorites.
Why is my dough not rising?
Check the freshness of the yeast and ensure the water is warm, but not too hot, as extreme temperatures can kill yeast.
What if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is excessively sticky, you can lightly flour your hands and the work surface, but avoid adding too much flour as it can affect the texture.
How can I tell when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when it has a golden crust and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Can I store the leftover bread?
Yes, store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days or freeze it for longer preservation.
Conclusion
Homemade no-knead cheese bread is a delightfully simple recipe that yields a flavorful and cheesy loaf with a beautiful crust. The combination of bread flour and warm water results in a light and airy texture, while the addition of freshly shredded cheese elevates the taste, making it perfect for any meal or occasion. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or used for sandwiches, this bread is sure to impress.
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