There’s nothing quite like pulling a golden, crackly loaf of homemade bread out of the oven – especially when it’s filled with sharp cheddar, fresh chives, and fragrant thyme. This no‑knead method is the kind of baking that feels almost like magic: mix, rest, bake, enjoy. No fuss, no kneading, no special equipment beyond a Dutch oven.
If you’ve ever wanted bakery‑quality bread with minimal effort, this is the recipe that delivers every single time.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all‑purpose flour, plus 1/4 cup for dusting
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp dry active yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (95°F-105°F)
- 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese
- 1 cup chives, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp fresh thyme, dill or any herb you like
Instructions
1. Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and yeast. Pour in the warm water and mix thoroughly using your hands or a wooden spoon. The dough should be sticky – that’s exactly what you want.
2. Let It Rise
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rest for 3–5 hours. You’re looking for it to double in size and develop small bubbles on the surface. If needed, you can let it sit on the counter for up to 18 hours.
3. Preheat the Dutch Oven
Place your Dutch oven into an oven preheated to 450°F. Let it heat for 30–40 minutes until it’s blazing hot.
4. Shape the Dough
While the oven heats, flour a flat surface and your hands. Remove the dough from the bowl. Fold the dough over itself four times, layering the cheese and herbs into each fold. Use your hands to form it into a tight ball.
5. Second Rest
Line your bowl with parchment paper and gently place the dough ball inside. Cover with a kitchen towel and let it rest for 20 minutes.
6. Bake
Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven. Lift the parchment paper and dough and place them inside. Use a sharp knife to score the top of the dough — this helps steam escape. Cover and bake for 30 minutes.
7. Finish the Crust
Remove the lid and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the loaf is beautifully golden brown.
8. Cool & Enjoy
Let the bread cool for 10 minutes, slice, and enjoy warm!
