If you’re a fan of warm, cheesy, and comforting bread, then you’re going to adore this Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread. It’s like the best of both worlds—super easy to make, but the flavor is rich and indulgent. The beauty of this bread is that it comes together quickly with simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Plus, the gooey pockets of melted cheddar inside will have you hooked after the first bite. Trust me, you’ll be baking this again and again.
Why You’ll Love Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread
This quick bread is more than just a side dish—it’s a showstopper in its own right. Whether you’re serving it alongside soup, bringing it to a potluck, or just enjoying a slice with butter, it’s guaranteed to impress. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: This bread works for every occasion. It pairs wonderfully with soups and stews, but it’s just as delicious on its own with a spread of butter.
Budget-Friendly: You don’t need to break the bank for good bread. With basic pantry staples and a chunk of sharp cheddar, you’re all set to bake something that tastes like it came from a bakery.
Quick and Easy: No need to knead, no yeast, no waiting around. This quick bread comes together in a flash—perfect for when you want homemade bread but don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen.
Crowd-Pleasing: It’s cheesy, warm, and comforting, making it a hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a crowd-pleaser at family gatherings or when you want something easy but delicious to share.
Ingredients in Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread
Let’s break it down. This bread is made with just a handful of ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. It’s simple but packed with flavor:
Cheddar Cheese: The hero of this bread. You want a good sharp cheddar for that bold, tangy flavor that melts perfectly into the bread.
Flour: The base for the bread. All-purpose flour does the trick, creating the structure you need for a soft, hearty crumb.
Baking Powder: The leavening agent that helps this bread rise without the need for yeast. It gives the bread its light and fluffy texture.
Milk: Adds moisture and helps bring everything together. You can use regular milk, or go for a dairy-free alternative if needed.
Egg: Helps bind everything together and adds richness to the flavor.
Butter: The butter keeps the bread soft and adds a little extra flavor. You could use unsalted butter for better control over the salt.
Salt: A pinch of salt helps balance the flavors, especially when combined with the sharp cheddar.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s get into how you’re going to whip up this cheesy goodness:
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This gives it time to heat up so your bread can bake evenly and get that perfect golden crust.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This will ensure everything is evenly distributed, so you don’t end up with uneven pockets of baking powder or salt.
Add the Cheese: Stir in the grated cheddar cheese. Make sure it’s well-coated with the flour mixture so the cheese doesn’t sink to the bottom while baking.
Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and melted butter. This gives the wet ingredients a chance to combine smoothly.
Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps the bread light and fluffy.
Pour into the Pan: Grease a loaf pan and pour the batter into it. Spread it out evenly with a spatula, making sure the batter fills the pan.
Bake to Perfection: Bake for about 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The bread should have a golden crust and a soft, fluffy interior.
Cool and Enjoy: Let the bread cool for about 10 minutes before removing it from the pan. Slice it up and serve warm, and enjoy that gooey, cheesy goodness!
How to Serve Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread
This bread is perfect in so many situations, whether you want to serve it as a side or enjoy it all on its own:
With Soup: Pair it with a warm bowl of soup. The bread is the perfect thing to dip in a hearty tomato soup or creamy potato leek soup.
For Sandwiches: You can also use it for a grilled cheese sandwich! It’s a whole new level of cheesy goodness when you grill it.
As a Snack: Slather on some butter, or even a bit of honey for a sweet twist. It’s a great snack for when you’re craving something comforting.
With a Salad: Pair it with a fresh green salad for a quick lunch or light dinner. The cheese and bread make it filling without being too heavy.
Additional Tips
Here are a few extra tips to make this bread even better:
Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different cheeses! Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a bit of Parmesan can be great substitutes for cheddar, depending on your preference.
Add-Ins: Try adding herbs like chives, thyme, or rosemary for a little extra flavor. You could also mix in some cooked bacon bits or green onions for an extra savory twist.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to a month.
Make It Lighter: For a lighter version, try using a 50/50 mix of whole wheat flour and all-purpose flour. It’ll give the bread a little more depth while still being delicious.
Perfectly Soft Crust: For an extra soft crust, brush the top of the bread with a little melted butter right when it comes out of the oven.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different cheese besides cheddar?
A1: Absolutely! Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a mix of cheeses would work beautifully in this bread.
Q2: Can I add garlic to the dough?
A2: Yes! Garlic is a great addition. Try adding minced garlic or garlic powder to the dry ingredients for a savory twist.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Keep your bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to store it longer, freeze it!
Q4: Can I freeze this bread?
A4: Yes! Slice it and freeze individual pieces, then reheat in the toaster or oven. It’ll be just as delicious when you’re ready to enjoy it.
Q5: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A5: Yes, you can! Make the batter ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.
Q6: How do I know when it’s done?
A6: When a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, the bread is ready to come out of the oven.
Q7: Can I make mini loaves instead of one big loaf?
A7: Yes! Divide the batter into smaller pans and bake for about 25–30 minutes. Just keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake.
Q8: Can I use a dairy-free alternative?
A8: Yes, you can use dairy-free milk and plant-based butter for a dairy-free version of this bread.
Q9: How do I store the dough if I want to make it later?
A9: You can store the dough in the fridge for up to a day. When you’re ready to bake, let it come to room temperature before putting it in the oven.
Q10: Can I make this bread without eggs?
A10: Yes! Try using a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water) as an egg substitute.
Conclusion
This Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread is as easy as it is delicious. Whether you’re enjoying it fresh from the oven, sharing it with friends, or pairing it with your favorite soup, it’s sure to bring comfort and joy to any table. Give it a try, and I’m sure it’ll become a new favorite in your kitchen! Happy baking!
PrintCheddar Cheese Quick Bread
This cheesy, savory quick bread is packed with sharp cheddar and garlic flavors. It’s an easy, delicious homemade bread that’s perfect as a side or snack!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8-10 servings) 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or spray a loaf pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, garlic powder, and salt. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Set the bowl aside.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and melted butter.
- Pour the liquid ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread light and fluffy.
- Spoon or pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the bread on a wire rack. Once cooled, remove from the pan, slice, and serve.
Notes
- If you like a cheesier bread, add more shredded cheddar on top before baking.
- You can also use other cheese varieties, like mozzarella or Monterey Jack, for a different flavor.
- Serve with a little butter on top for extra richness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg