Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread!

Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread Recipe: A Savory Delight for All Occasions

If you’re craving a quick, delicious, and savory bread that’s both cheesy and satisfying, then look no further than Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread. This delightful bread is a simple, no-fuss recipe that delivers a savory, cheesy experience with minimal effort. Whether you’re a beginner baker or an experienced home chef, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a warm, cheesy treat that pairs wonderfully with soups, stews, salads, or simply as a snack.

In this article, we’ll take you step-by-step through how to make the perfect cheddar cheese quick bread. We’ll also provide tips and variations to help you customize the recipe to your tastes. By the end, you’ll have a warm, fragrant loaf of bread that’s perfect for any occasion.

Why You Should Make Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread

Cheddar cheese quick bread is a classic comfort food that brings together the best of bread and cheese in one simple recipe. Here’s why this recipe is worth trying:

• Quick and Easy: Unlike traditional bread recipes that require yeast, rising time, and kneading, this quick bread is made with baking powder, so there’s no waiting involved. You can make it in under an hour!

• Cheesy Goodness: The rich and savory flavor of cheddar cheese adds depth and complexity to the bread, making it a fantastic addition to any meal.

• Versatile: This bread is perfect as a side dish to your favorite soups, stews, or salads. You can also enjoy it on its own with butter or jam for a snack.

• Customizable: Feel free to adjust the ingredients to your liking, adding herbs, spices, or even vegetables to create your own unique version.

Now, let’s dive into the ingredients and instructions to create this savory, cheesy bread!

Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread Ingredients

To make this easy-to-follow recipe, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour – The base of the bread; all-purpose flour is the best option for a tender, soft loaf.

• 1 tablespoon baking powder – This helps the bread rise and gives it a light texture without the need for yeast.

• 1/2 teaspoon salt – To bring out the flavors in the bread and balance the richness of the cheese.

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – Optional, but highly recommended if you want to add a subtle savory depth to the bread.

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – Adds a slight heat and balances out the richness of the cheddar.

• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese – For the cheese that steals the show! Sharp cheddar is recommended for its bold flavor, but you can also use mild cheddar if you prefer a less intense flavor.

• 1 cup buttermilk – Adds moisture to the bread and helps give it a tender crumb. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute it with regular milk or make a quick buttermilk substitute by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted – Adds richness and moisture to the bread.

• 1 large egg – Helps bind the ingredients together and adds structure to the bread.

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional) – For garnish and a touch of freshness.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard loaf pan (9×5 inches) or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This ensures that the bread won’t stick to the sides, and it will come out perfectly after baking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients:

• Flour

• Baking powder

• Salt

• Garlic powder

• Black pepper

Whisk the ingredients together until they are well-combined. The baking powder helps the bread rise, while the seasonings enhance the flavor of the bread.

Step 3: Add the Cheese

Add shredded cheddar cheese to the dry ingredients. Stir the cheese in gently so that it’s evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture. By adding the cheese to the dry ingredients first, you’ll ensure that the cheese doesn’t all clump together in the batter, giving every slice a consistent cheesy bite.

Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, and egg. These wet ingredients will combine to create a moist and rich bread. Ensure that the butter has cooled slightly before adding it to the wet ingredients to avoid cooking the egg.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, then gently stir the mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter; it’s okay if the batter is a bit lumpy. Overmixing can cause the bread to be dense, so stir only until the flour is moistened.

Step 6: Pour the Batter into the Pan

Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. The batter should be thick, so don’t worry if it doesn’t spread out on its own—just use the spatula to smooth the top.

Step 7: Bake the Bread

Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the top of the bread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so be sure to check the bread toward the end of the cooking time.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. After that, remove the bread from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

If you’d like, sprinkle the top of the bread with some fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Tips for Making the Best Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread

1. Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can result in a dense loaf, so stir the wet and dry ingredients together just until everything is combined.

2. Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains additives to prevent clumping, which can affect the texture of the bread. Freshly shredded cheese will melt more evenly into the bread.

3. Storage: Store any leftover cheddar cheese quick bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage—just slice it first, wrap it in plastic wrap, and place it in a freezer-safe bag.

4. Make It Your Own: Feel free to add extra ingredients like cooked bacon bits, sautéed onions, or fresh herbs (such as thyme or rosemary) to give the bread even more flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Cheddar cheese quick bread is incredibly versatile. Here are some great ideas for serving it:

• As a Side Dish: Pair it with a hearty soup or stew like tomato soup, broccoli cheddar soup, or potato leek soup. The bread will soak up the flavors of the broth.

• For Breakfast: Slice it and enjoy it with a smear of butter or jam, or pair it with eggs and avocado for a savory breakfast.

• For Snacks or Appetizers: Serve slices with your favorite dips, such as salsa, guacamole, or a creamy spinach dip.

Why You’ll Love Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread

1. Flavorful: The sharp cheddar cheese creates a savory, flavorful bread that pairs well with almost any dish.

2. Simple and Quick: Unlike yeast-based breads, this quick bread doesn’t require any rising time or kneading, making it a perfect option for a last-minute dish.

3. Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, having a family meal, or just craving a cheesy snack, cheddar cheese quick bread is an easy and satisfying choice.

Conclusion

This Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread is a flavorful, easy-to-make bread that combines the savory goodness of cheddar cheese with a moist, tender crumb. It’s a versatile recipe that can be customized to your tastes and served in many different ways. Whether as a side dish, snack, or breakfast, this bread will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

So, why not give it a try? With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this cheddar cheese quick bread is sure to impress everyone at the table. Happy baking!