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Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread Recipe

Easy Cheesy Bread sliced in half with one half sliced into 8 pieces sitting on parchment paper.Easy Cheesy Bread (No Knead!)

This Easy Cheesy Bread is a rustic, no-knead loaf with a crisp golden crust and a chewy interior studded with melted cheese. Based on a popular artisan bread method, hands-on time is about 20 minutes. The dough comes together simply with a fork and a bowl, then rests to rise—no stand mixer required. It’s beginner-friendly yet satisfying for experienced bakers, and it’s hard to mess up.

For the best crust and texture, toss a few ice cubes on the oven floor just after you put the loaves in. The steam helps develop a crisp exterior while keeping the crumb tender and chewy.

A loaf of Easy Cheesy Bread with five slices stacked diagonally on each other.

Allow the loaves to cool before slicing so the interior finishes setting. Cutting immediately out of the oven won’t ruin the flavor, but the crumb can become compressed and gummy while still hot.

My family couldn’t wait to dig in—Cooper declared this his new favorite bread. If you can’t resist slicing a warm loaf, by all means enjoy it hot, but for the cleanest slices wait until it’s cooled.

I hope this recipe becomes a family favorite for you too.

Three slices of Easy Cheesy Bread stacked offset on each other on parchment paper.Serve Easy Cheesy Bread with…

  • Marry Me Chicken
  • Amazing Spaghetti Sauce
  • Cheeseburger Soup
  • Authentic Eggplant Parmesan
  • Slow Cooker Creamy Ranch Chicken Stew
  • Red Lentil Curry Soup

Step-by-Step Photos for How to Make No-Knead Cheesy Bread

12-photo picture collage of step-by-step photos of how to make Easy Cheesy bread.A loaf of Easy Cheesy Bread.Frequently Asked Questions About How to Make Easy Cheesy Bread

Can I use bread flour?

Yes. Bread flour works well and can give a slightly chewier texture.

Will other types of cheese work?

Absolutely. Sharp cheddar, Colby Jack, Gruyère, Pepper Jack, or blends of your favorites all work nicely.

What other add-ins do you recommend?

Try minced garlic, red pepper flakes for heat, or fresh basil for brightness.

A loaf of Easy Cheesy Bread with a few cut slices.Do I have to put the ice cubes on the bottom of the oven, or can I skip this step?

Adding a few ice cubes to the oven creates steam that improves crust crispness and interior chew. It’s a simple step that I recommend keeping.

How long does the bread last?

Stored at room temperature in a sealed bag, the bread keeps well for 2–3 days. It also freezes nicely for up to 3 months—wrap completely cooled loaves in plastic and foil before freezing.

Two-photo Pinterest picture of Easy Cheesy Bread with the text of the title in the middle, separating the two photos.Baker’s Tools for Cheesy Bread

  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups
  • Active dry yeast
  • Olive oil
  • Parchment paper or silicone mat
  • Bread knife

Pinterest picture of Easy Cheesy Bread with the text of the ingredients at the bottom and the text of the title above the ingredients list.

If you love Easy Cheesy Bread, you’ll love these…

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Easy Cheesy Bread
Recipe Type: Bread/Yeast Bread
Author: Maria, adapted from Perfect Artisan Bread
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 2 loaves
A rustic loaf with a crispy, golden crust and a chewy interior dotted with melted cheesy goodness. Simple to make and perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
  • 2 cups warm water
  • 2 tsp active-dry yeast
  • 1½ tsp salt
  • 2 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 4–5 cups all-purpose or bread flour
  • 4 oz cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated or shredded
  • 2 tbsp cornmeal (optional)
Instructions
  1. In a large bowl, whisk the warm water with the yeast. Cover with a towel and let sit 5 minutes.
  2. Stir in the sugar, salt, and olive oil.
  3. Add the flour, starting with 4 cups. Mix with a fork or stand mixer until the dough comes together; you will likely need up to 5 cups so it no longer sticks to the bowl edges.
  4. Gently work in the cubed cheddar and the Parmesan by hand.
  5. Cover and let the dough rise for 1½ hours. You can skip this rise if short on time, but skipping it yields a less chewy loaf.
  6. Line a baking sheet with parchment, a silicone mat, or spray it. Sprinkle cornmeal if desired.
  7. Oil your hands or dust them with flour and divide the dough into two equal pieces. Shape each into a rustic ball without overworking, taking care not to squeeze out the cheese.
  8. Place the dough balls on the prepared sheet about 4–5 inches apart.
  9. Cover loosely and let rise 30–60 minutes, until doubled.
  10. Preheat the oven to 475°F (246°C).
  11. Place the baking sheet on the middle rack.
  12. Drop 3–4 ice cubes onto the bottom of the oven and close the door quickly to generate steam.
  13. Bake 14–16 minutes, until the loaves are golden brown.
  14. Transfer the bread to a cooling rack so the bottoms remain crisp. Wait until cool to slice for the best texture.
  15. Enjoy!
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Serve with these recipes

Amazing Spaghetti SauceThick and Creamy Potato and Ham SoupAlfredo Pesto Sauce with Chicken and Tomatoes {Five ingredients – 20 Minute Meal}

Pinterest picture of Easy Cheesy Bread with the text of the title at the top.

Other Cheesy Bread Recipes
  • Cheesy Bread Recipe
  • Easy No-Knead Cheesy Peasant Bread
  • Cheesy Pull Apart Bread