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
Scale
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.
