Cheesy Quick Bread is a delicious and easy-to-make bread that’s perfect for any occasion. This savory bread is packed with cheddar cheese and can be customized with garlic powder and dried herbs for extra flavor. It’s great as a side for soups and stews, or as a snack on its own. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the ingredients, instructions, and tips for making the perfect Cheesy Quick Bread. Additionally, we’ll provide variations and address frequently asked questions to ensure you achieve the best results.
Ingredients
For the Cheesy Quick Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs (optional, such as rosemary or thyme)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, and garlic powder (if using).
Step 3: Add Cheese
- Add Cheddar Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s evenly distributed throughout the dry ingredients.
Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, and eggs until well combined.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Mix Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter; it’s okay if there are a few lumps.
- Add Herbs: If using dried herbs, gently fold them into the batter at this stage.
Step 6: Bake the Bread
- Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
- Cool Bread: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve: Slice and serve the Cheesy Quick Bread warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!
Cooking Notes and Variations
Cooking Notes
- Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a cheese blend, for varied flavors.
Variations
- Spicy Cheesy Bread: Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or 1 diced jalapeño to the batter for a spicy kick.
- Bacon Cheesy Bread: Fold in 1/2 cup of cooked, crumbled bacon to the batter for a smoky, savory flavor.
- Herb and Garlic Cheesy Bread: Increase the garlic powder to 1 tablespoon and add 2 teaspoons of your favorite dried herbs for a more pronounced herb and garlic flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
A: Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour. Keep in mind that the texture may be denser, and you may need to add a bit more liquid to the batter.
Q2: How do I store leftover bread?
A: Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Q3: Can I make this bread gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular flour to make this bread gluten-free. Be sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Q4: What can I serve with Cheesy Quick Bread?
A: This bread pairs well with soups, stews, salads, or simply with butter. It also makes a great addition to breakfast or brunch spreads.
Q5: Can I add other mix-ins to the bread?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to add chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or caramelized onions for extra flavor and texture.
Cheesy Quick Bread is a delicious and easy-to-make bread that’s perfect for any occasion. With its savory cheese flavor and optional herbs and garlic, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends. Follow these simple steps and tips to create a delightful and satisfying bread that you can enjoy anytime. Serve this tasty bread with your favorite dishes or on its own for a delicious snack!
Whether you’re a beginner baker or an experienced cook, this Cheesy Quick Bread recipe is a great addition to your repertoire. Enjoy the rich flavors and the versatility of this bread, and feel free to experiment with different variations to make it your own.
