sliced cheddar cheese bread showing texture

If you’ve ever wanted bakery style bread at home without the hassle, this Cheddar Artisan Bread is about to become your go-to. With just 4 simple ingredients, this rustic loaf delivers a crispy crust, soft interior, and pockets of melty cheddar cheese in every bite.

This recipe is inspired by classic no-knead bread, making it perfect for beginners or busy home cooks.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Only 4 pantry-friendly ingredients
  • No kneading required
  • Flexible rise time (same day or overnight)
  • Bakery-style crust using a Dutch oven
  • Loaded with rich, savory cheddar flavor
rustic homemade cheese bread with crispy crust

Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp active dry yeast
  • 1 ½ to 1 ¾ cups warm water
  • ½ to 1 cup grated cheddar cheese

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sliced cheddar cheese bread showing texture

How to Make Cheddar Artisan Bread

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and yeast. Slowly pour in the warm water while stirring until a soft dough forms.

Cover the bowl and let the dough rise at room temperature for at least 4 hours, or until bubbles form on the surface. For deeper flavor, refrigerate overnight (up to 12 hours).

Preheat your oven to 425°F and place a large Dutch oven inside to heat for 30 minutes.

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently flatten it, sprinkle cheddar cheese over the top, and fold the dough inward. Repeat this folding process, adding cheese between each fold, then shape into a ball.

Place the dough onto lightly floured parchment paper. Carefully transfer it into the preheated Dutch oven.

Cover and bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until golden brown.

Let cool slightly before slicing.

Tips for the Best Cheese Bread

  • Use sharp cheddar for deeper flavor
  • Don’t skip preheating the Dutch oven, it’s key for that crust
  • Add herbs like thyme or garlic for variation
  • Let bread cool before slicing to avoid a gummy texture
cheddar artisan bread loaf

Other Bread Recipes to Try

Get the Recipe Cheddar Artisan Bread

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients
 

  • 3 cups bread flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp yeast
  • 1 1/2 cup warm water
  • 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese

Equipment

  • Cast iron pot
  • large bowl
  • bread knife
  • parchment paper

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and yeast. Add warm water and stir until a soft dough forms.
  • Cover and let rise for 4 hours (or refrigerate up to 12 hours).
  • Preheat oven to 425°F with a Dutch oven inside for 30 minutes.
  • Turn dough onto a floured surface. Add cheese and fold dough inward multiple times, incorporating cheese.
  • Shape into a ball and place on floured parchment paper.
  • Transfer dough into preheated Dutch oven. Bake covered for 30 minutes
  • Uncover and bake for 10 more minutes until golden brown.
  • Cool slightly before slicing.
Cuisine: American
Course: Bread
Author: Jehan Powell