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Easy Garlic Cheese No-Knead Bread Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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