If you’ve been dreaming of the perfect savory quick bread, look no further than this Cheese Bread. This recipe bakes up golden and beautifully cheesy—packed with sharp cheddar and made extra tender thanks to sour cream and a touch of melted butter. Whether you serve it warm from the oven or toasted the next day, every bite delivers that irresistible comfort of melty cheese swirled into a soft, flavorful loaf. It’s a homemade treat that adds excitement to any meal, and trust me, you’ll find reasons to bake up this Cheese Bread again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Cheese Bread is how accessible and straightforward the ingredients are! Each item brings its own magic—from tangy sour cream to the rich sharpness of cheddar—creating a bread that’s big on flavor and delightfully simple to throw together.
- All-purpose flour: This is your base, giving the Cheese Bread structure and a tender crumb.
- Baking powder: Helps the bread rise up beautifully, ensuring a soft, fluffy texture.
- Salt: Balances all the flavors and enhances the cheese’s savory notes.
- Garlic powder (optional): Adds a subtle garlicky warmth that really complements the cheese.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The star of the show! Use sharp cheddar for that bold, deeply cheesy flavor.
- Milk: Adds moisture and helps bring the dough together without overworking it.
- Sour cream: Infuses the loaf with extra tenderness and a gentle tang.
- Unsalted butter (melted): A dose of richness that makes every bite moist and satisfying.
- Large egg: Binds everything together and adds just the right amount of lift.
How to Make Cheese Bread
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C)—you want it hot and ready as soon as the batter comes together. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray; a well-greased pan guarantees your Cheese Bread releases perfectly and keeps its gorgeous crust intact.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and optional garlic powder. Whisking not only blends everything evenly but also helps to aerate the flour a little, which means lighter bread!
Step 3: Add the Cheese
Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until every strand is coated with the flour mixture. This simple move ensures the cheese gets evenly distributed throughout the loaf instead of sinking to the bottom—a small step that makes a big difference.
Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, sour cream, melted butter, and egg until the mixture looks smooth and runny. The sour cream keeps things tender, while the melted butter adds flavor from the start.
Step 5: Bring It All Together (But Don’t Overmix!)
Pour the wet ingredients over the dry mix. Gently stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Don’t overdo it—mixing just until there are no dry streaks keeps your Cheese Bread moist and light, never tough.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top. Slide it into the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. When the Cheese Bread’s top is deeply golden and a toothpick in the center comes out clean, you’re good to go! Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack. Wait just a bit longer so slicing doesn’t squish your lovely loaf.
How to Serve Cheese Bread
Garnishes
For an eye-catching finish and a flavor boost, try topping slices of Cheese Bread with a sprinkle of fresh chives, chopped parsley, or even a little extra shredded cheese just before serving. A light brush of melted butter right across the crust takes it straight into bakery territory!
Side Dishes
Cheese Bread plays well with everything—serve it with soups like tomato basil or creamy potato, alongside chili, or as a savory counterpart to salads and breakfast scrambles. It’s hearty enough to stand alone, but it also elevates any meal with a little extra flair.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice Cheese Bread thick and toast it for open-faced sandwiches, or cube it up for a killer addition to a bread basket. For gatherings, cut into bite-sized pieces and set out with spreads like whipped herb butter or roasted garlic for easy snacking. It’s also a fantastic base for savory bread puddings!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cool, wrap your Cheese Bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it at room temperature for up to 2 days. For slightly longer storage, pop it in the fridge, where it’ll stay fresh for 3-4 days—just be sure it’s well-wrapped to keep it from drying out.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Cheese Bread! Slice it first for easy grab-and-go portions or wrap the entire cooled loaf in plastic wrap followed by foil. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or overnight in the fridge whenever you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
For the freshest flavor, reheat individual slices in a toaster or warm the whole loaf in a low oven (about 300°F) for 10-15 minutes. This perks up the texture and brings back that just-baked aroma, almost as if it’s fresh from the oven again!
FAQs
Can I use different cheeses in this Cheese Bread?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar gives the most flavor, you can swap in Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a mix of cheeses for different flavor profiles. Just keep the total amount the same so the texture stays spot-on.
Do I have to use sour cream?
If you don’t have sour cream on hand, you can substitute plain Greek yogurt or even buttermilk. Both will keep your loaf tender and moist while adding a subtle tang—just like the original.
Can I make this Cheese Bread gluten-free?
Yes, all-purpose gluten-free flour blends work well in this recipe. Just double-check that your baking powder is gluten-free, and you should get a delicious, fluffy result.
Why is it important not to overmix the batter?
Overmixing the batter can develop too much gluten, which leaves the Cheese Bread dense and tough rather than light and tender. Stir just until everything’s incorporated, and you’ll be rewarded with the perfect crumb!
Can I add other ingredients to my Cheese Bread?
Definitely—feel free to stir in extras like chopped green onions, cooked bacon, minced jalapeños, or herbs for your own twist. It’s a forgiving batter, so get creative and make it your signature loaf!
Final Thoughts
This Cheese Bread is the kind of recipe you’ll want to bookmark, bake, and share with everyone you know. It’s comfort food at its easiest and most delicious—so go ahead and treat yourself (and your kitchen) to a loaf very soon. Happy baking!
Print
Cheese Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cheese Bread recipe yields a savory and delicious loaf packed with sharp cheddar cheese and a hint of garlic, perfect for a quick and easy side dish.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder. Stir in the shredded cheese.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, sour cream, melted butter, and egg until smooth.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Bake: Spread the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 45 to 50 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool before slicing.
Notes
- You can customize by using different cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella.
- Enhance the flavor with additions like green onions, bacon, or herbs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
