If you’re craving something warm, cheesy, and downright comforting, this Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s a delightful loaf that bakes up fluffy on the inside with a golden, cheesy crust—perfect for when you want something more exciting than plain bread but quicker than traditional yeast breads. The blend of sharp cheddar, a hint of garlic, and just the right amount of sweetness balances each slice beautifully, making it ideal for a snack, a breakfast treat, or alongside your favorite soup or salad. Once you try this recipe, it’s hard to go back to store-bought bread!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of these ingredients fool you—each one plays an essential role in bringing this cheesy loaf to life. From the fluffy texture to the rich flavor, every measure counts toward that perfect bite.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone that gives the bread its structure and tenderness.
- 4 teaspoons baking powder: The leavening agent that makes the bread rise beautifully without yeast.
- 1 tablespoon sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness that balances the sharpness of the cheddar.
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder: Provides a subtle, savory kick that elevates the flavor profile.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances sweetness.
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese: The star ingredient that melts and infuses every bite with richness.
- 1 cup milk: Moistens the bread and contributes to a tender crumb.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients and adds richness and structure.
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted: Adds a buttery flavor and keeps the bread moist.
How to Make Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or spray a loaf pan to prevent sticking and help your bread come out smoothly once baked. This step helps set the stage for an even bake and a beautiful crust.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, garlic powder, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients thoroughly ensures the rising agent and seasoning are evenly distributed. Then, fold in the shredded cheddar cheese—this way, the cheese gets tucked throughout the batter for bursts of flavor in every slice.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and melted butter. Mixing these wet ingredients until smooth will help achieve a lovely batter consistency that blends perfectly with the dry mix.
Step 4: Bring it All Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir gently until just combined. It’s important not to overmix here to keep the bread tender and soft rather than dense. The batter should be lumpy but fully incorporated.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
Transfer the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the surface slightly. Bake in your preheated oven for about 45 to 50 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This baking time allows the bread to set properly while developing that irresistible crust.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Once baked, let the loaf cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. Then, gently remove it from the pan to cool completely. This cooling step is key to help the bread set fully so you can slice it without crumbling.
How to Serve Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread Recipe
Garnishes
To really impress at the table, try topping each slice with a bit of fresh herbs like chopped chives or parsley. A pat of softened butter or a slather of honey butter also complements this cheddar quick bread beautifully, adding extra richness or a touch of sweetness depending on your mood.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with warm, comforting dishes such as hearty soups like tomato bisque or chili. It also shines alongside fresh salads or roasted vegetables, providing a satisfying texture contrast and cheesy delight that makes any meal feel complete.
Creative Ways to Present
Get a little playful by slicing the bread and serving it as a base for mini open-faced sandwiches—imagine a slice topped with avocado, sliced turkey, and a drizzle of mustard. Or cube the bread, toast it lightly, and use it as a savory crouton alternative for salads and soups.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your leftover cheddar cheese quick bread can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 2 days. Keeping it sealed helps maintain its moisture and cheesy flavor so every bite stays fresh.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, slice the bread and freeze it in a zip-top freezer bag with parchment paper between slices to prevent sticking. It will keep well for up to 3 months, making it a perfect make-ahead option for busy days.
Reheating
To enjoy your bread like it just came out of the oven, reheat slices in a toaster or oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. This refreshes the crust and brings back that melty, cheesy goodness you love so much.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in this Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is classic and flavorful, you can experiment with cheeses like mozzarella for a milder taste, or pepper jack for a little heat. Just make sure to use shredded cheese to ensure even distribution throughout the bread.
What if I don’t have garlic powder? Can I substitute it?
If you’re out of garlic powder, a pinch of garlic salt (reduce added salt slightly) or minced fresh garlic sautéed and cooled can work well too. The goal is to keep that subtle savory note that complements the cheddar.
Can I make this bread dairy-free?
To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the milk with almond or oat milk and replace the butter with a plant-based alternative. Choose a dairy-free cheese or omit the cheese and consider adding herbs or spices to boost flavor.
Is it necessary to pre-shred the cheddar cheese or can I buy pre-shredded?
Pre-shredded cheese works perfectly for convenience, but shredding your own from a block usually melts better and avoids additives that can affect texture. Either way, your bread will be delicious.
How can I make sure my quick bread turns out moist and soft?
Mix the batter just until combined and avoid overmixing, as that can make the bread tough. Also, don’t forget to measure your ingredients precisely and avoid overbaking, which can dry out the loaf. Keeping the butter melted but not hot before mixing helps keep things moist.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you make this Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread Recipe, it’s going to become a staple in your kitchen. It’s easy to whip up, packed with flavor, and so versatile that you’ll find countless ways to enjoy it. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or packing it for lunch, this bread always delivers a satisfying cheesy hug you didn’t know you needed.
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Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: 55-60 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 8-10 slices)
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread recipe is a delightful savory bread that comes together quickly using simple pantry staples. Packed with sharp cheddar cheese and enhanced with garlic powder, it’s perfect for a snack, breakfast, or as a side to soups and salads. Made without yeast, this quick bread uses baking powder as a leavening agent to achieve a moist and tender crumb in less than an hour.
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 prepare it for baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, garlic powder, and salt. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese evenly, then set the dry mixture aside.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and melted butter until thoroughly combined.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently stir until just combined, taking care not to overmix to keep the bread tender.
- Pour into Pan: Spoon or pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 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 transfer it to a wire rack to cool. Once cooled, remove the bread from the pan, slice, and serve.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter; mixing just until combined ensures the bread remains light and tender.
- You can substitute milk with buttermilk for a tangier flavor and a slightly softer crumb.
- For a spicier version, add finely chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze slices for longer storage.
- This bread pairs excellently with soups, chili, or as a base for hearty sandwiches.
