If you love the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread filled with cheesy, garlicky goodness, then this Cheddar Garlic Quick Bread Recipe is going to become your new favorite treat. It’s a wonderful twist on classic quick bread that’s packed with sharp cheddar cheese and just the right hint of garlic, making it irresistibly moist and flavorful. Whether you’re craving a cozy snack or a savory side, this bread is simple to whip up and delivers delightful results every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cheddar Garlic Quick Bread Recipe uses straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together beautifully for the perfect texture and taste. Each element plays a vital role, from the fluffy all-purpose flour to the rich melted butter, making sure every bite is a delicious experience.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and fluffiness for the bread.
- 4 teaspoons baking powder: The leavening agent that helps the bread rise quickly and stay light.
- 1 Tablespoon sugar: Balances the savory flavors with a subtle sweetness.
- 1½ teaspoons garlic powder: Adds that irresistible warm garlic flavor without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors perfectly.
- 1½ cups whole milk: Contributes to the moistness and richness of the bread.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binder, holding everything together.
- 4 Tablespoons butter, melted: Adds indulgent richness and a tender crumb.
- 2 cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese: The star ingredient that adds bold, melty cheesy goodness.
How to Make Cheddar Garlic Quick Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Having the oven ready ensures that the bread will bake evenly and perfectly as soon as your batter is prepared, so you won’t lose any precious rising time.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, garlic powder, and salt until everything is well combined. This step helps distribute the leavening and seasonings evenly throughout the batter for consistent flavor and texture.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Make a well in the middle of your dry ingredients and pour in the whole milk, beaten egg, and melted butter. Quickly whisk these together, mixing just until everything comes together. It’s important not to over mix here because the batter will thicken fast, and over-mixing can make the bread dense instead of light and fluffy.
Step 4: Incorporate the Cheese
Stir in the freshly shredded cheddar cheese with a rubber spatula, folding it gently into the batter until evenly distributed. This step ensures every slice gets that melty, cheesy bite that makes this quick bread truly special.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
Pour your batter into a greased loaf pan, spreading it out evenly. Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is a gorgeous golden brown.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before carefully removing it and transferring to a wire rack to cool slightly. It’s best enjoyed warm, either plain or with a smear of butter or chive cream cheese to elevate those savory flavors even more.
How to Serve Cheddar Garlic Quick Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes like chopped chives, a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar, or even a light brush of garlic butter on top makes the bread look as amazing as it tastes. These little touches bring out the savory notes and make for a beautiful presentation.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully alongside hearty soups, creamy chowders, or crisp green salads. It’s an excellent complement to chili or roasted vegetable dishes, helping soak up every last bit of delicious sauce or broth.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing this bread into thick, buttery toast for breakfast topped with avocado and a poached egg, or cut into cubes and use as a savory crouton alternative in salads. For a fun twist, turn slices into mini grilled cheese sandwiches or serve with a variety of spreads during a brunch board.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Cheddar Garlic Quick Bread Recipe wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This helps keep the bread moist and flavorful without drying out.
Freezing
If you want to keep the bread longer, wrap it well in foil and then place in a freezer-safe bag before freezing. It can be frozen for up to three months and still retain that fresh-baked taste once thawed.
Reheating
To enjoy leftovers, reheat slices in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warm and slightly crisp on the edges. You can also microwave slices for 15-20 seconds if you’re short on time, but the oven method will bring back the fresh-baked texture best.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar gives this recipe its classic flavor, you can experiment with gouda, mozzarella, or pepper jack for different tastes and textures. Just be mindful of melting properties and flavor intensity.
Is this bread gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free. However, you could try substituting a gluten-free flour blend, but results may vary in texture and rise.
Can I add herbs or spices to the bread?
Definitely! Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley can add a fragrant boost, and a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika can add a hint of heat – just mix them in with the dry ingredients.
How long will this bread stay fresh?
When stored properly at room temperature, the bread stays fresh for about three days. After that, it’s best to freeze or eat it quickly to enjoy optimal flavor.
Can I make this bread dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute the milk with a plant-based milk and use a dairy-free butter alternative. Also, choose a dairy-free cheese if you want to keep the cheesy flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Cheddar Garlic Quick Bread Recipe is truly a gem that you’ll find yourself making over and over. Its cozy blend of cheese and garlic flavors, combined with its quick preparation and baking time, create a reliable crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Give it a try, and prepare for that warm, cheesy goodness to become a beloved staple at your table.
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Cheddar Garlic Quick Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cheddar Quick Bread recipe is a savory, cheesy loaf that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any meal. With simple pantry ingredients like flour, baking powder, and garlic powder combined with rich cheddar cheese, this bread offers a deliciously moist texture and golden crust. Ideal for serving warm with butter or cream cheese, it makes a comforting side or snack in just about an hour.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1½ teaspoons garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1½ cups whole milk
- 1 large egg
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
Cheese
- 2 cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese (from block)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking once your batter is prepared.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, garlic powder, and salt until well combined.
- Add the Wet Ingredients: Make a well in the center of the dry mixture and add the milk, egg, and melted butter. Whisk quickly, mixing just until combined. Avoid over mixing to prevent the bread from becoming dense.
- Incorporate the Cheese: Add the freshly shredded cheddar cheese to the batter. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold or mix the cheese into the batter until evenly distributed.
- Bake the Bread: Pour the batter into a greased bread pan, spreading evenly. Place in the oven and bake for about 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then carefully remove it from the pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly. Slice and serve warm, optionally with butter or chive cream cheese.
Notes
- Do not over mix the batter; it should be mixed just until ingredients come together to keep the bread light and fluffy.
- For best results, shred your own cheddar cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded cheese.
- You can add herbs like chives or rosemary for extra flavor.
- Serve warm for optimal taste and texture.
- Store leftover bread wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
