There’s something so incredibly comforting about the aroma of Cheese Bread baking in your kitchen. This recipe is the perfect marriage of golden crust, fluffy crumb, and pockets of gooey, sharp cheddar in every bite. It’s quick to whip up, deeply satisfying, and entirely customizable — a true crowd-pleaser for breakfast, snacks, or alongside your favorite soup. Trust me, one loaf won’t last long!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for Cheese Bread is delightfully simple, but each component plays a special role. The combination of tangy cheddar, aromatic chives, and just the right touch of garlic ensures this loaf is anything but ordinary.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the backbone of your bread, providing structure and the perfect base for all the melty goodness.
- Baking powder: Gives your Cheese Bread lift and that beautiful, tender crumb.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the cheesy notes—don’t skip it!
- Garlic powder: Adds a warm, savory undertone that keeps everyone coming back for just one more slice.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The star of the show, bringing bold flavor and those irresistible cheese pulls.
- Chopped chives or green onions (optional): Adds a burst of color and a hint of freshness—totally worth including if you have them on hand.
- Milk: Helps bind everything together and keeps your loaf moist and tender.
- Egg: Adds richness and helps the bread hold its shape.
- Unsalted butter (melted and cooled): Brings out buttery flavor and ensures your loaf bakes up with the softest texture.
How to Make Cheese Bread
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray for easy removal later. This simple step ensures your Cheese Bread comes out beautifully golden and intact.
Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder. These dry ingredients act as the canvas for your cheese masterpiece, providing the right texture and subtle flavor backdrop.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Chives
Gently stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and chives or green onions. Tossing them in the flour mixture helps to distribute them evenly throughout the loaf and prevents the cheese from sinking as it bakes.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and melted (cooled) butter. This wet trio makes sure your loaf turns out rich, moist, and full of flavor in every slice.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Pour the wet ingredients over the dry mixture and stir just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix—this is the secret to keeping your Cheese Bread tender, not tough.
Step 6: Bake!
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Slide it into the oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Let the loaf cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to finish cooling. Slicing while warm is totally encouraged—the cheese will be perfectly melty!
How to Serve Cheese Bread
Garnishes
For a bakery-worthy finish, sprinkle extra chopped chives or a light dusting of grated cheddar on top of your Cheese Bread just before serving. A touch of sea salt flaky or a bit of black pepper can also elevate each slice to snack perfection.
Side Dishes
Cheese Bread is incredibly versatile—it pairs magically with hearty soups like tomato basil, creamy chowders, or tossed green salads. It’s wonderful alongside scrambled eggs for breakfast or as a companion to a spicy chili dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Cheese Bread into croutons for salads, serve warm slices piled high with avocado, or use two slices to make outrageously good grilled cheese sandwiches. Individual mini-loaves also make charming edible gifts for friends and neighbors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover Cheese Bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps it soft and flavorful, ready for snacking or quick meals throughout the week.
Freezing
Want to savor Cheese Bread on demand? Simply slice the cooled loaf, wrap the pieces individually, and stash them in a zip-top bag in the freezer. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months—perfect for future cravings!
Reheating
For that fresh-baked experience, reheat individual slices in a toaster oven or oven at 325°F for about 5 minutes. The cheese gets just a little melty again and the edges crisp up beautifully. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep those delicious textures.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese in Cheese Bread?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar brings classic flavor and color, you can mix in Monterey jack, mozzarella, or a spicy pepper jack for a unique twist. Combining two cheeses makes the loaf even more interesting!
Why should I avoid overmixing the batter?
Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour and can make your Cheese Bread dense instead of tender and fluffy. Stir just until everything is combined for the best results.
Can I add extra mix-ins like bacon or jalapeños?
Yes! Finely chopped cooked bacon, jalapeños, sun-dried tomatoes, or even a handful of herbs all work beautifully. Just keep total mix-ins to about 3/4 cup so the bread bakes properly.
Is Cheese Bread best eaten warm or at room temperature?
Both are delicious! Serving Cheese Bread warm gives you lovely gooey cheese and a soft crumb, while room temperature offers a firmer texture that’s perfect for sandwiches or dunking in soup.
Can I make Cheese Bread gluten-free?
Try substituting a good 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. The bread will be a little more delicate, but still tasty. Always check that other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a cozy, crowd-pleasing, and absolutely irresistible bake, Cheese Bread is bound to become your new go-to. Gather your ingredients and give it a try—your kitchen (and everyone in it) will thank you!
Print
Cheese Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8–10 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cheese Bread recipe is a savory quick bread loaded with sharp cheddar cheese and flavorful chives. It’s easy to make and perfect for pairing with soups or salads.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives or green onions (optional)
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: 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 flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder. Add cheese and chives; mix well.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk milk, egg, and melted butter. Pour into dry ingredients; stir until just combined.
- Bake: Pour batter into the pan, smooth the top, and bake for 40–45 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- This bread complements soups and salads.
- Try adding bacon, jalapeños, or different cheeses for variety.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
