Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread

🧀 Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread: A Complete Guide to Savory Comfort

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Introduction

There’s something truly comforting about freshly baked quick bread loaded with sharp cheddar cheese. It’s warm, buttery, with a moist crumb and a crisp golden crust. Unlike traditional yeast breads, this quick bread uses baking powder and baking soda as leavening agents, which means it can be prepared in a fraction of the time. Whether you’re serving it as a side to soups and stews, slicing it for sandwiches, or enjoying it with a pat of butter and a cup of tea, cheddar cheese quick bread is a versatile classic.

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Ingredients Breakdown

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour: The base structure of your bread.

• 1 tablespoon baking powder: Primary leavening agent, helping the bread rise quickly.

• ½ teaspoon baking soda: Works with the acid (sour cream or buttermilk) to improve texture.

• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors.

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional): Adds subtle savory depth.

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional): For a smoky undertone that pairs beautifully with cheddar.

Cheese

• 1½ cups (about 6 oz or 170g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: The star ingredient! Sharp cheddar provides a punchy flavor and melty texture.

• Optional: Mix in ½ cup shredded Parmesan for extra umami.

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup (240ml) sour cream or Greek yogurt: Adds moisture and tang; helps tenderize the crumb.

• ½ cup (120ml) whole milk or buttermilk: Keeps the batter moist.

• 2 large eggs, room temperature: Binds the ingredients and enriches the bread.

• ¼ cup (60ml) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled: Adds richness and softness.

Optional Add-ins

• 1–2 finely chopped green onions or chives: For a fresh onion flavor.

• ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon: Adds smoky, savory notes.

• ½ cup diced jalapeños: For a spicy kick.

• 1 teaspoon dried herbs like thyme or rosemary: For aromatic complexity.

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Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowls

• Whisk

• Wooden spoon or spatula

• 9x5-inch loaf pan (preferably nonstick or greased)

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Grater for cheese

• Cooling rack

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray and line with parchment paper for easy removal.

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Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, garlic powder, and smoked paprika (if using). Make sure everything is evenly combined to prevent pockets of leavening agents.

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Step 3: Combine the Cheese and Add-ins

Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese along with any optional add-ins such as green onions, bacon, or jalapeños. Make sure the cheese is well distributed so every bite has cheesy goodness.

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Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, sour cream, milk, and melted butter until smooth. The eggs should be at room temperature to ensure even mixing.

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Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold using a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix just until combined—do not overmix, or your bread could turn out tough. The batter will be thick but moist.

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Step 6: Transfer to Pan and Smooth Top

Spoon the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. If desired, sprinkle a little extra shredded cheddar or Parmesan on top for a golden cheesy crust.

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Step 7: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

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Step 8: Cool

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting period lets the bread set and finish cooking inside.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with butter, honey, or jam.

• Pair with soups like tomato bisque, chili, or butternut squash.

• Use slices for sandwiches with ham, turkey, or roast beef.

• Serve alongside a fresh green salad for a light lunch.

• Toast slices and top with avocado and a poached egg for brunch.

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Tips for Perfect Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread

1. Cheese Quality Matters: Use sharp cheddar for the best flavor; pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents which can affect melting.

2. Don’t Overmix: Overworking the batter can activate gluten and lead to dense, rubbery bread.

3. Add Moisture: Sour cream or Greek yogurt help keep the bread moist and tender.

4. Check Oven Temperature: Oven temps vary; use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.

5. Use Fresh Leaveners: Ensure your baking powder and soda are fresh for a good rise.

6. Make Ahead: This bread tastes great the day it’s baked, but also improves after a day as flavors meld.

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Variations to Explore

1. Jalapeño Cheddar Quick Bread

Add diced jalapeños and swap half the cheddar for pepper jack cheese for heat and a melty texture.

2. Herb and Garlic

Add minced garlic and fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley for an aromatic twist.

3. Bacon Cheddar

Fold in cooked, crispy bacon for smoky, savory goodness.

4. Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil

Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil leaves for an Italian-inspired bread.

5. Whole Wheat Version

Replace 1 cup of all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and denser texture.

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Nutritional Info (per slice, approx.)

• Calories: 220-250

• Fat: 14g

• Carbohydrates: 18g

• Protein: 8g

• Sodium: 400mg

Note: Varies based on add-ins.

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Troubleshooting Common Problems

Issue	Cause	Solution
Bread too dense	Overmixing or too much flour	Mix gently and measure flour accurately
Bread too dry	Overbaking or too little fat/liquid	Check oven temp and add sour cream or yogurt
Bread sinks in middle	Underbaking or too much leavening	Bake fully and use correct leavening amounts
Bread sticks to pan	Insufficient greasing or no parchment	Grease well or line pan