Easy Cheddar No Knead Overnight Bread

This easy cheddar no-knead overnight bread recipe takes the stress out of baking homemade bread.

With simple step-by-step instructions, you’ll have warm, cheesy bread that’s perfect for any occasion.

Serve this bread with Italian Sausage Soup, Juicy Skillet Chicken Thighs with Pan Sauce, or one of these ground sausage recipes for a delicious meal.

Making homemade bread can seem a little intimidating. But this overnight bread dough changes that! With only a few simple steps you’ll be baking fresh, cheesy bread like a pro.

All you have to do is mix a few simple ingredients, let the dough rest until it rises, then bake it in a Dutch oven. That’s it!

As easy as it is, you still end up with a beautifully baked and delicious loaf of artisan bread.

This bread has a beautiful golden-brown crust, and each bite is filled with soft cheesy goodness. And let’s not forget about the irresistible aroma that fills your entire home while it’s baking.

It’s perfect to serve with soups or salads. You can toast a slice for breakfast on its own or with eggs.

It makes amazing sandwiches or a panini for lunch or add it to a breadbasket for dinner. SO yummy any time of the day.

Speaking of incredible home baked bread, this cranberry walnut bread is also super easy.

Though this Rosemary Garlic Bread recipe requires kneading, it’s another easy recipe that you can simply mix by hand.

Why We Love This Recipe

Even if you’re not a seasoned baker, this cheddar no-knead bread is practically fail-proof, using simple pantry ingredients.

This bread is generously loaded with cheesy goodness, baked with a beautiful golden crunchy crust and a pillowy interior. It’s everything you want in freshly baked bread and more.

The flavors in the bread create endless pairing possibilities. From soups, like this homemade Tomato Soup and Italian Bean Soup, to salads like this Kale Ceasar Salad and more…it’s a match made in foodie heaven.

Recommended Tools

• Measuring cup
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Cast iron Dutch oven (or any enameled Dutch oven)

What Goes into Easy No Knead Bread

• All pupose flour
• Salt
• Instant yeast (rapid rise)
• Water
• Shredded sharp cheddar cheese

How to Make No Knead Dutch Oven Bread

Step 1. In a large bowl, add flour, salt and yeast. Combine well with a whisk.

Step 2. Add water to the dry ingredients, stirring until a sticky dough, also known as a shaggy dough, forms. 

Step 3. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir with a wooden spoon until it’s thoroughly mixed into the dough.

Step 4. Cover bowl of dough with a clean dishtowel. You’ll let the dough rise in a warm place overnight or at least 12-18 hours.

I usually place mine in a room temperature oven with the door closed.

Step 5. The next day, line your empty Dutch oven with a large piece of parchment paper and place it in the oven. Preheat the oven to 450º F.

Step 6. While the pan is heating, roll the dough until it forms a ball on a lightly floured work surface. 

Step 7. Once the oven has reached 450 degrees, use oven mitts to carefully remove the Dutch oven from the hot oven and place the ball of dough into it, covering it with a lid.

Step 8. Place it in the oven and bake the bread for 30 minutes.

Step 9. After the bread has been baking for about 30 minutes, remove the lid. Let the bread continue to bake for an additional 15-20 minutes to get that golden brown crust.  

Step 9. Let the loaf of bread cool slightly before removing from pan.

Step 10. Cool, slice and enjoy

If you’re looking for a single serving bread, try these whole wheat biscuits.

Recipe Add-ins and Variations

• Herbs and spices: Add a burst of flavor by incorporating dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, basil, or oregano. You can also sprinkle in some garlic powder or onion powder for added flavor.

• Jalapeños peppers: For a spicy kick, add in about a tablespoon of diced fresh jalapeños.

• Everything bagel seasoning: Give your bread bagel-inspired flavors by brushing the top of the dough with an egg wash and sprinkling on everything bagel seasoning before baking.

• Sun-dried tomatoes: Add a burst of tangy sweetness with chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Just mix them right into the dough with the cheese.

• Caramelized onions: Sautéed caramelized onions add a wonderful depth of flavor to the bread. Just make sure you do not add a lot of the olive oil you use to sauté them.

• Seeds or nuts: Add a little crunchy texture by tossing in some toasted sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans.

• Bacon Bits: For all the savory bread lovers out there, adding in crispy bacon bits will go great with cheddar cheese and adds a tasty smoky flavor.

• Whole grains: You can substitute a portion of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or other whole grain flours if that’s what you have on hand.

• Garlic: Roast garlic cloves until soft and caramelized, then mash them and mix them into the dough. The sweet garlic flavor is good!

• Dried fruits: If you enjoy a touch of sweetness, you can add a handful of dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, or apricots. They will balance the savory flavor in the cheese.

Recipe FAQs

Top Tips

Use a preheated Dutch oven: Using a hot Dutch oven mimics the conditions of a commercial oven. It helps bake the perfect artisan, rustic style loaf with a crispy crust with soft and chewy inside.

Adjust the water: If your dough feels overly sticky after mixing, try adding a sprinkle of flour and gently folding it into the dough until it becomes more manageable. If it feels too dry, add just a teaspoon of water at a time until it’s the right consistency.

Don’t rush the rise: Allowing the dough to rest for the recommended time enhances the flavor and fluffy inside texture of the bread.

Flour your hands: Since the dough will sticky, you may want to lightly flour your hands when shaping the dough to prevent it from sticking to your fingers.

If you have a lactose intolerance, simply leave out the cheese. Learn more about cooking without dairy with these dairy free baking tips.

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