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
Scale
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
