Introduction
There’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh-baked bread, and when you add gooey melted cheese to the mix, you’ve got a recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. I first stumbled upon this easy cheesy quick bread recipe when I was craving something warm and comforting but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The solution? Cheese bread! It’s the perfect blend of savory, cheesy goodness in a soft, pillowy loaf that’s crusty on the outside and irresistibly cheesy on the inside.
I love how simple and forgiving this recipe is. You don’t need any special baking skills or fancy ingredients. In just a little over an hour, you can have a loaf of cheese bread that’s perfect for dinner, a snack, or even as a side to soups and salads. It’s the ideal comfort food—warm, cheesy, and completely satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Versatile
This bread isn’t just for cheese lovers. You can mix in herbs like rosemary or garlic for a flavorful twist. It’s also perfect for customizing—add whatever cheeses you like, or throw in some jalapeños for a spicy kick. The bread itself is light yet sturdy enough to be used for sandwiches or served alongside your favorite soups.
Budget-Friendly
Making cheese bread at home is an affordable way to indulge without breaking the bank. You probably have most of the ingredients already in your pantry, and the cheese doesn’t need to be expensive to make the bread delicious.
Ingredients for the Recipe
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 tablespoon baking powder
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½ teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
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1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or any cheese you prefer)
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1 cup milk
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2 large eggs
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
How to Make This Recipe
Making this cheesy quick bread is as easy as mixing a few ingredients together and popping it in the oven. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, you’ll find this recipe incredibly simple and rewarding. Let’s get started!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the oven is at the perfect temperature to bake the bread to a golden brown.
Step 2: Prepare your baking pan
Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray, or you can line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. This will prevent the bread from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 3: Combine dry ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, sift together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder (if you’re using it). Sifting ensures that your dry ingredients are evenly mixed, preventing any clumps in your bread.
Step 4: Add the cheese
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese) into the dry mixture. Make sure the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the flour. This will create pockets of melty cheese throughout the bread.
Step 5: Mix wet ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of milk, 2 large eggs, and 4 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. The milk and eggs create the moisture needed for a soft, tender bread, while the butter adds richness and flavor.
Step 6: Combine wet and dry ingredients
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir using a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense bread. You want the batter to be thick but not too stiff.
Step 7: Pour into prepared pan
Transfer the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top of the batter so that it bakes evenly. At this point, you can sprinkle a little extra cheese on top if you want an extra cheesy crust.
Step 8: Bake the bread
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top of the bread should be golden and slightly crispy, while the inside should remain soft and fluffy. If you want a more golden crust, you can brush the top with a little melted butter during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Step 9: Cool the bread
Once the bread is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Afterward, transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps to set the texture and prevent it from becoming too crumbly when sliced.
Step 10: Slice and serve
Once the bread has cooled, slice it up and serve it warm. This cheesy bread pairs wonderfully with soups, salads, or as a stand-alone snack. You can even serve it with a little extra butter for an indulgent treat.
Quick and Easy
This recipe is so quick that you’ll have a fresh loaf of cheese bread in under 90 minutes, including prep and baking time. There’s no kneading, no rising, and no waiting for dough to proof. Just mix, pour, bake, and enjoy! It’s the kind of recipe you can whip up in the middle of the week when you want something homemade but don’t have much time.
Customizable
One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can customize it to suit your tastes. Love spicy food? Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of chili flakes to the batter for a little kick. Want a more herby flavor? Try adding fresh chopped rosemary or thyme for a fragrant touch. You can even swap out the cheddar for a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan for a more Italian-inspired bread.
If you’re looking to make this bread even lighter, you can experiment with using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. It will give the bread a heartier texture and a nuttier flavor. You can also try adding a handful of chopped spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for a twist on the classic cheese bread.
Perfect for Guests
This cheese bread is perfect for entertaining! It’s a great addition to a charcuterie board or served alongside your favorite dip. You can also slice it up and serve it as a simple appetizer. The combination of savory cheese and soft bread makes it a crowd-pleaser that’s bound to disappear quickly at any gathering. Best of all, it’s easy to make in advance, and it stays delicious for a few days when stored in an airtight container.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar is the most common cheese used, you can experiment with different varieties like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Gouda. You can even mix a few different cheeses to create a custom flavor profile.
Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes! This bread actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors settle. Once baked, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just slice it first and wrap it tightly before freezing.
Why is my bread dense?
If your bread turned out dense, it might be due to overmixing the batter. Be sure to stir gently until just combined. Also, make sure you’re measuring your flour properly. Too much flour can lead to a dense texture. Always fluff up the flour before measuring to avoid using too much.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check the instructions on your gluten-free flour package, as some may require additional adjustments, like xanthan gum, for proper texture.
Can I add vegetables to the bread?
Yes, adding vegetables like chopped spinach, bell peppers, or grated zucchini is a great way to add flavor and nutrition to your cheese bread. Just make sure to squeeze out excess moisture from vegetables like zucchini before adding them to the batter.