This irresistibly savory Cheddar Quick Bread combines the comfort of homemade bread with the rich flavor of cheddar cheese, all without the need for yeast or lengthy rising times. Ready in just an hour, this moist, tender bread delivers a perfect balance of cheesy goodness with a hint of garlic that makes it ideal for accompanying soups, salads, or enjoying on its own. It’s the ultimate quick bread for cheese lovers and busy home cooks alike!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No Yeast Required: This bread skips the fuss of yeast, rising time, and kneading—perfect when you’re craving homemade bread without the wait.
Versatile: Wonderful alongside soups and stews, as a sandwich base, or simply slathered with butter for a satisfying snack.
Foolproof: Even if you’ve never made bread before, this recipe is nearly impossible to mess up—just mix, pour, and bake.
Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of cheese and garlic creates a flavor profile that wins over everyone from picky kids to discerning adults.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Flour: The foundation of our bread, providing structure and that classic bread texture.
Baking Powder: Our leavening agent that gives the bread its rise without needing yeast.
Sugar: Just a touch to balance the savory flavors and help with browning.
Garlic Powder: Adds that wonderful savory depth that pairs perfectly with cheddar.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and is essential in any good bread recipe.
Whole Milk: Provides richness and moisture for a tender crumb.
Egg: Acts as a binder and adds structure to help the bread hold together.
Butter: Melted butter contributes richness and flavor that makes this bread irresistible.
Cheddar Cheese: The star of the show! Must be freshly shredded from a block for best melting and flavor.

Variations

Want to customize your Cheddar Quick Bread? Here are some delicious twists:

Herb Infusion: Mix in 1-2 tablespoons of fresh herbs like chives, rosemary, or thyme.
Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for heat.
Bacon Edition: Fold in 6-8 slices of cooked, crumbled bacon for a smoky flavor.
Mediterranean Style: Mix in a quarter cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes and some dried basil.
Cheese Blend: Experiment with different cheese combinations—try mixing cheddar with gruyère, pepper jack, or smoked gouda.

How to Make Cheddar Quick Bread

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan. Gather all ingredients so they’re ready to go.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, garlic powder, and salt until well combined.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Create a well in the center of your dry ingredients. Pour in the milk, add the egg, and drizzle in the melted butter.

Step 4: Mix the Batter

Whisk quickly but gently until just combined. The batter will thicken almost immediately—this is exactly what you want! Resist the urge to overmix.

Step 5: Fold in the Cheese

Add your freshly shredded cheddar and fold it in with a rubber spatula. This gentle method preserves the air in your batter and distributes the cheese evenly.

Step 6: Bake

Pour the thick batter into your greased loaf pan, smoothing the top gently. Bake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. This resting period is crucial! Then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling before slicing.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Freshly Shredded Cheese is Non-Negotiable: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent proper melting. Take the extra minute to shred your own.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your milk and egg come to room temperature for more even mixing and better rise.
Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined—overmixing develops gluten, leading to a tougher bread.
Check Doneness Properly: Insert a toothpick in the center—it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, but no wet batter.
Let It Rest: The 10-minute rest in the pan after baking allows the bread to set up properly, preventing it from falling apart when removed.

How to Serve

This Cheddar Quick Bread truly shines alongside other foods but is equally delicious on its own:

Perfect Pairings:

Serve warm slices with a bowl of tomato soup or chili for the ultimate comfort meal
Pair with a crisp green salad for a light lunch
Serve alongside scrambled eggs for a hearty breakfast

Spreads and Toppings:

Slather with butter while still warm
Top with homemade chive cream cheese
Spread with a layer of garlic butter for an extra flavor boost

Serving Occasions:

Cut into cubes for an appetizer with dipping oil
Serve in a bread basket at family dinners
Pack slices in lunchboxes for a special treat

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store completely cooled bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

This bread freezes beautifully! Wrap the completely cooled loaf (or individual slices) tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Freezing individual slices allows you to thaw only what you need.

Reheating

For that fresh-baked flavor, reheat slices in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or toast individual slices. If reheating a whole frozen loaf, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar gives the best flavor punch, you can experiment with any good melting cheese. Gruyère, fontina, or even pepper jack work wonderfully. Just remember to shred it yourself from a block for best results.

Why did my bread turn out dense instead of fluffy?
Dense bread usually results from overmixing or inaccurate measurements. Make sure to mix just until ingredients are combined and use proper measuring techniques—spoon flour into measuring cups and level off rather than scooping directly from the bag, which compacts flour.

Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may be slightly different, but the results are generally good. You might need to add an extra tablespoon or two of milk as gluten-free flours tend to absorb more liquid.

How can I tell when the bread is perfectly done?
The bread should be golden brown on top, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. If you have an instant-read thermometer, the internal temperature should reach about 200°F. Remember that the bread continues cooking slightly as it cools in the pan.

Final Thoughts

This Cheddar Quick Bread brings together simplicity and flavor in a way that makes homemade bread accessible to everyone. It’s the recipe I reach for when I want something special alongside dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. The rich cheese flavor and soft texture make it impossible to eat just one slice! Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a complete novice, I guarantee this will become a recipe you return to time and again. Happy baking!

Cheddar Quick Bread Recipe