If you’re looking for a beautifully golden, cheesy treat that delivers comfort in every slice, this Cheddar Quick Bread Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Unlike yeast breads, it’s ready in under an hour and requires zero kneading, making it unbeatable for busy weeknights or those last-minute gatherings. With a tender crumb bursting with sharp cheddar in every bite, this bread is delicious warm from the oven, and the perfect partner for soups, salads, or even by itself. Trust me, this is one recipe you’ll want to bake again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cheddar Quick Bread Recipe comes together with a handful of simple, pantry staples. Each ingredient plays an important role in creating its fluffy, flavorful texture and rich, cheesy taste, so don’t skip a single one!
- All-purpose flour: Forms the structure of the bread and gives it just the right amount of fluffiness.
- Baking powder: The key to that irresistible rise and tender crumb.
- Baking soda: Reacts with the buttermilk for a light and airy loaf.
- Salt: Enhances all of the savory notes, so don’t be tempted to leave it out.
- Garlic powder (optional): Adds an aromatic background—feel free to use it if you love a hint of garlic.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The real star! Use freshly shredded for the best melt and flavor.
- Buttermilk: Makes each slice extra moist with a little tang to balance the richness.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Adds moisture and a silky texture, plus a subtle buttery note.
- Large egg: Binds everything together and helps the bread hold its shape.
How to Make Cheddar Quick Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is essential for even baking right from the start. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan generously with butter or nonstick spray. A well-prepared pan ensures a golden crust that releases easily, so you won’t lose a single bite to sticking!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and garlic powder if you’re using it. Mixing these ingredients thoroughly ensures that the leaveners are evenly distributed, resulting in a consistent crumb with every slice. If you like a punch of flavor, don’t be shy with the garlic powder!
Step 3: Add the Cheddar Cheese
Next, stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Gently toss it in the flour mixture so each little strand gets coated—this step helps the cheese stay evenly spread throughout the loaf, rather than sinking to the bottom during baking.
Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, and egg until fully incorporated. This mixture brings the dough together and creates that beautiful moisture we’re after in a Cheddar Quick Bread Recipe.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Pour the wet mixture into your bowl of dry ingredients. Stir everything together with a spatula or wooden spoon, just until all the flour is absorbed. Don’t overmix! The batter should look thick and slightly lumpy—overmixing can make the bread tough, and we want it soft and tender.
Step 6: Transfer and Bake
Scrape the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with the back of a spoon. Slide it into the oven for 40 to 45 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean, you’re ready to go! Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to finish cooling.
How to Serve Cheddar Quick Bread Recipe
Garnishes
The best way to finish this cheesy loaf is with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, like chives or parsley, right before serving. For extra richness, a swipe of softened butter or a handful of chopped scallions adds color and flavor that’s hard to resist.
Side Dishes
This Cheddar Quick Bread Recipe pairs beautifully with steaming bowls of tomato soup, hearty chili, or a crisp green salad. You can also serve it alongside scrambled eggs for a satisfying brunch, or as a side at your next holiday meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress your friends by cutting the bread into cubes for a stunning cheese board presentation, or use slices as the base for open-faced sandwiches topped with ham, turkey, or roasted veggies. For parties, serve mini slices alongside dips and spreads for a unique appetizer spread!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Cheddar Quick Bread Recipe tasting fresh, wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store at room temperature for up to two days. This helps prevent the bread from drying out and preserves its tender texture.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, let the bread cool completely, then wrap slices or the whole loaf in a double layer of plastic wrap and foil. Store it in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying, and it will taste just as delicious as the day you baked it.
Reheating
For the best results, gently reheat slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 300°F for a few minutes until warmed through. This revives the bread’s delightful texture and helps the cheese re-melt just slightly, making every bite feel freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use pre-shredded cheese instead of shredding my own?
While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, it often contains anti-caking agents that can affect how well the cheese melts into the bread. For the very best results and flavor, try to shred your own sharp cheddar right before baking!
Is it possible to make this Cheddar Quick Bread Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Keep in mind that texture might change just slightly, but you’ll still get a delicious, cheesy loaf.
Can I add other mix-ins, like herbs or bacon?
Yes, you can get creative with this Cheddar Quick Bread Recipe by adding chopped chives, cooked and crumbled bacon, or even a handful of finely chopped jalapeños for some kick. Just fold them in with the cheese for a custom loaf every time.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
No worries! You can make a quick substitute by combining 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for five minutes before using, and it will work perfectly in this recipe.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
The bread is ready when the top is deeply golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. If the bread starts to brown too quickly on top, you can loosely tent it with foil the last 10 minutes of baking.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Cheddar Quick Bread Recipe enough—it’s quick, simple, and unfailingly delicious. Whether you’re bringing it to a potluck or serving it as a cozy side dish at home, it always brings smiles to the table. Give it a try and don’t be surprised if it disappears before you know it!
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Cheddar Quick Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cheddar Quick Bread is a delightful savory treat that’s easy to make and perfect for accompanying soups or salads. With a cheesy, buttery flavor and a hint of garlic, this bread is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and garlic powder. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and mix.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, and egg.
- Combine and Bake: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 40–45 minutes.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- This bread is best served warm and goes well with soups or salads.
- You can customize the bread by adding chopped chives, bacon bits, or jalapeños for extra flavor.
- Store leftovers wrapped at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
