Easy Garlic Cheese No-Knead Bread Recipe

Introduction

This easy garlic cheese no-knead bread is a flavorful and comforting loaf perfect for any occasion. With its sharp cheddar and garlic twist, it’s simple to prepare and delivers a soft, cheesy crumb and a golden crust without any kneading effort.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon instant yeast
• 1 ¼ teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 ¼ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 ⅝ cups water

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, salt, and garlic powder. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
2. Step 2: Add the water and mix until well blended. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and leave it in a warm spot to rise for at least 12 hours, ideally between 16 to 24 hours.
3. Step 3: Once risen, transfer the dough onto a generously floured surface. Sprinkle more flour on top and fold the dough over itself three or four times.
4. Step 4: Turn the original bowl upside down over the dough and let it rest for 15 minutes.
5. Step 5: After resting, shape the dough into a ball. Wash and dry the bowl thoroughly, then place the dough back inside and cover with a cotton dish towel.
6. Step 6: Allow the dough to rise for 2 hours until it doubles in size.
7. Step 7: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) about 30 minutes before baking. Place a baking pot inside the oven to heat.
8. Step 8: Carefully remove the hot pot from the oven and place the dough ball into it. Cover the pot and bake for 30 minutes.
9. Step 9: Remove the lid, sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of cheddar cheese on top of the loaf, and bake uncovered for another 15 to 30 minutes until the crust turns golden brown.
10. Step 10: Take the bread out of the oven and let it cool completely on a rack before slicing.

Tips & Variations

• For a stronger garlic flavor, add a teaspoon of fresh minced garlic to the dough.
• Try mixing in herbs like rosemary or thyme for an aromatic twist.
• If sharp cheddar is unavailable, substitute with mozzarella or a blend of cheeses for a milder taste.
• Use a cast-iron Dutch oven or any oven-safe pot with a lid to bake for the best crust texture.

Storage

Store leftover bread wrapped in foil or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the bread wrapped tightly and thaw at room temperature before reheating. To refresh the crust, warm slices in a toaster or oven for a few minutes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, but you’ll need to activate active dry yeast in warm water before mixing it with the dry ingredients. Use the same amount and let it proof for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.

Do I have to let the dough rise overnight?

While the dough can rise for a minimum of 12 hours, longer fermentation of 16-24 hours develops better flavor and texture. If short on time, a minimum of 12 hours still works well.

Easy Garlic Cheese No-Knead Bread Recipe

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4.9 from 82 reviews

This Easy Garlic Cheese No-Knead Bread recipe offers a deliciously cheesy, garlicky twist on classic no-knead bread. With simple ingredients and minimal hands-on time, this bread is perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. The dough requires a long rise for maximum flavor and a soft, airy crumb, while baking in a covered pot creates a perfect crust. Enjoy warm, fresh bread topped with melted cheddar cheese and rich garlic flavor.

• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 14 to 26 hours (including rising times)
• Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices) 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon instant yeast
• 1 ¼ teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Cheese

• 1 ¼ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided

Wet Ingredients

• 1 ⅝ cups water

Instructions

1. Mix Dry Ingredients and Cheese: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, salt, and garlic powder. Stir in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until evenly distributed.
2. Add Water and Blend: Gradually add 1 ⅝ cups of water to the dry ingredients and cheese mixture. Stir until the dough is well blended and all flour is incorporated.
3. First Rise: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place it in a warm area. Let the dough rise for a minimum of 12 hours, ideally 16 to 24 hours, until it has risen and developed flavor.
4. Shape the Dough: Remove the dough from the bowl onto a generously floured work surface. Sprinkle additional flour on top of the dough and fold it over itself three or four times to form a rough ball.
5. Rest the Dough: Turn the original bowl upside down over the dough ball and let it rest for 15 minutes to relax the gluten and make shaping easier.
6. Second Rise: Form the dough into a smooth ball. Wash and dry the original bowl thoroughly, then place the dough ball back into the bowl and cover it with a cotton dish towel. Let it rise for 2 hours or until doubled in size.
7. Prepare to Bake: About 30 minutes before the dough is ready, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a covered baking pot (such as a Dutch oven) inside the oven to heat up.
8. Bake Covered: Carefully remove the hot pot from the oven. Gently turn the dough out into the pot. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes to create steam and crust.
9. Top with Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the lid and sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the loaf. Bake uncovered for an additional 15 to 30 minutes or until the bread is deeply browned and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
10. Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and transfer it to a cooling rack. Allow the bread to cool before slicing to complete the setting process.

Notes

• Long rise times enhance flavor and texture, so do not rush the initial 12+ hour ferment.
• If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, increase garlic powder to 1 ½ teaspoons.
• Make sure the pot used for baking is oven-safe and preheated to achieve a perfect crust.
• For a crustier loaf, bake uncovered for the full 30 minutes after adding cheese.
• Store leftover bread in an airtight container or plastic bag to maintain freshness.
• This bread freezes well; slice and freeze, then toast to refresh.

Keywords: No-knead bread, garlic cheese bread, cheddar bread, easy bread recipe, homemade bread, no-knead, baking bread