Rustic No-Knead Cheesy Garlic Bread

ByDavid Loa

Rustic No-Knead Cheesy Garlic Bread

Ingredients

For the Dough

  • 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp instant yeast
  • 1½ cups (360 ml) warm water

For the Garlic Butter

  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • ½ tsp Italian seasoning
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • Pinch of salt

Cheese Topping

  • 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar (optional, for extra flavor)
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough

  1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and instant yeast.
  2. Pour in the warm water and stir with a wooden spoon until a sticky dough forms.
  3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.
  4. Let the dough rise at room temperature for 8–12 hours (overnight works best).

Step 2: Shape the Bread

  1. Lightly flour your work surface.
  2. Turn out the dough and gently fold it over itself 3–4 times.
  3. Shape it into a rough round loaf.
  4. Place it on parchment paper, cover, and let rest for 30–45 minutes.

Step 3: Preheat

  1. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
  2. Place a Dutch oven (with lid) inside while preheating for about 30 minutes.

Step 4: Bake the Bread

  1. Carefully place the dough (on the parchment) into the hot Dutch oven.
  2. Cover with the lid.
  3. Bake for 30 minutes.
  4. Remove the lid and bake another 10–15 minutes until golden brown.

Step 5: Prepare the Garlic Butter

While the bread bakes:

  • Mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and a pinch of salt.

Step 6: Add the Cheese

  1. Remove the bread from the oven.
  2. Cut deep crosshatch slices into the loaf, being careful not to cut all the way through.
  3. Brush the garlic butter generously into all the cuts.
  4. Stuff the mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar into the cuts and over the top.

Step 7: Final Bake

  1. Return the bread to the oven (without the Dutch oven if preferred).
  2. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  3. Broil for 1–2 minutes for a golden, crispy cheese topping (watch carefully).

Step 8: Serve

  • Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
  • Serve warm with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or your favorite soup.

Tips

  • Add chopped cooked bacon or pepperoni for extra flavor.
  • Mix mozzarella with Monterey Jack for an even cheesier pull.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes to restore the crispy crust.

Prep Time

  • 15 minutes (plus overnight rise)

Rise Time

  • 8–12 hours

Bake Time

  • 50–55 minutes

Total Time

  • About 9–13 hours

Servings

8–10 slices