No-Knead Cheddar Chiles Bread

Instructions

For the first rise

In a large bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. In another bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the oil and water. Gradually and thoroughly stir the oil mixture into the bowl with the flour, scraping down the sides of the bowl until the ingredients are thoroughly blended. If the mixture seems too dry to incorporate all the flour, a bit at a time, stir in just enough more ice water to blend the ingredients; don't over-moisten, as the dough should be stiff. If necessary, stir in enough more flour to stiffen it.

Brush or spray the top of the dough with oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise at cool room temperature for 15 to 20 hours. If convenient, stir the dough once partway through the rise. (If desired, for a more robust flavor or simply for convenience, you can instead refrigerate the dough for 3 to 10 hours.)

For the second rise

Vigorously stir the dough, gradually sprinkling it with the cheese and chiles and incorporating them into the dough. Fold them in very thoroughly to ensure they are evenly distributed. If necessary, thoroughly stir in enough more flour to yield a very stiff dough.

Using a well-oiled rubber spatula, fold the dough from the edge of the bowl towards the center, working all the way around the bowl. Invert the dough into a well-greased 9-by-5-inch loaf pan. Evenly brush or spray the top of the dough with oil. Using well-oiled kitchen shears or a serrated knife, make a 1/2-inch-deep slash lengthwise down the center of the loaf. Cover the pan with plastic wrap slicked with oil or spray oil.

For a 1 1/2- to 2 1/2-hour regular rise, let the dough stand at warm room temperature. For a 1- to 2-hour accelerated rise, let the dough stand in a turned-off microwave along with 1 cup of boiling-hot water. For an extended rise, refrigerate the dough for 4 to 24 hours then set it out at room temperature and continue to let the dough rise until the dough nears the plastic. Remove it and continue until the dough reaches 1/2 inch above the pan rim.

Preheat the oven

Fifteen minutes before baking time, adust a rack to the lower third of the oven for cooking the bread, and place an additional rack below it. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a foil-lined baking sheet on the lowest rack to catch any drips of melted cheese.

Bake and cool the bread

Reduce the heat to 400°F (200°C). Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, until the top is nicely browned; cover the top with foil as needed. Continue baking for 20 to 30 minutes longer, or until a skewer inserted in the thickest part comes out with just a few particles clinging to the bottom (or until the center registers 204° to 206°F (98° to 99°C) on an instant-read thermometer). Then bake for 5 minutes more to be sure the center is done.

Cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Turn out the loaf onto the rack and let it cool completely.

Cool thoroughly before slicing or storing. Store airtight in plastic or aluminum foil. The bread will keep at room temperature for 2 to 3 days, and may be frozen for up to 2 months.

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