Welcome to a culinary adventure that will fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your table with smiles! Today, I’m thrilled to share my favorite cheddar cheese quick bread recipe that has become a staple in my home. The smell when this is baking in the oven is absolutely incredible!! This savory quick bread combines the sharp tang of cheddar cheese with a perfectly tender crumb for a versatile treat that pairs beautifully with almost any meal.
Why You’ll Love This Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread
There’s something magical about homemade bread, especially when it’s studded with pockets of melty cheddar cheese. This quick bread doesn’t require yeast or proofing time, making it perfect for those moments when you crave fresh-baked bread but don’t have hours to wait. I promised you versatile, and here’s proof!
This cheddar cheese quick bread has become my go-to recipe when hosting dinner parties or when I need something special to accompany a weeknight soup. The beautiful golden crust with a tender, cheese-filled interior creates a perfect balance of textures that will have everyone reaching for a second slice.
What makes this recipe truly special is how it transforms basic pantry ingredients into something extraordinary. The addition of garlic powder gives it a subtle savory note that complements the sharp cheddar perfectly, while the optional honey adds just enough sweetness to round out the flavors without overwhelming the cheese.
The Perfect Flavor Profile
The flavor of this cheddar cheese quick bread is anything but boring!! The rich, tangy cheddar cheese permeates every bite, creating pockets of melty goodness throughout the tender crumb. The slight hint of garlic provides depth without overpowering the star ingredient.
Each slice delivers a perfect balance of savory notes with a subtle buttery richness that makes it incredibly satisfying. When served warm, the cheese maintains its gooey quality, creating an irresistible pull when you tear into each piece. Even after cooling, the bread retains its wonderful flavor profile, making it perfect for meal prep and quick snacks throughout the week.
Ingredients for Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread
To create this delicious savory bread, you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional but recommended)
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons honey (optional for a slight sweetness)
For the best results, I recommend using a sharp or extra-sharp cheddar cheese that you grate yourself. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect both the texture and meltability of the cheese in your bread.
Essential Tools for Preparation
You’ll need a few basic tools to make this recipe with ease:
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Parchment paper or cooking spray
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wire cooling rack
Nothing fancy required! This simplicity is part of what makes this recipe so approachable, even for beginner bakers.
Possible Ingredient Substitutions
One of the things I love about this cheddar cheese quick bread is how adaptable it is. Here are some substitutions you can try:
- Cheese varieties: While cheddar is classic, you can experiment with Gruyère, Gouda, or even a mix of cheeses. I once used a combination of cheddar and pepper jack that added a wonderful kick!
- Milk alternatives: Feel free to use almond milk, oat milk, or buttermilk for different flavor profiles.
- Flour options: You can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste and additional fiber.
- Flavor additions: Try adding 1-2 tablespoons of fresh chopped herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives for an aromatic twist. Diced jalapeños also make a fantastic spicy variation!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s break down the process of making this delicious cheddar cheese quick bread:
Preheat and prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease your 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder (if using) until well combined. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and seasonings.
Add cheese: Gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, making sure to separate any clumps so the cheese distributes evenly throughout the batter.
Combine wet ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and honey (if using) until smooth and well incorporated.
Create the batter: Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, stir just until combined. Be careful not to overmix – a few small lumps are perfectly fine! Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough bread.
Transfer to pan: Pour or spoon the batter into your prepared loaf pan, using the spatula to smooth the top for even baking.
Bake to perfection: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is a beautiful golden brown. The bread will also pull away slightly from the sides of the pan when it’s done.
Cool properly: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling period in the pan helps the bread set properly.
What to Serve with Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread
This versatile bread pairs beautifully with so many dishes! Here are some of my favorite serving suggestions:
- Serve alongside a hearty bowl of Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl for a complete meal
- Enjoy with soups, particularly tomato or vegetable varieties
- Pair with chili for the ultimate comfort food experience
- Serve with a side of Cheesy Ranch Oven Roasted Potatoes for an indulgent treat
- Toast slices and top with eggs for a savory breakfast
- Use as a base for open-faced sandwiches
- Enjoy alongside a fresh green salad for a light lunch
- Serve with Shishito Peppers for a delightful appetizer spread
Pro Tips for Perfect Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread
After making this bread countless times, I’ve learned a few tricks that make a big difference:
- Temperature matters: Make sure your milk and egg are at room temperature before mixing. This creates a more uniform batter that bakes evenly.
- Cheese technique: Reserve about ¼ cup of the shredded cheese to sprinkle on top of the batter before baking for an extra cheesy, slightly crispy crust.
- Don’t overmix: Stir the batter just until the ingredients are incorporated – overmixing develops gluten, which can make your bread tough.
- Check early: Start checking for doneness around the 25-minute mark, as ovens can vary significantly in temperature.
- Enhance the flavor: For extra depth, add ¼ teaspoon of mustard powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dry ingredients.
Storage Instructions
This cheddar cheese quick bread stays fresh at room temperature, stored in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week.
You can also freeze this bread for up to 3 months! I recommend slicing it before freezing so you can thaw only what you need. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then store them in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature or toast directly from frozen for a quick snack or side dish.
To refresh day-old bread, simply warm slices in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes or toast them lightly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my quick bread sink in the middle?
This typically happens when there’s too much leavening agent or if the bread is underbaked. Make sure you’re measuring the baking powder correctly and check that your oven temperature is accurate.
Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture might be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, but no wet batter. The top should be golden brown, and the bread should have pulled away slightly from the sides of the pan.
Can I make muffins instead of a loaf?
Absolutely! Pour the batter into a greased or lined muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full. Bake at the same temperature for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Final Thoughts on Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread
This cheddar cheese quick bread has become one of my most requested recipes, and for good reason! It’s incredibly simple to make yet delivers impressive results every time. The combination of sharp cheddar cheese with the tender crumb creates a bread that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to special gatherings.
I’m kicking myself for not having shot more photos of this bread paired with different meals because it truly complements so many dishes beautifully. If you make this recipe, I’d love to see your creations! Share your photos on Pinterest and tag me so I can see how it turned out.
For more delicious recipes that pair wonderfully with this cheddar cheese quick bread, be sure to check out my Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl, Cheesy Ranch Oven Roasted Potatoes, and Shishito Peppers.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per slice, based on 12 slices)
- Calories: 185
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
This cheddar cheese quick bread is not just delicious but also provides a good balance of protein and carbohydrates, making it a satisfying addition to any meal. The cheese adds calcium and protein, while the bread itself offers energy-providing carbohydrates.