If you’ve ever craved a freshly baked loaf that’s bursting with cheesy goodness but don’t want to fuss with yeast or hours of rising time, this Cheddar Quick Bread Recipe is about to become your new go-to. This savory loaf is gloriously golden, loaded with sharp cheddar, and has the perfect tender crumb. It comes together in just about an hour and makes any meal feel extra special, whether you’re serving it for a cozy dinner or slicing it up for a casual brunch with friends. Get ready for a bread recipe that’s as easy as it is irresistible!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this Cheddar Quick Bread Recipe is how it transforms a handful of basic pantry staples into something genuinely memorable. Each ingredient plays a special role, from giving the bread its lift and fluffiness to adding that unmistakable cheesy aroma and flavor.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of the loaf, providing structure and a tender crumb.
- Baking powder: Essential for that beautiful rise and quick bread texture (no yeast required!).
- Baking soda: Works alongside the buttermilk for extra lift and a light, airy interior.
- Salt: Not just for flavor balance—salt makes the cheddar pop and keeps the bread from tasting flat.
- Garlic powder (optional): Adds a subtle savory note that complements the cheese perfectly.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The star of the show; sharp cheddar melts into the loaf for bold, cheesy bites throughout.
- Buttermilk: Gives tang, tenderness, and moisture to the bread; it also reacts with baking soda for lift.
- Large egg: Binds the batter and adds richness.
- Unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled): Brings moisture and a hint of buttery flavor to every bite.
How to Make Cheddar Quick Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for action. Grab a 9×5-inch loaf pan and either grease it well or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This little bit of prep work ensures your bread won’t stick and slides out perfectly golden.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and garlic powder (if you’re using it). Whisking aerates the mixture and guarantees the rising agents are evenly distributed, so your Cheddar Quick Bread Recipe bakes up evenly and with the right texture.
Step 3: Add the Cheddar
Toss the shredded sharp cheddar cheese into your dry ingredients. Give everything a gentle stir so each piece of cheese gets coated with flour. This helps prevent the cheese from sinking to the bottom and ensures cheesy bites in every slice.
Step 4: Whisk Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and melted (but slightly cooled) butter. This combo adds moisture and richness, and the buttermilk’s tang keeps the bread flavorful and tender. Make sure your butter isn’t too hot so it doesn’t cook the egg.
Step 5: Combine and Mix
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with your dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Don’t worry if the batter looks a little lumpy—overmixing is the enemy of tender quick bread! The batter will be quite thick, and that’s exactly what you want.
Step 6: Fill and Bake
Spoon the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Slide it into the oven and bake for 45–50 minutes, until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma of melting cheddar will fill your kitchen and might just lure everyone to the table early!
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This short wait helps the loaf set, so you get perfect slices that hold together beautifully without crumbling.
How to Serve Cheddar Quick Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Make your Cheddar Quick Bread Recipe even more irresistible with a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives, a dusting of extra shredded cheddar, or a light brush of melted butter on top for extra shine. For a little kick, finely diced jalapeños or a touch of smoked paprika adds color and flavor.
Side Dishes
This savory bread is the ultimate partner for a hot bowl of soup (tomato or potato are classic choices) or a crisp green salad. It’s also fantastic alongside chili, scrambled eggs, or your favorite roasted vegetables. The cheesy, hearty flavor plays well with all kinds of comforting dishes.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the loaf, toasting the pieces, and serving them with a dollop of herbed cream cheese or a drizzle of honey for a sweet-savory twist. Cut into cubes and add to a brunch board, or use as the base for open-faced sandwiches. Your Cheddar Quick Bread Recipe is as versatile as your imagination!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Cheddar Quick Bread Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, pop it in the fridge where it will stay moist for up to five days. Be sure to keep it sealed to prevent drying out.
Freezing
This bread freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices or the entire loaf in a double layer of plastic wrap, then tuck it into a resealable freezer bag. Freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready for a cheesy fix, just thaw at room temperature or gently reheat.
Reheating
To revive that just-baked flavor, warm slices in a toaster or oven at 300°F for 5–10 minutes. You can also microwave a slice for about 20 seconds. Warmed Cheddar Quick Bread Recipe tastes just as wonderful the next day, with the cheese turning gooey all over again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Side Dish
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is classic for its bold flavor, you can swap in other cheeses like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or a blend. Just make sure to use a cheese that melts well for the best results in your Cheddar Quick Bread Recipe.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
No buttermilk? No problem! Simply add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a measuring cup, then fill it with milk to reach 1 ¼ cups. Stir and let it sit for 5 minutes before using. This homemade buttermilk substitute works perfectly in this recipe.
Can I add extras like herbs or bacon?
Definitely! Chopped fresh chives, parsley, jalapeños, or even cooked, crumbled bacon are fantastic additions to your Cheddar Quick Bread Recipe. Fold them in with the cheese for a personalized twist.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
The top should be golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center of the loaf should come out clean (maybe with a few melty cheese bits). If the top browns too quickly before the center is cooked, loosely tent the loaf with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
Why is my bread dense or dry?
Overmixing the batter or baking it for too long can result in a dense or dry loaf. Stir the ingredients just until combined, and check your bread at the lower end of the bake time. Every oven is a little different, so keep an eye on it for best results.
Final Thoughts
This Cheddar Quick Bread Recipe is the kind of homey, satisfying bake that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds. With its cheesy aroma, tender crumb, and effortless prep, there’s every reason to make it part of your regular rotation. Don’t wait for a special occasion—whip up a loaf and see just how easy and delicious homemade bread can be!
Print
Cheddar Quick Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 1 loaf (8–10 slices)
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cheddar Quick Bread is a savory, moist loaf that combines sharp cheddar cheese with simple pantry ingredients to create an easy, flavorful bread perfect for any meal. With a tender crumb and a golden crust, it’s ideal as a side dish or snack, and can be customized with add-ins like chives, jalapeños, or bacon for extra zest.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Wet Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and garlic powder (if using) until evenly combined.
- Add cheddar: Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the dry ingredients, making sure the cheese is well coated to prevent it from sinking.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and melted unsalted butter until fully blended.
- Mix wet and dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and gently stir until just combined. The batter will be thick; avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Prepare for baking: Transfer the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula for an even surface.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
- Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before removing it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps set the structure and makes slicing easier.
Notes
- Enhance flavor by adding chopped fresh chives, diced jalapeños, or cooked bacon into the batter.
- If you lack buttermilk, substitute by mixing 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar with enough milk to equal 1 ¼ cups. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Store leftover bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for up to a month.
- Slice the bread after it has completely cooled to maintain its texture and prevent crumbling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
