If you are craving a warm, savory treat that perfectly balances gooey cheese and tender bread, this Cheddar Cheese Bread Recipe is about to become your new favorite. It bakes up golden and fragrant, with a rich cheesy flavor that shines through every bite, making it ideal for a cozy brunch, snack, or a delightful side. Whether you enjoy it fresh from the oven or paired with your favorite soup, this bread brings comfort and charm to any table, showcasing how simple ingredients come together to create a memorable dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Cheddar Cheese Bread Recipe, the ingredients list is wonderfully straightforward, yet each one plays an essential role. From the sharpness of cheddar to the subtle hint of garlic powder, these ingredients come together to build incredible flavor and hearty texture.
- 2 cups (300g) all-purpose flour: The backbone of your bread, providing structure and a soft crumb.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Our natural leavening agent that makes the bread rise beautifully fluffy.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the cheese’s richness.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional): Adds a gentle aromatic note without overpowering the bread.
- 1½ cups (150g) shredded cheddar cheese: The star ingredient, delivering that irresistible cheesy delight.
- 1 cup (250ml) milk: Keeps the batter moist and tender while enriching the flavor.
- 1 egg: Binds everything together and contributes to the bread’s soft texture.
- ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and a golden crust.
- Extra ¼ cup shredded cheese for topping: For an extra cheesy, golden finish.
- 1–2 tablespoons chopped chives or green onion: Provides a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
- ½ cup cooked diced bacon or ham: Optional, but adds smoky, savory bursts with every bite.
How to Make Cheddar Cheese Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). This ensures your bread bakes evenly and develops a great crust. Grease and line a loaf pan—either 8×4 or 9×5 inch—with parchment paper; it makes removing the bread effortless once it’s baked.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and optional garlic powder. This step is crucial because the baking powder must be evenly distributed for proper rising, and the garlic powder lends subtle depth.
Step 3: Add the Cheese
Now, toss in the shredded cheddar cheese and stir gently until all the cheese is coated in the flour mixture. Coating the cheese this way keeps it suspended throughout the batter so every slice has that classic cheesy goodness without sinking.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and melted butter. This mixture brings moisture and richness, which contrasts beautifully with the dry ingredients for a tender crumb.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir gently until just combined. Take care not to overmix here, as that can make your bread tough instead of soft and fluffy—a common baking trap we definitely want to avoid!
Step 6: Transfer Batter and Top
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top. Sprinkle extra shredded cheese on the surface for that irresistible golden, bubbly crust. This final cheesy touch elevates the flavor and texture.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. As the bread bakes, your kitchen will fill with the warm aroma of cheddar—a fantastic sign that success is near.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Let your freshly baked cheddar cheese bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack. Slicing it warm or at room temperature allows you to savor every cheesy, buttery bite at its best.
How to Serve Cheddar Cheese Bread Recipe
Garnishes
While this bread shines on its own, a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives or green onions adds a delightful freshness and eye-catching color. You can also brush the top with a little melted butter right after baking for extra shine and flavor.
Side Dishes
Cheddar Cheese Bread pairs beautifully with hearty soups like tomato basil, creamy broccoli cheddar, or classic chicken noodle. It’s also a lovely accompaniment to salads or served alongside breakfast eggs and sausage for a satisfying start to the day.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, transform this bread into mini grilled cheese sandwiches by slicing and grilling them with extra cheese and your favorite fillings. Alternatively, cube it for snackable cheese bread croutons to toss into salads or soups, delivering bursts of cheesy goodness in every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover cheddar cheese bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep it from drying out. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to two days, perfect for a quick snack or sandwich base.
Freezing
This Cheddar Cheese Bread Recipe freezes wonderfully. Slice it first, then separate pieces with parchment paper and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When wrapped well, it keeps its flavor and texture for up to three months.
Reheating
To revive your cheese bread, reheat slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through and the crust crisps back up. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the bread chewy instead of crisp.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar gives this bread its signature flavor, you can experiment with cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a spicy pepper jack for a different twist. Just make sure to use a cheese that melts well.
Is it possible to make this bread gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suited for baking, you can make a gluten-free version. Just ensure your baking powder is gluten-free and be mindful that texture may vary slightly.
Can I add herbs or spices to change the flavor?
Definitely. Fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or smoked paprika work beautifully with cheddar and add layers of flavor. Just add them along with the dry ingredients to keep the balance right.
How do I prevent the cheese from sinking to the bottom?
Coating the shredded cheese in flour before mixing it into the batter is the key step here. This simple trick helps suspend the cheese, ensuring it stays evenly distributed throughout the bread instead of dropping to the loaf’s bottom.
Can I double the recipe for a larger loaf?
You can double the ingredients, but be sure to use a larger loaf pan or split the batter into two pans. Also, check the baking time as it may need to increase slightly; always test doneness with a toothpick.
Final Thoughts
This Cheddar Cheese Bread Recipe is a timeless crowd-pleaser that fills your home with irresistible aromas and delivers comforting, cheesy goodness in every slice. It’s simple enough to whip up any day, yet special enough to impress friends and family. I encourage you to try this recipe soon—it’s one of those flavors that never fail to bring a smile.
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Cheddar Cheese Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: 55-60 minutes
- Yield: 8 to 10 slices
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This easy Cheese Bread recipe yields a moist and flavorful loaf packed with shredded cheddar cheese, fresh chives, and smoky bacon or ham pieces. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cheesy snack, this bread combines simple ingredients with straightforward steps for homemade cheesy goodness.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups (300g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Cheese and Add-ins
- 1½ cups (150g) shredded cheddar cheese (or your choice)
- Extra ¼ cup shredded cheese for topping
- 1–2 tablespoons chopped chives or green onion
- ½ cup cooked diced bacon or ham
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (250ml) milk
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and line an 8×4 or 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder until well combined. This helps evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Add cheese: Stir the shredded cheddar cheese into the dry ingredients, tossing until the cheese is well coated with the flour mixture. This prevents the cheese from sinking to the bottom during baking.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and melted butter until smooth and fully blended.
- Mix wet and dry: Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender and light.
- Transfer and top: Spoon the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle extra shredded cheese evenly over the top along with chopped chives or green onions and the cooked diced bacon or ham pieces for added flavor and texture.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45–50 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to set before transferring it to a wire rack. Slice into 8–10 pieces and enjoy warm or at room temperature as a delicious savory snack or side.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon or ham and consider adding chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
- Using room temperature eggs and milk helps the ingredients combine more easily and improves texture.
- Ensure not to overmix the batter to avoid a dense bread.
- You can substitute cheddar cheese with any cheese of your preference such as mozzarella, gouda, or a spicy pepper jack.
- Store leftover bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
