Easy Cheddar Cheese Bread Recipe
If you’ve ever dreamed of biting into a warm, fluffy bread bursting with rich cheddar flavor, then this Easy Cheddar Cheese Bread Recipe is for you. It’s a perfect blend of sharp cheddar, tender crumb, and just the right amount of tang from buttermilk and Greek yogurt. Whether you’re new to baking or just want a no-fuss savory bread, this recipe delivers consistent, mouthwatering results every single time. You’ll find it’s the ultimate comfort food companion that steals the show at any meal or gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the first step to making this Easy Cheddar Cheese Bread Recipe shine. Each component plays an essential role, from the sharp cheddar giving bold flavor and golden color, to the buttermilk and yogurt creating a moist, tender crumb that’s impossible to resist.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that forms the bread’s structure, making it satisfyingly soft yet firm.
- Baking powder: Your bread’s best friend for rise and lightness, ensuring it’s not dense.
- Baking soda: Helps with additional leavening and works with the acidity of the buttermilk for a perfect texture.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors—never skip this!
- Black pepper: Just a hint for a subtle, savory kick that lifts the cheese beautifully.
- Unsalted butter: Melted to add richness and a moist crumb without overpowering the cheddar.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The star ingredient, packing every slice with cheesy goodness.
- Buttermilk: Provides acidity to activate leaveners and adds a tender, tangy note.
- Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream: Adds extra moisture and a lovely slight tang for depth.
- Large egg: Binds everything together for perfect loaf consistency.
How to Make Easy Cheddar Cheese Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start strong by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan. This step ensures your bread cooks evenly and doesn’t stick to the pan, giving you that perfect crust.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and black pepper. Mixing these first helps distribute the leaveners evenly throughout the flour, which means your bread will rise nicely and have consistent flavor.
Step 3: Add Butter and Cheese
Pour in the melted butter to the dry mixture and stir just until the mixture becomes crumbly—this helps to create a tender crumb in your bread. Next, add the shredded sharp cheddar and fold it gently, letting the cheese spread throughout for pockets of rich cheddar flavor in every bite.
Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), and the large egg together until smooth. This creamy mixture is what makes the bread moist and slightly tangy, balancing out the richness of the cheese.
Step 5: Mix Batter
Pour the wet ingredients into your dry mixture and fold everything together gently. Be careful not to overmix; you want to combine the ingredients just until everything is moistened to keep the bread light and fluffy, not dense.
Step 6: Bake Your Bread
Transfer the batter to your prepared loaf pan and bake in the oven for 45 to 55 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is beautifully golden brown. The aroma alone will have you eagerly waiting!
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Once out of the oven, let the bread cool for 10 to 15 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. This cooling time allows the bread to set properly, making it easier to slice and ensuring it doesn’t crumble. Then slice it up and get ready to enjoy the warm, cheesy goodness.
How to Serve Easy Cheddar Cheese Bread Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra flair, sprinkle freshly chopped chives or parsley on top after it comes out of the oven. A light brush of melted butter right after baking makes the crust shiny and irresistible. You can also add a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar for an extra cheesy finish.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with hearty soups like tomato bisque, chili, or creamy potato soup. It’s also fabulous alongside a fresh garden salad or a platter of charcuterie and olives for a casual gathering. This bread’s versatility means it complements so many dishes!
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the bread into thick rounds for dipping in warm soups, or cut into cubes for a savory bread pudding. You can even toast thick slices and use them as the base for open-faced sandwiches loaded with avocado, tomato, and bacon for a delightful brunch option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover Easy Cheddar Cheese Bread Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Stored this way, it should stay good at room temperature for about 2 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
Freezing
This bread freezes beautifully! Slice it before freezing so you can grab just what you need. Wrap the slices or the whole loaf tightly in foil or freezer-safe bags, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you want a quick snack or side, it’s ready whenever you are.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked taste, reheat slices in a toaster or oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes. You can also warm the whole loaf wrapped in foil. A quick brush of butter after heating makes it taste like it just came out of the oven again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is classic and flavorful, you can experiment with cheeses like gouda, mozzarella, or pepper jack for different textures and tastes. Just keep in mind the cheddar’s sharpness really defines this recipe’s signature flavor.
Do I have to use buttermilk and Greek yogurt?
These ingredients add moisture and acidity that help the bread rise and stay tender. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can mix milk with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar as a substitute. Greek yogurt can be replaced by sour cream or even regular yogurt for similar results.
Can this bread be made gluten-free?
Gluten-free baking requires special flour blends that behave differently. You can try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour with xanthan gum, but results may vary. This recipe is best enjoyed with regular flour for the best texture and rise.
How long will the bread keep fresh?
Stored properly at room temperature, the bread is best eaten within 2 days for optimal freshness. Refrigeration extends its life to about a week, but it’s always tastier when fresh or warmed up.
Can I add herbs or spices to customize the flavor?
Definitely! Adding herbs like rosemary, thyme, or garlic powder enhances the bread’s savory profile. Feel free to experiment—just add your favorites to the dry ingredients before mixing for an extra flavor boost.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about homemade bread, especially when it’s packed with rich, melty cheddar cheese and just the right tangy kick. This Easy Cheddar Cheese Bread Recipe is a delightful way to elevate any meal or snack time without spending hours in the kitchen. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just find your new favorite savory bread that everyone will be asking for again and again!
Print
Easy Cheddar Cheese Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Cheddar Cheese Bread is a flavorful, moist loaf packed with sharp cheddar cheese and a tender crumb. Perfect as a savory snack or a side for soups and salads, this quick bread comes together effortlessly with simple pantry ingredients and bakes to golden perfection in under an hour.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Wet Ingredients
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and black pepper until thoroughly combined.
- Add Butter and Cheese: Pour the melted unsalted butter into the dry ingredients and stir until the mixture looks crumbly. Then gently fold in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, ensuring even distribution.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream), and the large egg until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
- Mix Batter: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Take care not to overmix; stir just until combined to keep the bread tender.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy your savory cheddar cheese bread.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter; overworking can make the bread tough.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for the best flavor, but mild or extra sharp can be substituted based on preference.
- Buttermilk can be replaced with regular milk plus a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar if needed.
- Store leftovers tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Adding herbs like chives or thyme can enhance the flavor if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
