Ingredients
Method
- Mix flour and water, cover, and autolyse 30 minutes. Add salt and starter, squeeze and fold until combined.
- Bulk ferment 3–4 hours at 70°F–74°F, performing 3 sets of stretch and folds every 30 minutes for the first 2 hours.
- Fold in shredded cheddar in two additions. Shape into a round, bench rest 20 minutes, then place seam-side up in a floured banneton.
- Proof at room temperature 30 minutes, then cold proof in the refrigerator 12–16 hours.
- Preheat Dutch oven at 450°F (230°C). Turn dough onto parchment, score, and lower into the pot. Bake covered 30 minutes, uncovered 15–20 minutes until deep golden and cheese is browned.
- Cool on a wire rack at least 1 hour, then slice and serve.
Notes
The long cold proof is not counted in the prep or cook time, but it does the heavy lifting for flavor and crust development. Plan to start the dough a day ahead, and you will pull this loaf from the oven before lunch the next day.
