Savory Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread: No Yeast, No Wait!
Craving the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread but don’t have hours to spare? This Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread is your perfect solution. Unlike traditional breads, this recipe requires no yeast and no rising time, meaning you can go from bowl to oven in minutes. It yields a wonderfully soft, tender, and intensely cheesy loaf that’s perfect for slicing and serving with a warm bowl of soup, a fresh salad, or simply enjoying as a satisfying snack on its own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for a savory kick)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons honey (optional, for a slight sweetness)
Easy Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep and Preheat: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and optional garlic powder. This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s coated in the flour mixture.
- Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and optional honey until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
- Combine Everything: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a spatula, gently fold the mixture together until just combined. A few lumps in the batter are perfectly fine; overmixing will make the bread tough.
- Bake to Perfection: Transfer the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly into the corners. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is a beautiful golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This resting period helps the structure set for perfect slices.
FAQs About Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar gives a classic flavor, you can experiment with other hard, meltable cheeses like Gouda, Monterey Jack, or even a pepper jack for a spicy twist.
Why is my quick bread dense?
The most common cause is overmixing the batter. Once the wet and dry ingredients are combined, you should stop stirring. Overworking the gluten in the flour leads to a denser texture.
Can I add other ingredients to this bread?
Yes, this recipe is very adaptable. Feel free to fold in cooked, crumbled bacon, chopped herbs like chives or rosemary, or even some finely diced jalapeños for extra flavor.
How should I store leftover quick bread?
Once completely cool, store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Can I make this bread without the egg?
The egg provides structure and richness. For an egg-free version, you can try using a commercial egg replacer or a “flax egg,” though the texture may be slightly different.