Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread Recipe

Cheddar cheese quick bread is one of those recipes that feels like comfort in a loaf pan. It’s savory, cheesy, and comes together in about 45 minutes from start to finish. I love making this when I want something impressive but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

I discovered this recipe on a busy weeknight when I needed a side dish for soup and didn’t have time for yeast bread. The aroma of melted cheddar and golden bread filling my kitchen was incredible. This cheddar cheese quick bread became my go-to for potlucks, family dinners, and even lazy weekend brunches. It’s foolproof, requires no kneading, and tastes like you spent all day baking. The best part? You probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry right now.

What You’ll Need to Make This Cheesy Bread

I always use sharp cheddar for the boldest flavor, but feel free to experiment with your favorite cheese. Pro tip: freshly shred your cheese from a block (about 6 ounces) instead of using pre-shredded. It melts better and gives you that gooey, stretchy texture we all love.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional, but I highly recommend it)
• 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk (whole milk works best)
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 2 tablespoons honey (optional, adds subtle sweetness)

My ingredient tip: The garlic powder might seem like a small addition, but it adds amazing depth to this cheddar quick bread. Don’t skip it if you have it on hand.

How to Make Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread Step by Step

I prefer mixing the wet and dry ingredients separately before combining them. This keeps the texture light and fluffy instead of dense.

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan generously with butter or cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder until evenly distributed. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, making sure each piece is coated with the flour mixture. This prevents the cheese from sinking to the bottom.

Step 3: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and honey until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the mixture together until just combined. You should still see a few small lumps. The batter will be thick, similar to muffin batter. Overmixing develops the gluten and leads to tough, dense bread, so stop as soon as you don’t see dry flour.

Step 5: Transfer the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with your spatula.

Step 6: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The edges should pull away slightly from the pan.

Step 7: Let the cheddar cheese quick bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes. This resting time makes it easier to remove without breaking. Transfer to a wire rack to cool for another 10-15 minutes before slicing, or enjoy while still warm for that melty cheese experience.

Perfect Pairings for Your Cheese Bread

This bread shines brightest alongside comforting dishes that balance its rich, savory flavor.

Tomato Basil Soup: The acidity and brightness of tomato soup cut through the richness of the cheese perfectly, making this a classic combination.

Creamy Potato Leek Soup: The mild, velvety texture of potato soup pairs beautifully with the sharp cheddar flavor, creating a cozy meal.

Fresh Garden Salad: A crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, cheesy bread.

Herb-Infused Butter: Spread softened butter mixed with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme on warm slices for an elevated experience.

Chili or Beef Stew: The hearty, protein-rich nature of these dishes makes cheddar quick bread the ideal side for soaking up every last drop.

More Savory Recipes to Serve Alongside This Bread

This cheddar cheese quick bread is the perfect companion to warm, comforting soups and hearty meals. Serve it alongside rich and creamy options like Creamy Hamburger Potato Soup for a satisfying dinner, or pair it with lighter fare like Healing Ginger Garlic Broth with Rice Noodles when looking for a nourishing meal. The cheesy, savory flavor also complements classic favorites like Cheeseburger Soup.

For a complete comfort food spread, this quick bread pairs beautifully with slow-cooked favorites such as Slow Cooker Cowboy Soup, hearty Crockpot Cowboy Soup, or the warming Kielbasa Potato Soup. The bread’s ability to soak up flavorful broths makes it an essential side dish for soup season.

Storing and Reheating Your Quick Bread

Store your cheddar cheese quick bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil at room temperature for up to 2 days. It stays surprisingly moist and flavorful.

For longer storage, I recommend refrigerating it for up to a week in an airtight container. You can also freeze slices individually wrapped in plastic wrap, then placed in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm slices in a 300°F oven for 8-10 minutes or microwave for 20-30 seconds.

Pro tip: Toasting slices in a buttered skillet gives you crispy edges and gooey cheese in the center. It’s incredible for breakfast with scrambled eggs.

Your Cheddar Quick Bread Questions Answered

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