There is nothing quite like the warm, melty comfort of homemade cheese bread fresh from the oven. This Cheese Bread Recipe combines sharp cheddar’s bold flavor with a tender, moist crumb that’s perfect for breakfasts, snacks, or alongside any meal craving a savory, cheesy boost. With just everyday pantry staples and simple steps, this bread offers an unbeatable blend of cheesy richness and soft texture that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you enjoy it plain or jazz it up with add-ins, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a staple you’ll return to time and time again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering straightforward, easy-to-find ingredients is half the fun of this Cheese Bread Recipe. Each element plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of rising, flavor, and texture that makes this bread irresistible.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of the bread that ensures a tender crumb and light texture.
- Baking powder: Your leavening agent that helps the bread rise beautifully without yeast.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances the richness of the cheese.
- Garlic powder (optional): Adds a subtle savory hint that complements the cheddar perfectly.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: The star ingredient delivering bold, melty cheesiness in every bite.
- Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a tender loaf.
- Sour cream or plain yogurt: Boosts richness and keeps the bread wonderfully moist.
- Egg: Provides structure and binding to bring all the ingredients together.
- Melted butter: Adds depth of flavor and a tender crumb with a golden crust.
How to Make Cheese Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prep your oven and pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan well. This ensures your bread will bake evenly and release easily after baking, creating that perfect golden base for your delicious loaf.
Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and optional garlic powder. This step is essential for evenly distributing the leavening and seasoning so your bread bakes with consistent flavor and rise.
Step 3: Add the cheese
Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, making sure to toss it with the dry mixture. Coating the cheese helps prevent it from sinking to the bottom during baking, ensuring cheesy bites throughout the bread.
Step 4: Combine the wet ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, sour cream or yogurt, egg, and melted butter until smooth. These wet ingredients bring moisture, richness, and binding power to the bread mixture.
Step 5: Bring it all together
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently just until combined. Be careful not to overmix here; a few small lumps are fine and will help keep your bread light and tender.
Step 6: Bake to perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Cheese Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing your cheese bread with garnishes like freshly chopped chives, a sprinkle of extra shredded cheese, or a light brush of herb-infused butter can take it to the next level. These touches add freshness, enhanced aroma, and a little extra indulgence that’s hard to resist.
Side Dishes
This versatile cheese bread pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Serve alongside hearty soups like tomato bisque or chili for dipping, a fresh green salad to balance richness, or use it as a base for open-faced sandwiches topped with roasted veggies or smoked meats.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your cheese bread stand out by slicing it thick and serving it warm with a side of honey butter or garlic aioli. You can also transform leftover slices into savory French toast or use chunks to top a fresh salad for crunch and cheesiness. The possibilities to showcase this bread are endless and always delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover cheese bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to two days, letting you enjoy more of its cheesy goodness without any rush.
Freezing
For longer storage, cheese bread freezes beautifully. Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place slices in a freezer bag. It will keep well for up to three months, giving you quick access to homemade indulgence anytime you want.
Reheating
To bring your cheese bread back to life, reheat slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warm and slightly crisp on the outside. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread gummy rather than delightfully fresh again.
FAQs
Can I use different cheeses in this Cheese Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar creates a classic flavor, experimenting with mozzarella, parmesan, pepper jack, or even a blend adds unique flavors and textures. Feel free to customize based on your taste preferences.
Is this cheese bread gluten-free?
The recipe as written uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can substitute a gluten-free baking blend if you want to make a gluten-free version. Just ensure it includes xanthan gum for proper texture.
Can I add other ingredients like herbs or vegetables?
Yes, adding chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley, diced jalapeños for heat, or cooked bacon bits can elevate the flavor profile. Just fold them in with the cheese to keep the distribution even.
How long does this cheese bread keep at room temperature?
Stored in an airtight container, the bread stays fresh and tasty for about 2 days at room temperature. Beyond that, refrigeration or freezing is better to maintain quality without drying out.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the milk and sour cream with non-dairy alternatives like almond milk and coconut yogurt, and use dairy-free cheese options. Just note that texture and flavor may vary slightly but will still be delicious!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about pulling a warm loaf of cheesy bread from the oven, and this Cheese Bread Recipe makes that experience easy, approachable, and irresistible. Once you try it, you’ll find it’s perfect for so many occasions — from casual snacks to impressive sides. Go ahead and give this recipe a whirl; your kitchen (and everyone you share it with) will thank you!
Print
Cheese Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 8 slices)
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This savory Cheese Bread recipe combines sharp cheddar cheese with basic pantry ingredients to create a moist, flavorful quick bread. It’s perfect for a snack, breakfast, or as a side with soups and salads. Easy to prepare and baked until golden, this bread features a tender crumb infused with cheese and a hint of garlic powder for added depth.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. This step ensures the bread won’t stick to the pan after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder. This combines all the dry leavening and seasoning evenly.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, tossing it with the flour mixture to coat the cheese evenly. This helps the cheese distribute throughout the bread and prevents it from clumping.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, sour cream (or plain yogurt), egg, and melted butter until smooth. These ingredients create the moist batter that will bring the bread together.
- Mix Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender and avoid a dense texture.
- Pour and Smooth Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula for an even rise during baking.
- Bake the Bread: Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The bread should be golden and cooked through.
- Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes to set, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing to preserve its structure and flavor.
Notes
- Mix different cheeses such as mozzarella, parmesan, or pepper jack to vary the flavor profile of this bread.
- Add chopped chives, cooked bacon, or diced jalapeños to the batter for extra flavor and texture.
- Use plain yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter tang and slightly different texture.
- Make sure not to overmix the batter to avoid tough bread.
- This bread stores well wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or can be frozen for longer storage.
