The Easy Cheddar Cheese Bread Recipe is an absolute delight for anyone who loves a warm, cheesy treat without the fuss of complicated baking. This savory loaf delivers a perfect balance of sharp cheddar cheese flavor with a tender, moist crumb that comes together quickly thanks to simple pantry staples. Whether you’re new to baking or just need a reliable go-to recipe, this bread is a crowd-pleaser that feels like a cozy hug in every bite. Get ready to fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas and enjoy slices that pair beautifully with nearly any meal or stand proudly on their own as a snack!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is a breeze with this Easy Cheddar Cheese Bread Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the bread’s wonderful texture, flavor, and golden color, so measuring and mixing them carefully really pays off.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the bread providing structure and a soft crumb.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Helps the bread rise to a light, airy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the sour cream for subtle lift and tenderness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the cheese’s richness.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional): Adds a faint, savory aroma that complements the cheddar perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Gives a hint of spice that cuts through the creaminess.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The star ingredient that delivers bold, tangy flavor in every bite.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Just enough to round out the flavors without sweetness.
- 1 cup whole milk: Moisturizes the batter creating a tender texture.
- 1/4 cup sour cream: Adds richness and a slight tang, key for a soft crumb.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together and contributes to the bread’s structure.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled): Infuses the bread with a buttery flavor and keeps it moist.
How to Make Easy Cheddar Cheese Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gradual heat ensures the bread bakes evenly. Meanwhile, grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to keep the bread from sticking and make for an easy release once baked.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, optional garlic powder, black pepper, and sugar. Next, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Coating the cheese bits with flour helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom, ensuring cheesy pockets throughout the bread.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, sour cream, egg, and melted butter. This wet mixture brings moisture and richness, merging perfectly with the cheesy dry ingredients to create a batter that’s easy to stir but not overworked.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry bowl and gently fold them together. Stir just until combined; the batter should be somewhat lumpy and thick. Overmixing can make the bread tough, so a light hand is key here for the best texture.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top turns a gorgeous golden color and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The house will start smelling heavenly about halfway through!
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the bread set up and makes slicing much easier. Then, slice and prepare for your first cheesy bite.
How to Serve Easy Cheddar Cheese Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley over each slice for a pop of color and fresh flavor. For an extra cheesy crust, sprinkle grated cheddar on top before baking. A light brush of melted butter on warm slices also elevates the bread’s richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with soups such as tomato basil or creamy broccoli cheddar, making for a comforting meal. It also complements salads or roasted vegetables perfectly, acting as a flavorful accompaniment that brings hearty satisfaction.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this savory loaf into a fun appetizer by slicing it into sticks and serving it alongside a spicy tomato dip or honey mustard sauce. You can also hollow out a loaf to create a cheese-filled bread bowl for dips or spreads — talk about impressive and oh-so-delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain freshness. If you want to keep them soft, adding a slice of apple in the container helps retain moisture.
Freezing
For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze the slices individually in freezer-safe bags. This makes it easy to grab just what you need without thawing the whole loaf. The bread will stay delicious for up to three months in the freezer.
Reheating
To enjoy leftover bread, reheat slices in a toaster oven or oven at 325°F for about 10 minutes until warm and slightly crisp on the edges. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the bread’s texture intact, as it can get soggy quickly.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar gives this bread its signature tang, you can try gouda, mozzarella, or pepper jack for unique variations. Just keep the amount the same to maintain the right texture.
Is this bread gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free. However, you could experiment with gluten-free flour blends that are suitable for baking to create a gluten-free version, though texture may vary.
Can I add mix-ins to the Easy Cheddar Cheese Bread Recipe?
Yes, adding ingredients like chopped chives, cooked bacon bits, or even jalapeño slices can enhance flavor and add texture. Just fold them in with the cheese before mixing wet ingredients.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
The bread is done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean without wet batter. Depending on your oven, you may want to start checking around 45 minutes.
Can I make this bread dairy-free?
To make this bread dairy-free, substitute dairy milk with plant-based milk, use dairy-free sour cream alternatives, and replace butter with a plant-based spread. Keep in mind this may slightly alter the flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about baking this Easy Cheddar Cheese Bread Recipe—it’s a reminder that simple ingredients and a bit of love can create something wonderfully comforting and delicious. Once you try it, you’ll have a new favorite to share at brunches, family dinners, or anytime you crave that perfect cheesy bite. Give it a go and watch this bread quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen!
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Easy Cheddar Cheese Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8 servings)
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Cheddar Cheese Bread is a deliciously moist and savory quick bread packed with sharp cheddar cheese and a hint of garlic and black pepper. Perfect for a comforting snack or alongside soups and salads, this no-yeast bread comes together quickly and bakes to golden perfection with a cheesy crust.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). 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 flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, garlic powder (if using), black pepper, and sugar. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s evenly coated with the dry mixture to prevent clumping.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole milk, sour cream, egg, and melted butter until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently just until combined; avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender and soft.
- Fill Loaf Pan and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For extra flavor, mix in 1/4 cup chopped chives or cooked, crumbled bacon to the batter before baking.
- Sprinkle additional shredded cheddar cheese on top of the batter before baking for a cheesier crust.
- This bread is best eaten fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or frozen for longer storage.
