If you are looking for a wonderfully simple yet incredibly flavorful bread to brighten up any meal or snack time, this Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread Recipe is your new best friend. Packed with gooey shredded cheddar and a hint of garlic, this bread rises swiftly and bakes to a golden perfection that will fill your kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma. It’s perfect for busy days when you want homemade comfort without the fuss, combining tender crumb and cheesy goodness in every slice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in bringing texture, flavor, and richness to the final loaf. Simple pantry staples come together effortlessly to create something truly special.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure and tenderness to the bread’s crumb, the foundation of the loaf.
- 4 teaspoons baking powder: The rising agent that gives the bread its lightness and fluffy texture without yeast.
- 1 tablespoon sugar: Balances the savory elements just a touch and enhances the browning of the crust.
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder: Adds a subtle savory depth that compliments the sharpness of the cheddar beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors and balancing sweetness.
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese: The star ingredient, melting into every bite with rich, tangy sharpness.
- 1 cup milk: Keeps the bread moist, contributing to its tender crumb and mild flavor.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together and enriches the texture for a satisfying bite.
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted: Adds richness and a soft crumb while enhancing the bread’s golden color.
How to Make Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms, grease or spray a loaf pan to ensure your bread bakes evenly without sticking, making it easy to remove once done.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, garlic powder, and salt. Then fold in the shredded cheddar cheese. Doing this first helps evenly distribute the leavening, seasoning, and cheese, which means every bite bursts with flavor and perfect texture.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat together the milk, egg, and melted butter. This liquid mixture adds moisture and richness, ensuring the bread won’t dry out during baking.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry bowl and stir gently until just combined. Be mindful not to overmix as this can make the bread dense rather than light and tender. A few lumps are perfectly fine—this keeps your bread soft and inviting.
Step 5: Prepare for Baking
Transfer your batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top lightly. This ensures even rising and a beautiful crust.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The smell at this stage is absolutely irresistible, signaling cheesy, garlicky goodness.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Remove the bread from the oven and set it on a wire rack to cool. This step allows the loaf to set perfectly before slicing, ensuring clean, tender slices. Once cooled, slice and get ready to enjoy your homemade Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread Recipe.
How to Serve Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Consider sprinkling a bit of extra shredded cheddar on top during the last few minutes of baking for a crisp, cheesy crust. Fresh herbs, like chopped chives or parsley, also add a lovely pop of color and freshness that brighten the hearty flavors.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with soups like tomato bisque or creamy potato leek soup, making your meal cozy and complete. It’s also delicious alongside vibrant salads or as a savory partner to scrambled eggs and bacon for breakfast or brunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the loaf thick and turn it into grilled cheese sandwiches or toast and top with avocado and a poached egg for a delightful twist. You can also cube leftover bread for cheese fondue dippers or savory bread pudding, giving this Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread Recipe even more versatility.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After baking, store any leftover bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps it soft and fresh, perfect for quick snacks or adding to meals even after baking.
Freezing
To keep your bread longer, wrap it well in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. This bread freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, allowing you to enjoy the savory delight anytime you want with no compromise on flavor and texture.
Reheating
For best results, reheat slices in a toaster oven or standard oven at 350°F until warmed through and slightly crisp on the edges. This breathes life back into the bread, refreshing its delightful, cheesy aroma and satisfying crumb.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar is classic for this quick bread, you can experiment with cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gouda, or a sharp Parmesan for interesting variations in flavor and texture.
Is this bread gluten-free?
This particular recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make a gluten-free version, substitute with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking; however, texture and rise may differ slightly.
Can I add herbs or spices to the batter?
Yes! Adding herbs like rosemary, thyme, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper can complement the cheddar cheese beautifully and add exciting new layers of flavor to your bread.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking to keep it moist and tender.
Can I make this bread dairy-free?
For a dairy-free option, use a dairy-free milk substitute and vegan butter. You can also try vegan cheese alternatives, though the flavor and texture will vary from traditional cheddar.
Final Thoughts
If you want a quick, satisfying homemade bread filled with sharp, delicious cheese and a hint of garlic, this Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread Recipe is pure magic. It’s easy to whip up, wonderfully comforting, and guaranteed to become a household favorite. Give it a try and watch how it transforms any meal or snack into something special.
Print
Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 8-10 servings)
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread is a savory, moist loaf perfect for a delicious snack or side. Combining sharp cheddar cheese with garlic and a tender crumb, it bakes quickly and easily without yeast, making it ideal for a last-minute bread fix.
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 the batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, garlic powder, and salt. Then, fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and set the mixture aside.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and melted butter until well combined.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Pour into Pan: Spoon or pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top as needed.
- 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 let it cool on a wire rack. When cool enough to handle, remove the loaf from the pan, slice, and serve.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to prevent the bread from becoming tough.
- You can substitute the cheddar cheese with other flavorful cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for variation.
- Ensure the baking powder is fresh for a good rise in the bread.
- This bread is best served warm but also tastes great at room temperature.
