Are you craving a warm and cheesy bread that’s quick and easy to make? Look no further than our Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread recipe! With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a delicious loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a savory snack any time of day. Loaded with sharp cheddar cheese and baked to golden perfection, this bread is sure to become a new favorite in your household. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to bake up a storm!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar until well combined.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until evenly distributed throughout the dry ingredients.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, and egg until smooth.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense loaf.
- Transfer to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Customize the Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere, pepper jack, or even blue cheese, to change up the flavor profile of the bread.
- Add Herbs and Spices: Enhance the flavor of the bread by adding herbs and spices such as garlic powder, dried oregano, or chopped fresh chives.
- Incorporate Mix-Ins: Get creative by adding mix-ins like cooked bacon, diced jalapenos, or caramelized onions for extra flavor and texture.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
- Keto-Friendly Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour for a low-carb alternative. You can also use a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia in place of sugar.
- Low-Carb Variation: Reduce the amount of flour used in the recipe and increase the amount of cheese to create a denser, more cheese-focused bread with fewer carbohydrates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use pre-shredded cheese instead of shredding it myself? A: While pre-shredded cheese can be convenient, it often contains anti-caking agents that may affect the texture of the bread. For the best results, we recommend shredding the cheese yourself from a block of sharp cheddar.
Q: Can I freeze this bread? A: Yes, this Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread freezes well! Allow the bread to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. To reheat, simply thaw the bread in the refrigerator overnight and warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Q: Can I make this bread gluten-free? A: Yes, you can make this bread gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary slightly from the original recipe.
With its irresistible cheesy goodness and simple preparation, our Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re serving it alongside soup, as a side dish with dinner, or simply enjoying it on its own, this bread is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings for something warm, comforting, and utterly delicious. So, why wait? Gather your ingredients and let’s get baking!