Name: Quick Cheese Bread
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 2 Cups All Purpose Flour; 1 Tablespoon Sugar; 2 teaspoons Garlic Powder; 2 teaspoons Baking Powder; 1 teaspoon Salt; 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda; 4 Tablespoons Butter (Melted and Cooled slightly); 1 1/3 Cups Buttermilk; 2 Large Eggs; 3 Cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese

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Oh my goodness, you’re going to love this Quick Cheese Bread! It’s the kind of recipe that makes your kitchen smell absolutely heavenly and has everyone asking “what’s in the oven?” This is one of those back-pocket recipes I treasure – the type you can whip up in under an hour using ingredients you probably already have tucked away in your pantry and fridge. Perfect for those cozy winter days when you need something warm and cheesy to pair with your favorite hearty comfort foods.

The beauty of this bread is in its simplicity. Every time I bring it to a potluck or chili cook-off, it vanishes faster than you can say “pass the butter!” There’s something magical about pulling a golden-brown loaf from the oven, watching the steam escape as you slice into it, revealing a tender, cheesy interior that’s just begging to be enjoyed.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Let me count the ways! First off, this bread has the most incredible texture – it’s perfectly soft with pockets of melted cheese throughout that create these irresistible cheesy bites. The crumb is tender but sturdy enough to hold up to dunking in your favorite soup or stew.

What really makes this recipe shine is how adaptable it is. While I’m head over heels for the classic sharp cheddar version, you can really make it your own. Some days I’ll toss in a handful of pepper jack for a spicy kick, other times I’ll go all in with a blend of Italian cheeses. The garlic powder adds this subtle savory note that makes every bite absolutely crave-worthy!

Best of all? You don’t need any fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. Just your basic baking staples, good cheese, and about an hour of your time. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a professional baker, even if you’re just starting your baking journey!

Ingredients Overview

Let’s talk about what makes this cheese bread so incredibly delicious! Each ingredient plays a special role in creating that perfect texture and flavor we’re after.

All-Purpose Flour (2½ cups) – The foundation of our bread! I prefer spooning the flour into measuring cups rather than scooping directly from the bag. This prevents over-packing, which can lead to dry bread – nobody wants that!
Sharp Cheddar Cheese (2½ cups) – The star of the show! While I absolutely love using sharp cheddar for its bold flavor, you can experiment with other varieties. Just like in my loaded hash brown patties, the cheese creates pockets of melty goodness throughout.
Buttermilk (1 cup) – This magical ingredient brings tenderness and a subtle tang. Don’t have any? Mix 1 cup regular milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Eggs (2 large) – These bind everything together and add richness. Make sure they’re room temperature!
Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon) – Just enough to complement the cheese without overpowering it.
Baking Soda (1 teaspoon) – Our leavening agent that helps create that perfect rise.

Success Tips & Tricks

After years of testing and tweaking (and countless loaves later!), here are my tried-and-true tips for perfect cheese bread every time:

Temperature Matters – Just like when making cheesy empanadas, room temperature ingredients blend much more smoothly. Let your eggs and buttermilk sit out for about 30 minutes before starting.
Cheese Grating – While pre-shredded cheese works, freshly grated cheese melts more evenly and gives better flavor. Plus, it doesn’t have the anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
Don’t Overmix – Mix just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing develops gluten, which can make your bread tough instead of tender.
Testing Doneness – Insert a toothpick in the center – it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, but no wet batter.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let me walk you through making this incredibly cheesy bread that my family requests constantly! The process is straightforward and you’ll have fresh-baked bread in no time.

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)
• Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray
• Have all ingredients at room temperature

Mixing the Batter

1. Start with the dry ingredients in a large bowl – whisk together:
– 2½ cups all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 1½ teaspoons garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon baking soda

2. Mix in 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese. I love using sharp cheddar for extra flavor, just like in my favorite cheese buns.

3. In a separate bowl, beat together:
– ¼ cup melted butter (cooled slightly)
– 1¼ cups buttermilk
– 2 large eggs

4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Be careful not to overmix – a few small lumps are perfectly fine!

Baking Instructions

1. Pour batter into your prepared loaf pan
2. Smooth the top with a spatula
3. Sprinkle remaining ½ cup cheese on top
4. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes
5. Remove foil and bake additional 20-25 minutes until golden brown
6. Test with a toothpick – it should come out clean
7. Cool in pan for 10 minutes before removing

Recipe Variations and Uses

This versatile bread pairs beautifully with my garlic cheese bombs for the ultimate cheese lover’s feast! Here are some of my favorite ways to customize it:

Cheese Options

• Pepper Jack for a spicy kick
• Mozzarella for a milder, stretchy texture
• Mixed Italian cheese blend
• Sharp provolone
• Smoked gouda

Add-In Ideas

• Crispy bacon bits
• Diced jalapeños
• Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme
• Caramelized onions
• Sun-dried tomatoes

These variations remind me of my popular pizza bombs – the possibilities are endless!

Serving Suggestions

• Slice and toast for breakfast
• Serve alongside soups or stews
• Make mini grilled cheese sandwiches
• Cut into cubes for croutons
• Perfect for dunking in marinara sauce

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this without buttermilk?
Oh goodness, yes! I get this question all the time. You can make your own buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of regular milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes, and voilà! Just like I do in my cream cheese stuffed bagels, this little trick works perfectly.

Why did my cheese bread turn out dense?
Usually, this comes down to overmixing or too much flour. I’ve made this mistake before – trust me! Remember to spoon and level your flour (don’t scoop!) and mix just until the ingredients come together. A few lumps are your friends here!

Can I freeze individual slices?
You bet! I do this all the time for my family. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months and thaw quickly when you need them. Perfect for busy mornings!

How do I know when it’s completely done?
The toothpick test is your best friend here! Insert it into the center – it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If you see wet batter, give it another 5 minutes and check again.

Recipe Notes & Storage Tips

Oh my goodness, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve made this bread for potlucks and family gatherings! Here are my tried-and-true tips from years of baking:

Storage Guidelines

• Room temperature: Keep in an airtight container for 2-3 days
• Refrigerator: Stays fresh for 4-5 days
• Freezer: Wrapped tightly, lasts up to 3 months

Pro Tips

• Let ingredients come to room temperature for the best texture
• Shred your own cheese if possible – it melts better!
• Don’t skip the foil tent during initial baking
• Cool completely before slicing for clean cuts

I absolutely love seeing your creations! Tag me in your photos or leave a comment below – it makes my day to hear how your cheese bread turned out. Happy baking, friends! 💕