Soft and pillowy inside, golden and crusty outside, and loaded with savory cheese, this bread requires no kneading!
Breadmaking always seemed to me like such a tedious task, even if it is fun for children to get involved and knead the dough. I remember making a loaf years ago, and all that kneading and rising, and kneading and rising again. It’s time-consuming and can make quite a mess. Perhaps that’s one of the reasons why I love this cheese bread recipe. There’s no kneading involved.
Yes, you read that right. You can make a delicious, cheesy, and savory loaf of bread that is ultra-tender on the inside and beautifully golden and crusty on the outside. Every bite sings with cheesy, doughy goodness. And, while it takes about three hours to make this delicious bread, your prep time is only 10 minutes. How great is that? The rest of the time is for rising and baking.
Also, just because there is no kneading doesn’t mean that the kids can’t get involved. Depending on their age, they can measure and whisk the ingredients together. Make sure to let them see how the dough looks in the bowl before you set it aside to rise in a warm place, but not in direct sunlight, as that can dry out the bread. Once the rising time is done, let the kids see how big it’s gotten, and they can even help form the round loaf and sprinkle the extra cheese on top.
Of course, the best part about making cheese bread with your children is cutting that first warm slice. I know, it’s hard to wait the 10 minutes after it comes out of the oven. The smell is so tantalizing, but you’ll be teaching your children that good things are worth waiting for. And then, when you give them that slice, don’t forget to cut one for yourself, too!
Change the cheese, change the flavor
Although cheddar cheese is delicious in this cheese bread recipe, you can use other varieties for a different flavor profile. I like the yellow cheddar because it stands out so nicely in the bread. Colby cheese will do the same. The key here is to use a cheese that will gently melt into the bread without weighing it down. You also want it to have a good flavor that will stand out against the fluffy bread. Cheeses like Gruyère, Gouda, and Monterey Jack will work beautifully. You can enhance those flavors a bit by choosing smoked varieties or adding spice with pepper jack. Milder cheeses like mozzarella will work, but don’t add much flavor or color to the loaf.
I highly recommend shredding the cheese yourself rather than using pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents that hinder melting. Also, don’t decrease the amount of cheese in the recipe. Be generous for maximum flavor. And, if you wish, go ahead and combine two of your favorite cheeses for additional flavor.
How do I store leftovers?
Allow leftovers from this cheese bread recipe to cool to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container for up to 4 days. You can also store the bread in a zippered plastic bag with a paper towel inside to absorb the moisture. Keep the sealed bread at room temperature, as refrigeration can accelerate staling.
For longer storage, you can freeze the bread for up to 3 months. Option one involves wrapping the entire loaf in plastic wrap, then covering it with aluminum foil. Alternatively, you can place the loaf in a zippered freezer bag, removing all the excess air before freezing. Thaw the loaf overnight in the refrigerator (the only time it should be refrigerated), then bring it to room temperature and reheat it in a 350°F oven until warm. Another option is to slice the bread, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, and place them in a zippered bag. That way, you can remove only the number of slices you need. Individual slices can be toasted from frozen or thawed on the counter.
Serving suggestions
As good as this cheese bread recipe is, not devouring it all at once will take restraint. Go ahead and make it part of your favorite meals. Serve it alongside hearty dishes like Chicken Stew, No-Bean Chili, or this Irish Stew Recipe. Dip toasted slices into this Shakshuka Recipe. Enjoy a slice with Turkey Shepherd’s Pie, Slow-Cooker Roast Beef, or even as a sandwich with these delicious Tuna Patties, a slice of tomato, and some crisp lettuce.
Cheese Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups bread flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/2 cups very warm water about 110°F
- 2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese plus extra for topping, optional
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the bread flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt.
- Pour in the warm water and stir until a sticky dough forms. Then mix in the shredded cheese evenly.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rest in a warm place for about 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Place a heavy pot with a lid (or Dutch oven) in the oven and preheat to 450°F about 5 minutes before the dough is ready.
- Turn the risen dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently shape it into a round loaf. Optionally, sprinkle extra cheese on top.
- Carefully transfer the dough into the preheated pot. Cover and bake for 35 minutes, then remove the lid and bake an additional 10 minutes until the bread is golden brown.
- Remove the bread from the pot and let it cool on a rack for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
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