If you’re craving a comforting, savory treat that comes together in no time, this Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread Recipe is your new best friend. Packed with rich cheddar flavor and a hint of garlic, this quick bread strikes the perfect balance between fluffy and hearty. It’s ideal for breakfast, a snack, or a side to your favorite soup or salad. Once you try this recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without the golden crust and cheesy interior that’s ready in under an hour.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this bread just right is all about using simple, familiar ingredients that bring out the best in each other. Each component adds its own magic – from the fluffiness of the flour and baking powder to the sharp punch of cheddar and the subtle warmth of garlic powder.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the bread, giving it structure and lightness.
- 4 teaspoons baking powder: Your leavening agent that helps the bread rise beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon sugar: Just a touch to enhance the flavor without turning it sweet.
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder: Adds a wonderful savory note that pairs perfectly with the cheese.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances and brightens the overall flavor.
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese: The star of the show, melting into gooey, cheesy pockets throughout.
- 1 cup milk: Brings moisture and helps achieve that tender crumb.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together while contributing to the bread’s richness.
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted: Adds a subtle buttery depth and helps create a golden crust.
How to Make Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms, grease or spray your loaf pan so your bread won’t stick and can come out with a beautiful crust.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, garlic powder, and salt. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, making sure it’s evenly coated with flour to prevent sinking during baking. Setting this aside prepares a flavorful base for your bread.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
Grab another bowl and whisk the milk, egg, and melted butter until smooth. This combination ensures the bread stays moist and tender with a rich bite.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined – it’s important not to overmix, so the bread stays light and fluffy instead of dense.
Step 5: Pour and Bake
Spoon or pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top for an even bake. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool Before Serving
Once baked, take your bread out of the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. This resting time allows the loaf to firm up slightly and makes it easier to slice without crumbling.
How to Serve Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread Recipe
Garnishes
This cheddar quick bread shines on its own, but adding a pat of butter, a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chives or parsley, or even a dollop of savory jam can elevate the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pairing this bread with hearty soups like tomato basil or creamy chicken chowder makes for a filling, comforting meal. You can also enjoy it alongside a fresh garden salad or some roasted veggies for a lighter twist.
Creative Ways to Present
Try using this bread as a base for mini sandwiches filled with smoked turkey, avocado, or crispy bacon. You could also cube it for a cheesy bread salad or serve warm alongside a cheese and charcuterie board for an irresistible appetizer spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
Freezing
This recipe freezes incredibly well. Slice the bread first if you want convenience, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to three months and thaw slices as needed for quick snacks or meals.
Reheating
Reheat slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 to 10 minutes to regain that freshly baked warmth and crispy crust. Microwaving works too but might soften the crust slightly.
FAQs
Can I substitute the cheddar cheese with another type of cheese?
Absolutely! Sharp cheddar works best for flavor, but you can experiment with other cheeses like gouda, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack for a different twist.
Is it possible to make this bread gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend with baking powder included, you can enjoy a gluten-free version. Just keep an eye on moisture as some gluten-free flours absorb liquids differently.
How can I make this bread spicier?
Try adding chopped jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or some crushed red pepper flakes to the batter for a spicy kick that pairs wonderfully with the cheese.
Can this recipe be doubled for a larger batch?
Definitely! Simply double all ingredients and bake in a larger loaf pan or two pans. Keep the baking time roughly the same, but start checking for doneness a few minutes early.
What’s the best way to keep the bread moist?
Don’t overmix the batter, and be careful not to overbake. Also, wrapping leftovers properly and storing them in a slightly humid environment (like an airtight container) helps maintain moisture.
Final Thoughts
This Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread Recipe is a true lifesaver when you want something delicious and warm with minimal fuss. Its cheesy, garlicky goodness brings joy to any table, and the fact it comes together so quickly means you can enjoy fresh bread almost anytime. Give it a try and share the comfort – I promise this recipe will become a beloved staple in your kitchen!
Print
Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (approximately 8 slices)
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread is a delicious and easy-to-make savory bread that combines sharp cheddar cheese and subtle garlic flavor for a perfect snack or side dish. Quick to prepare and baked to golden perfection, it makes a flavorful addition to any meal or a tasty treat on its own.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or spray a loaf pan to ensure the bread doesn’t stick during baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, garlic powder, and salt. Then stir in the shredded cheddar cheese evenly. Set this mixture aside.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and melted butter thoroughly until combined.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Take care not to overmix to keep the bread light and tender.
- Pour into Pan: Spoon or pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. Once cooled, take the loaf out of the pan, slice, and serve.
Notes
- Make sure not to overmix the batter to prevent a dense bread texture.
- Use sharp cheddar for a more pronounced cheesy flavor.
- This bread is best served warm or at room temperature.
- Store leftovers wrapped in foil or an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Optional: Add chopped herbs like chives or parsley for extra flavor.
