Cheesy Quick Bread

Imagine the comforting aroma of baking bread filling your kitchen, but without the hours of kneading, rising, and waiting. That’s the magic of Cheesy Quick Bread—a savory, tender, impossibly delicious loaf that comes together in minutes and bakes in under an hour. This is the ultimate easy no-yeast bread recipe for beginners, busy weeknights, or when you need an impressive homemade side dish without the fuss.

More than just a side, this loaf is a versatile superstar. Serve it warm with soup on a chilly night, slice it for sandwiches, or toast it for the best grilled cheese of your life. Packed with melty cheese and customizable with herbs and spices, it’s the answer to the question: “What’s something easy but special I can make?” Let’s dive into this foolproof recipe that will become a staple in your easy baking repertoire.

Why This Cheesy Quick Bread Recipe is a Game-Changer

Before you preheat your oven, let’s talk about why this bread deserves a permanent spot in your recipe box:

· No Yeast, No Waiting: The leavening comes from baking powder and baking soda, meaning there’s no proofing time required. It’s the perfect last-minute bread recipe.
· Incredibly Moist & Tender: The combination of buttermilk and cheese ensures a rich, moist crumb that stays fresh for days.
· Ultimate Customization Base: This is a master recipe. Add jalapeños, cooked bacon, sun-dried tomatoes, or different herbs and cheeses to make it your own.
· Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: It’s universally loved. This bread is a guaranteed hit at potlucks, family dinners, and holiday meals.
· Beginner Baker Friendly: If you can stir, you can make this bread. It’s a fantastic confidence-building baking recipe.

Classic Cheddar Herb Quick Bread Ingredients

This recipe yields one beautifully domed, cheesy 9×5-inch loaf.

Dry Ingredients:

· 3 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
· 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
· 1 tablespoon baking powder
· 1 teaspoon garlic powder
· 1 teaspoon onion powder
· 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
· 1/2 teaspoon salt
· 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
· 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
· 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 8 oz)

Wet Ingredients:

· 1 1/4 cups buttermilk, at room temperature*
· 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
· 1 large egg, at room temperature
· 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 2 tsp dried)
· 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped (optional)

*No Buttermilk? Make a quick substitute: Place 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon of white vinegar or lemon juice in a measuring cup. Add enough regular milk to reach the 1 1/4 cup line. Stir and let sit for 5-10 minutes until slightly curdled.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Quick Bread

Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Preheat your oven to350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray. For extra insurance, you can line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the two long sides for easy removal.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl,whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, and paprika. Whisk for a full 30 seconds to ensure the leaveners are evenly distributed—this is key for an even rise. Toss in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, coating it in the flour mixture. This helps prevent the cheese from sinking to the bottom.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl or large measuring jug,whisk together the buttermilk, melted (and slightly cooled) butter, and the egg until smooth and fully combined. Stir in the fresh herbs.

Step 4: Mix Gently (The Key to Tenderness!)
Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients.Pour the wet mixture into the well. Using a sturdy silicone spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold the ingredients together. Mix just until the last traces of dry flour disappear. The batter will be thick, shaggy, and somewhat lumpy—DO NOT OVERMIX. Overmixing is the #1 cause of tough, dense quick bread.

Step 5: Pan and Top
Scrape the thick batter into your prepared loaf pan.Use the spatula to smooth the top into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the loaf pan on the center oven rack.Bake for 45-55 minutes. The bread is done when it is deeply golden brown on top, the cheese is bubbling, and a long toothpick or thin knife inserted into the very center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).

Step 7: Cool for the Perfect Slice
This is the hardest part!Let the bread cool in the pan, set on a wire rack, for at least 20 minutes. Then, run a knife around the edges and use the parchment overhang (if using) to lift it out. Let it cool on the rack for another 30-60 minutes before slicing with a serrated knife. Slicing it while too hot will cause it to gum up.

Pro Tips & Flavor Variations for Every Occasion

· The Room Temperature Trick: Using room temperature buttermilk and egg ensures they incorporate smoothly with the melted butter without seizing it up, leading to a more even crumb.
· Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese is coated with anti-caking agents that can make your bread greasy and hinder melting. For the best flavor and melt, buy a block of cheese and grate it yourself.
· Test for Doneness Accurately: Ovens vary. Start checking at 45 minutes. If the top is browning too quickly, tent it loosely with aluminum foil for the remainder of the bake time.
· Flavor Twist Ideas:
· Jalapeño Cheddar: Add 1-2 finely diced jalapeños (seeds removed for less heat) to the wet ingredients.
· Everything Bagel: Replace the cheddar with 1.5 cups of shredded mozzarella and fold 2 tbsp of Everything Bagel seasoning into the batter. Top with more seasoning.
· Bacon & Scallion: Fold in 1 cup of cooked, crumbled bacon and 1/3 cup of sliced scallions.
· Sun-Dried Tomato & Parmesan: Use 1 cup of cheddar and 1 cup of grated Parmesan. Add 1/3 cup of chopped, oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes.
· Make it a Bread Bowl: Bake the batter in a greased oven-safe bowl for a round loaf perfect for serving dips right in the center.

Essential Baking Equipment for Perfect Quick Bread

Having the right tools makes the process seamless and ensures consistent, professional results every time.

Your Quick Bread Toolkit

9×5-Inch Loaf Pan: This is the standard size for most quick bread recipes. A light-colored metal pan is ideal as it promotes even browning. Dark non-stick pans can cause the crust to over-brown before the center is done; if using one, consider reducing the oven temperature by 25°F.

Large Mixing Bowls: You’ll need at least two—one for dry ingredients and one for wet. Glass or stainless steel bowls are perfect. A set of nesting bowls is a kitchen essential.

Digital Kitchen Scale (Highly Recommended): For the most accurate baking, weigh your flour. 3 cups of spooned-and-leveled all-purpose flour weighs approximately 360 grams. This eliminates any variance from how you scoop.

Whisk and Silicone Spatula: A balloon whisk is perfect for thoroughly combining dry ingredients and aerating them. A flexible silicone spatula is gentle enough for folding wet and dry ingredients together without overworking the gluten.

Box Grater or Food Processor with Grating Disk: For grating your own cheese quickly and efficiently. Freshly grated cheese is a non-negotiable step for the best texture.

Wire Cooling Rack: Essential for proper cooling. It allows air to circulate around the baked loaf, preventing a soggy bottom and ensuring it sets correctly for slicing.

This simple collection of tools will serve you for all your easy homemade bread baking adventures.

Serving, Storing, and Freezing Guide

· Serving Suggestions:
· Soup’s Best Friend: Serve warm slices with a bowl of hearty soup, potato soup, or homemade chili.
· Appetizer Star: Cut into cubes and serve with a warm spinach artichoke dip or marinara sauce.
· Breakfast or Brunch: Toast slices and top with a fried egg and avocado.
· The Ultimate Grilled Cheese: Use day-old slices for an incredibly flavorful grilled cheese sandwich.
· Storage: Once completely cool, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
· Freezing Instructions: This bread freezes beautifully. Wrap the fully cooled loaf (or individual slices) tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil or a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature or warm slices directly in a toaster oven.

Conclusion: The Simple Joy of Homemade Bread

This Cheesy Quick Bread is more than just a recipe—it’s a gateway to the profound satisfaction of baking. It proves that you don’t need special skills or hours of time to fill your home with the irresistible smell and taste of freshly baked bread. It’s a testament to the power of simple ingredients combined with a reliable technique.

Each slice, with its golden crust, tender interior, and pockets of melted cheese, is a little celebration of homemade goodness. It’s the kind of food that makes a simple meal feel special and gathers people around the table. So, preheat your oven, grate that cheese, and in less than an hour, you’ll experience the warm, cheesy, utterly delightful reward of baking your own perfect loaf.

Ready to bake? This foolproof recipe is waiting for you. Share it with friends, adapt it to your tastes, and enjoy the simple, delicious magic of homemade cheesy quick bread.

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