Viral No Knead Cheese Bread (No Sugar, No Kneading, Foolproof!)

Viral No Knead Cheese Bread (No Sugar, No Kneading, Foolproof!) is a easy American recipe that serves 6. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Brooke Ervin on YouTube.

Prep: 2 hrs 20 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 3 hrs 5 min

Cost: $28.64 total, $4.77 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1.5 cups Water (warm (about 110°F))
  • 2.25 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast (traditional active dry yeast)
  • 3.25 cups All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
  • 2 tablespoons Garlic Butter (Kinders brand, softened)
  • 2 tablespoons Caramelized Onion Butter (softened)
  • 320 grams Black Diamond Marble Cheese (whole bag, shredded or cubed)
  • 1 teaspoon Olive Oil (extra‑virgin, for dough softness)
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (optional, for extra flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder (optional, for extra flavor)

Instructions

  1. Combine Wet Ingredients

    In a mixing bowl, pour 1.5 cups warm water, add 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast, and stir briefly. No need to let the yeast sit; proceed immediately.

    Time: PT2M

  2. Add Flour and Form Dough

    Add 3¼ cups sifted all‑purpose flour to the bowl. Mix with a spatula until a shaggy, slightly sticky dough ball forms. No kneading required.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Incorporate Butters and Cheese

    Add 2 tbsp softened garlic butter, 2 tbsp caramelized onion butter, 1 tsp olive oil, and the entire 320 g bag of marble cheese (reserve a small handful for topping). Using clean hands, gently fold everything into the dough until the cheese is evenly distributed.

    Time: PT5M

  4. First Rest (Fermentation)

    Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rest at room temperature for about 2 hours, or until it has visibly puffed.

    Time: PT2H

  5. Preheat Oven and Pot

    While the dough rests, preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C). Place the oven‑safe pot (or Dutch oven) inside to heat up for about 10 minutes.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 450°F

  6. Shape and Transfer Dough

    Gently turn the rested dough onto a sheet of overlapped parchment paper. Shape it into a rough oval or round loaf—no precise shaping needed. Place the parchment‑lined dough into the preheated pot, cover with the pot lid (or foil).

    Time: PT5M

  7. Bake with Lid

    Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes with the lid on.

    Time: PT20M

    Temperature: 450°F

  8. Finish Baking Uncovered

    Remove the lid (or foil) and bake an additional 10 minutes, or until the top is golden‑brown and the cheese is bubbling.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 450°F

  9. Cool and Serve

    Transfer the bread to a cooling rack and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Use the reserved cheese to sprinkle on top if desired, or cut a portion out to make a bread bowl.

    Time: PT10M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
250
Protein
12 g
Carbohydrates
30 g
Fat
12 g
Fiber
1 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian

Allergens: Dairy, Gluten

Last updated: April 11, 2026

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Viral No Knead Cheese Bread (No Sugar, No Kneading, Foolproof!)

Recipe by Brooke Ervin

A foolproof, no‑knead cheese bread that went viral. Made with warm water, active dry yeast, all‑purpose flour, butter, and a whole bag of marble cheese, this bread is baked in a hot oven‑safe pot at 450°F. It can be served as a soft loaf, sliced for dipping, or turned into a bread bowl for hearty soups.

EasyAmericanServes 6

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
2h 37m
Prep
30m
Cook
22m
Cleanup
3h 29m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$28.64
Total cost
$4.77
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Mixing the cheese into the dough without over‑working it.
  • Allowing the dough to rest for the full 2 hours in a warm, draft‑free spot.
  • Preheating the pot inside the oven to ensure an instant burst of heat.
  • Baking with the lid on first to trap steam, then uncovering for a golden crust.

Safety Warnings

  • The pot and lid become extremely hot; always use oven mitts.
  • Do not leave the dough in a spot that is too warm (e.g., on a warm stove) or it may over‑cook before baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of No Need Cheese Bread in American viral food culture?

A

No Need Cheese Bread became a TikTok‑style viral sensation in the United States, showcasing how simple, no‑knead breads can go viral. It reflects the modern home‑cook trend of quick, shareable recipes that rely on pantry staples and minimal equipment.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of cheese bread in American cuisine?

A

American cheese breads range from Southern cheese biscuits to New England cheese rolls. While the viral version uses a no‑knead method and marble cheese, traditional variations might incorporate cheddar, mozzarella, or even jalapeño for a spicy twist.

cultural
Q

How is No Need Cheese Bread traditionally served in the United States?

A

It is often served warm as a side for soups, used as a bread bowl for chili or creamy dips, or sliced and used for grilled cheese sandwiches. The soft interior and cheesy crust make it versatile for casual meals and parties.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is No Need Cheese Bread traditionally associated with in American culture?

A

Because it’s quick and crowd‑pleasing, the bread is popular for birthdays, game‑day gatherings, and pot‑luck meals. Brooke Ervin’s video even used it for a surprise birthday, highlighting its party‑friendly nature.

cultural
Q

What makes No Need Cheese Bread special or unique in American snack cuisine?

A

Its uniqueness lies in the completely hands‑off approach—no kneading, no sugar, and a short rise—yet it delivers a rich, cheesy crumb. The use of a hot pot for an instant oven‑spring also sets it apart from typical loaf recipes.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making No Need Cheese Bread?

A

Common errors include letting the dough sit in a too‑warm spot (which can partially cook it), over‑mixing the dough, and forgetting to preheat the pot. Each of these can lead to a dense texture or uneven crust.

technical
Q

Why does this No Need Cheese Bread recipe use a hot pot and lid instead of a traditional Dutch oven?

A

The hot pot creates a burst of steam that mimics a Dutch oven’s environment, giving the bread a great rise and soft interior without needing specialized equipment. The lid traps steam for the first 20 minutes, then removal allows the crust to brown.

technical
Q

Can I make No Need Cheese Bread ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. After the first rise, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours, then bake when ready. Once baked, wrap tightly and store at room temperature for up to 12 hours or refrigerate for 3‑4 days. Frozen slices keep for up to 2 months.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when making No Need Cheese Bread?

A

The dough should be shaggy and slightly sticky before the rise. After baking, the crust should be golden‑brown with bubbling cheese on top, while the interior stays soft, airy, and cheese‑studded.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Brooke Ervin specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Brooke Ervin focuses on approachable home‑cooking tutorials, often featuring quick, viral‑style recipes, baking hacks, and creative twists on classic comfort foods.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Brooke Ervin's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?

A

Brooke Ervin emphasizes minimal equipment, no‑knead techniques, and real‑life kitchen mishaps, turning everyday pantry items into crowd‑pleasing dishes. This candid, “fail‑friendly” style sets her apart from more polished, technique‑heavy channels.

channel

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