Cheese bread is a sublime culinary creation, balancing texture and richness without the need for kneading. This no-knead cheese bread offers a delightful contrast between a crisp crust and a soft, cheesy interior. Its simplicity meets sophistication, making it a perfect addition to elegant brunches or intimate gatherings. Each bite reveals an alluring aroma, enhanced by the melted cheese, inviting all to indulge.
Why Make This Recipe
- Effortless Yet Elegant: Minimal hands-on time allows for a hassle-free baking experience.
- Minimal Ingredients: Simple components come together to create an impressive dish.
- Impressive Flavor: The blend of cheeses and seasoning elevates the taste beyond the ordinary.
This recipe captures the spirit of gourmet baking, blending rustic charm with refined flavors, ensuring that even novice bakers can create a stunning centerpiece.
Ingredients
For the Bread Base
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
For the Cheese Filling
- 1 cup grated aged cheddar (sharp flavor)
- ½ cup grated mozzarella (for meltiness)
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh herbs (such as rosemary or chives)
For the Topping
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing)
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt (for sprinkling)
How to Make Cheese Bread
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, sugar, and instant yeast until well incorporated.
- Incorporate Water: Gradually add the warm water to the dry mixture, stirring gently with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. The mixture should be slightly tacky.
- Add Cheese and Herbs: Fold in the aged cheddar and mozzarella, along with the fresh herbs, until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- First Rise: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel. Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for 1 to 2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Preheat Oven: About 30 minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Place a Dutch oven (with its lid) inside to heat.
- Shape the Dough: Lightly flour a work surface. Turn out the risen dough and shape it into a round loaf, smoothing the surface gently.
- Prepare for Baking: Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven. Place the shaped bread inside, brush the top with olive oil, and sprinkle with sea salt.
- Bake: Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the lid and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
How to Serve Cheese Bread
For an elegant presentation, serve the cheese bread on a wooden board, garnished with fresh herbs. Accompany it with a selection of artisanal butter, herb-infused oil, or a savory dip. Consider slicing it into thick wedges for effortless sharing, allowing guests to experience the inviting aroma and textures.
How to Store Cheese Bread
To maintain the bread’s delightful texture and flavor, wrap it in parchment paper and then in plastic wrap, ensuring it cools completely before storage. For longer freshness, consider refrigerating it. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes, allowing the crust to regain its crispness.
Tips to Make Cheese Bread
- Experiment with Cheeses: Consider a combination of Gruyère or goat cheese for diverse flavors.
- Season with Flair: Add a pinch of garlic powder or crushed red pepper for an extra layer of complexity.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Freshly chopped herbs elevate the aroma and flavor.
- Monitor the Dough: Adjust rising times based on room temperature; warmer rooms may accelerate the process.
- Don’t Rush the Bake: Allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing to achieve the best texture.
Variation
For a gourmet twist, consider incorporating sun-dried tomatoes or olives into the dough for an Italian-inspired version. Alternatively, a sprinkling of sesame or poppy seeds on the crust can add both visual appeal and texture.
FAQs
How long does the dough need to rise?
The dough should rise for 1 to 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size, depending on the ambient temperature.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead?
Yes, whole wheat flour can be substituted; however, the texture may be denser. You may want to combine it with all-purpose flour for a lighter result.
Can I freeze this bread?
Yes, cheese bread freezes well. Slice it before freezing for easy access. Wrap it tightly, and store it in an airtight container.
Conclusion
Cheese bread, with its effortless preparation and sophisticated flavor profile, embodies the elegance of simple ingredients transformed into a culinary delight. Its warm, inviting aroma and beautifully crisp crust set the stage for memorable gatherings. Share your experience with this recipe or connect with us on social media. How would you make this dish your own?
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No-Knead Cheese Bread
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful no-knead cheese bread with a crisp crust and a soft, cheesy interior, perfect for brunch or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 1 cup grated aged cheddar
- ½ cup grated mozzarella
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh herbs (such as rosemary or chives)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing)
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt (for sprinkling)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, sugar, and instant yeast until well incorporated.
- Gradually add the warm water to the dry mixture, stirring gently with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
- Fold in the aged cheddar and mozzarella, along with the fresh herbs, until evenly distributed.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel and allow the dough to rise in a warm place for 1 to 2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C), placing a Dutch oven (with its lid) inside to heat about 30 minutes before baking.
- Lightly flour a work surface and turn out the risen dough, shaping it into a round loaf.
- Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven, place the shaped bread inside, brush the top with olive oil, and sprinkle with sea salt.
- Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the lid and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
Notes
For a gourmet twist, consider incorporating sun-dried tomatoes or olives into the dough. Also, allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 10mg