Description
Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread: A savory, easy-to-make bread filled with sharp cheddar cheese, perfect as a side for soups, salads, or stews.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the bread, providing structure and chewiness.
- 1 tbsp baking powder: This leavening agent helps the bread rise quickly, creating a fluffy texture.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the bread.
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional): Adds a subtle hint of garlic, elevating the cheesy flavor.
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: The star of the dish, sharp cheddar lends a rich, tangy complexity to the bread.
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley or chives, chopped: Adds freshness and a pop of color to the bread.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients and helps with the bread’s rise.
- 1 cup whole milk: Adds moisture to the batter, ensuring the bread remains soft and fluffy.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Incorporates rich flavor and moistness into the bread.
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and line a loaf pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tbsp of baking powder, 1/2 tsp of salt, and if desired, 1/4 tsp of garlic powder. Once well-combined, stir in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and the chopped 1 tbsp of fresh parsley or chives.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together 1 large egg, 1 cup of whole milk, and 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter until smooth and fully blended.
- Prepare Batter: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, gently folding together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a denser bread.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Afterward, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy your bread warm or at room temperature!