This recipe provides instructions for making a savory and flavorful Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread, a type of loaf that doesn’t rely on yeast for leavening, making it quick and easy to prepare. This bread features a moist and tender crumb infused with the sharp and cheesy flavor of cheddar cheese. The cheese is typically incorporated into the batter in shredded form, melting as the bread bakes and creating pockets of cheesy goodness throughout. The batter is usually made with flour, baking powder (as the leavening agent), salt, sugar (often in a small amount to balance the savory flavors), eggs for binding and richness, milk or buttermilk for moisture, and melted butter or oil for tenderness. Some variations may include additional savory ingredients like garlic powder, onion powder, or herbs such as chives or parsley to complement the cheese. The bread is baked until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Served warm or at room temperature, Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread is a delicious accompaniment to soups, salads, or chili, or can be enjoyed on its own as a savory snack. The top image shows a clear square baking dish filled with a pale yellow, slightly lumpy batter, generously topped with shredded yellow cheddar cheese. The bottom image shows a golden-brown loaf of baked bread with visible melted cheddar cheese on top, garnished with a few green herbs.
The defining ingredient of this quick bread is cheddar cheese, typically shredded, which is incorporated into the batter and often sprinkled on top before baking. The cheddar provides a sharp, savory, and cheesy flavor that permeates the bread.
The base of the bread is all-purpose flour, providing structure.
Baking powder acts as the leavening agent, allowing the bread to rise without the need for yeast.
Salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients, particularly the cheese.
Sugar is often included in a small amount to balance the savory flavors and contribute to the bread’s browning.
Eggs provide binding, richness, and moisture to the bread.
Milk or buttermilk is used as the liquid ingredient, contributing to the moist and tender crumb. Buttermilk can also add a slight tanginess that complements the cheese.
Melted butter or vegetable oil adds richness and tenderness to the bread.
Optional savory additions can enhance the flavor profile. Garlic powder and onion powder can add a subtle savory depth. Chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley can provide a fresh, aromatic note.
The preparation involves whisking together the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and any powdered seasonings). In a separate bowl, the wet ingredients (eggs, milk or buttermilk, and melted butter or oil) are combined. The wet ingredients are then added to the dry ingredients and mixed until just combined. Shredded cheddar cheese (and any chopped herbs) are folded into the batter. The batter is then poured into a greased loaf pan and baked until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread is best served warm or at room temperature. It can be enjoyed on its own, sliced and buttered, or as an accompaniment to other dishes.
The texture is typically moist and tender, with pockets of melted cheese throughout. The crust is golden brown and slightly firm.
The flavor is predominantly savory and cheesy, with the sharp taste of cheddar balanced by the other ingredients. Optional additions like garlic, onion, or herbs add further complexity.
Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread is a savory, no-yeast loaf featuring a moist and tender crumb infused with melted cheddar cheese, often with optional savory seasonings or herbs.
The preparation involves combining dry and wet ingredients separately, mixing them together, folding in shredded cheddar cheese (and optional additions), pouring into a loaf pan, and baking until golden brown and cooked through.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup milk or buttermilk
- ¼ cup melted unsalted butter or vegetable oil
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, plus more for topping
- Optional: 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional: 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Optional: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or parsley
Equipment:
- 9×5 inch loaf pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Optional: grater (if using a block of cheddar)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. If using, whisk in the garlic powder and onion powder.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk or buttermilk, and melted butter or oil until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir with a spoon or whisk until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- Fold in Cheese and Herbs: Gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese (reserving some for the top, if desired) and any chopped fresh chives or parsley into the batter until evenly distributed.
- Pour into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
- Add Cheese Topping (Optional): If desired, sprinkle a little extra shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the batter.
- Bake the Bread: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown.
- Cool in Pan: Let the bread cool in the loaf pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve: Slice and serve the Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread warm or at room temperature.
Tips and Variations:
- Cheese Variations: You can use other types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Colby, or a sharp cheddar for a stronger flavor.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with other herbs like thyme or rosemary for a different savory note.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the batter for a bit of heat.
- Add Ins: Consider adding cooked and crumbled bacon, diced ham, or sautéed vegetables like chopped bell peppers or onions for a more substantial bread.
- Buttermilk Substitution: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to ¾ cup of milk and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Muffin Variation: This batter can also be used to make cheddar cheese muffins. Bake in a greased muffin tin at the same temperature for about 18-22 minutes.
Enjoy this easy and delicious Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread!