Name: Cheese Bread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 2 h 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups bread flour; 2 tsp instant yeast; 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt; 1 1/2 cups very warm tap water; 2 1/2 cups Colby cheese, freshly shredded

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Introduction

This cheese bread recipe delivers a soft, flavorful loaf with a crispy crust and a gooey cheesy center. It’s a no-knead, easy-to-make bread perfect for any meal or snack. Enjoy the rich taste of Colby cheese melted right into the dough.

A white loaf of bread with a bubbly, golden brown cheese layer melted on top, showing stretchy, gooey cheese threads between the slices. The inside of the bread looks soft and light with visible air pockets. The bread is partly sliced, revealing the thick cheese crust on the top. It sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 cups bread flour
2 tsp instant yeast
1 1/2 tsp cooking or kosher salt
1 1/2 cups very warm tap water
2 1/2 cups Colby cheese, freshly shredded

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, mix the bread flour, salt, and instant yeast until well combined.
Step 2: Add the very warm tap water and stir until you form a sticky dough. Cover and let it rise at room temperature for 2 to 3 hours until doubled in size.
Step 3: About 30 minutes before baking, place a heavy oven-safe pot with a lid in the oven and preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
Step 4: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it gently into a rough disc shape.
Step 5: Sprinkle about half of the shredded Colby cheese evenly over the dough. Fold the dough around the cheese, pinching edges to seal, and shape into a round loaf. Place the loaf on a sheet of parchment paper.
Step 6: Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of the loaf to create a cheesy crown.
Step 7: Carefully remove the hot pot from the oven, lift the parchment paper with the dough, and place both inside the pot. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes.
Step 8: Remove the lid and bake an additional 15 minutes to brown the crust and melt the cheese on top.
Step 9: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing to ensure the cheese sets nicely.

Tips & Variations

Use sharp or smoked cheddar in place of Colby for a different flavor profile.
For extra texture, add some chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough.
Make sure the water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast without killing it.
Allow the bread to cool fully before slicing to prevent the cheese filling from becoming too runny.

Storage

Store the cheese bread in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in foil at room temperature. It stays fresh for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the loaf wrapped well and thaw at room temperature before reheating. To refresh the crust, warm the bread in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a sliced loaf of bread with a golden-brown melted cheese crust on top, showing stretchy melted cheese strands between the cut slices. The bread inside is soft and light with a fluffy texture. The loaf rests on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface, with warm lighting highlighting the crispy texture of the cheese layer. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour, but the bread may be slightly less chewy and have a softer crust.

Is it okay to use pre-shredded cheese?

Freshly shredded cheese melts more evenly and has better texture, but pre-shredded cheese can be used in a pinch.