Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cheese bread is everything a quick bread should be: simple, fast, and full of flavor. The combination of sharp cheddar, aromatic herbs, and a moist, tender crumb makes it a crowd-pleaser every time. There’s no yeast or complicated proofing—just one bowl, a few pantry staples, and a loaf pan. It’s perfect as a snack, served with chili or stew, or sliced up for breakfast alongside eggs. Once you try it, you’ll keep this recipe on repeat for every occasion.
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Cheese Bread: Easy Quick Bread Recipe for Savory Perfection
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cheese Bread is a quick, savory loaf packed with melted cheddar and Parmesan, offering a golden crust and soft, flavorful crumb — perfect for breakfast, snacks, or alongside soups and stews.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder.
- Stir in shredded cheddar and Parmesan until evenly coated with flour.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, oil (or melted butter), and eggs until smooth.
- Pour wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined — do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add herbs like chives, thyme, or rosemary to the batter.
- Use a mix of cheeses such as mozzarella, pepper jack, or Gruyère for variety.
- This bread can be reheated briefly in the oven to restore crispness.
- Freezes well for up to 3 months — wrap tightly in plastic and foil.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
All-Purpose Flour
Forms the base of the bread, giving it structure while keeping it light and fluffy.
Baking Powder
The key leavening agent that helps the bread rise without yeast, creating a soft, tender crumb.
Salt
Balances the richness of the cheese and enhances all the flavors in the loaf.
Garlic Powder
Adds a subtle savory aroma that pairs perfectly with the cheese.
Dried Herbs (Optional)
A mix of parsley, thyme, or Italian seasoning brings depth and an herby lift to the bread.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
The star of the show—sharp cheddar gives a rich, tangy flavor and that gorgeous melted cheese pull. You can also mix in mozzarella or Monterey Jack for variety.
Milk
Provides moisture and helps bind the ingredients into a smooth, pourable batter.
Eggs
Add structure and richness, ensuring the bread holds together beautifully.
Butter (Melted)
Gives the bread its moist, tender texture and that irresistible buttery flavor.
Sour Cream or Plain Yogurt
Adds moisture and tang, helping create a soft crumb that stays fresh for days.
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and herbs.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, melted butter, and sour cream until smooth.
- Add Cheese: Stir the shredded cheddar into the dry ingredients, coating the cheese with flour to help distribute it evenly.
- Combine Everything: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix—the batter should be thick and slightly lumpy.
- Transfer to Pan: Spoon the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle extra cheese on top for a golden, bubbly crust.
- Bake: Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 1 loaf (about 8–10 slices) and takes approximately 1 hour total—15 minutes prep time and 45 minutes baking time.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover cheese bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm slices in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 5–7 minutes, or toast lightly to restore the crispy crust. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Variations and Customizations
Herb and Garlic Cheese Bread
Add extra garlic and mixed Italian herbs for a more aromatic loaf with a savory twist.
Spicy Jalapeño Cheddar Bread
Fold in diced jalapeños and pepper jack cheese for a bold, spicy flavor.
Bacon Cheddar Bread
Mix in crispy bacon bits for a smoky, indulgent variation that pairs perfectly with soups.
Mozzarella and Parmesan Mix
Use a combination of mozzarella for meltiness and Parmesan for sharp flavor.
Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Loaf
Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil for an Italian-inspired version.
Whole Wheat Option
Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier, denser texture.
Buttermilk Swap
Use buttermilk instead of milk for extra tang and tenderness.
Cheesy Muffins
Turn this recipe into savory muffins by dividing the batter into a 12-cup muffin tin and baking for 18–20 minutes.
Gluten-Free Version
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make this bread gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.
Extra Cheesy Topping
Add an extra layer of shredded cheese halfway through baking for a gooey top crust.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, any good melting cheese like mozzarella, Gouda, or Monterey Jack works well.
Can I skip the sour cream?
You can substitute plain yogurt or add an extra ¼ cup of milk for moisture.
Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Absolutely—bake, cool, and store it. It tastes even better the next day.
Why did my bread turn out dense?
It may have been overmixed. Stir the batter just until combined to keep it light.
Can I add mix-ins like ham or herbs?
Yes, diced ham, herbs, or even chopped scallions add great flavor.
How do I know when it’s done baking?
The loaf should be golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
Can I make this in a different pan?
Yes, you can use a muffin tin or small loaf pans—just adjust baking time accordingly.
How do I keep the bread from sticking to the pan?
Grease the pan well or line it with parchment paper.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and dairy-free cheese alternatives.
What pairs well with this cheese bread?
It’s perfect with soups, salads, pasta dishes, or even served warm with butter or honey.
Conclusion
This Cheese Bread: Easy Quick Bread Recipe is the ultimate combination of simplicity and flavor—crispy, golden crust, gooey cheese, and an aroma that fills your kitchen with comfort. It’s a foolproof recipe that turns everyday ingredients into something truly special. Whether you serve it as a side or enjoy it warm right out of the oven, this cheese bread is a delicious reminder that homemade baking doesn’t have to be complicated to be extraordinary. Once you make it, you’ll find endless excuses to bake it again.
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