Introduction

This No Knead Cheddar Bread baked in a Dutch oven is wonderfully crusty on the outside and soft inside, with a rich cheddar flavor throughout. It’s an easy recipe that requires minimal effort but delivers impressive, bakery-quality bread perfect for any occasion.

A round loaf of bread with a golden brown, crispy crust sits in a white-lined baking dish. The surface of the bread is textured with rough, uneven spots of darker brown where it has baked more, and a visible crack runs across the top, showing a lighter, soft inside. Small green herb bits are scattered on the crust, adding color contrast. The bread rests on a sheet of parchment paper that is slightly wrinkled. The background shows a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups lukewarm water (about 105°F/40°C)
1 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt (for topping)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, yeast, and kosher salt. Add the lukewarm water and mix with a rubber spatula until the ingredients are just combined and form a shaggy dough. Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese evenly. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let the dough rise at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours until doubled in size and bubbly.
Step 2: After the first rise, lightly flour a work surface and scrape the dough onto it. Fold the dough over onto itself 2-3 times to form a rough ball. Cover the dough loosely with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let it rest for 30 minutes for the second proof. Meanwhile, place a 5- to 6-quart Dutch oven with the lid into the cold oven and preheat to 450°F (232°C).
Step 3: Carefully remove the very hot Dutch oven from the oven. Gently transfer the dough into the Dutch oven—it will look loose and may deflate slightly. Sprinkle the top of the dough with flaky sea salt. Cover the Dutch oven and place it back into the oven.
Step 4: Bake the bread covered for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, carefully remove the lid and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the bread is deeply golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200–210°F (93–99°C).
Step 5: Carefully remove the Dutch oven from the oven and lift the bread out using a spatula or by tipping the pot. Transfer the loaf to a wire rack and let it cool completely for at least 1 hour before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try mixing in herbs like rosemary or thyme along with the cheddar cheese before the first rise.
If you don’t have a Dutch oven, a heavy oven-safe pot with a lid will also work for baking.
Use sharp or extra-sharp cheddar for a stronger cheese flavor, or mix in other cheeses like Parmesan for a different twist.

Storage

Store the bread wrapped in a clean kitchen towel or in a paper bag at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain its crustiness. For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Reheat slices in a toaster or oven to restore crispness before serving.

How to Serve

A round loaf of bread with a rough, golden-brown crust and deep cracks on top, showing a soft, slightly crumbly inside. The bread sits in a white pot lined with light brown parchment paper, creating a contrast between the warm colors of the bread and the pale paper. The pot has dark handles and rests on a white marbled surface. The crust looks crunchy with small dark spots from baking. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, you can use active dry yeast, but you’ll want to dissolve it in the lukewarm water first and let it activate for about 5-10 minutes before mixing it with the dry ingredients.

Why does the dough need to rise so long?

The long rise at room temperature develops the bread’s flavor and texture without the need for kneading, allowing the gluten to form gradually and resulting in a moist, chewy crumb with a crisp crust.