Cheddar Bread Recipe

There's something magical about pulling a golden loaf of cheddar bread recipe from your oven; the smell alone makes everyone rush to the kitchen. I've been baking this savory masterpiece for years, and it never fails to impress. Whether you're looking for the perfect side for soup night or just craving something warm and comforting, this cheddar bread recipe delivers every single time.

This isn't your average bread; it's packed with sharp cheddar cheese that creates pockets of melty goodness in every slice. The best part? You don't need fancy equipment or professional skills. This cheddar bread recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want homemade comfort without the fuss — or even as a hearty breakfast option to start your day with something warm and satisfying.

What Makes This Savory Cheddar Loaf Special

Let me tell you why this homemade cheddar bread stands out from other cheese bread recipes. First, the texture is incredible; crusty on the outside with a tender, cheesy interior that practically melts in your mouth. I've tested dozens of variations over the years, and this cheddar bread recipe hits that sweet spot between dense and fluffy. The sharp cheddar cheese creates these beautiful pockets throughout the loaf that get slightly crispy on top while staying gooey inside.

This savory cheddar quick bread pairs beautifully with hearty soups, chili, or even as a base for sandwiches. Unlike traditional yeast breads that require hours of rising time, this cheddar bread recipe uses a quick bread method that gets you from mixing bowl to table in under an hour. It's become my go-to comfort food cheese bread whenever I need something reliable and delicious. Plus, the aroma while it bakes? Absolutely unbeatable.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Expert Cooking Tips
• Recipe Variations & Substitutions
• Equipment Recommendations
• Storage & Meal Prep Tips
• The One Secret That Changes Everything
• FAQ
• Your Next Baking Adventure Awaits
• Related
• Pairing
• Cheddar Bread Recipe

Ingredients

For the Bread Base

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper

For the Cheese & Liquid

• Honey
• Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• Buttermilk
• Melted butter
• Eggs

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Prepare Your Ingredients and Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the rack in the center for even baking.
2. Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan generously with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
3. Shred your sharp cheddar cheese if you haven't already; freshly shredded melts better than pre-packaged.
4. Let your eggs and buttermilk sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes; this helps everything combine smoothly.
5. Measure out all your dry and wet ingredients separately to make the mixing process quick and efficient.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper until well combined.
2. Add 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese to the dry mixture and toss to coat; this prevents the cheese from clumping.
3. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture; this classic technique helps incorporate wet ingredients evenly.
4. Set aside the remaining ½ cup of cheese for topping the loaf before baking.

Combine Wet Ingredients and Form the Dough

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, and honey until smooth and fully combined.
2. Pour the wet mixture into the well you created in the dry ingredients.
3. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, gently fold everything together until just combined; don't overmix or your easy cheddar bread will become tough.
4. The batter should be thick and slightly lumpy; some flour streaks are fine.
5. If you're adding chives, jalapeños, or herbs, fold them in now with a few gentle strokes.

Bake to Golden Perfection

1. For best flavor and texture, let this homemade cheesy bread loaf cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
2. Transfer the batter into your prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
3. Sprinkle the reserved ½ cup of cheddar cheese generously over the top; this creates a beautiful golden crust.
4. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
5. If the top is browning too quickly after 30 minutes, tent it loosely with aluminum foil.
6. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Expert Cooking Tips

• Temperature Matters Room temperature ingredients are crucial for this cheddar bread recipe. Cold eggs and buttermilk don't incorporate as smoothly, which can result in a dense texture. Take them out of the fridge 20-30 minutes before you start baking.
• Don't Overmix the Batter This is the number one mistake I see people make with quick breads. Once you add the wet ingredients to the dry, mix just until you can't see dry flour anymore. Overmixing develops too much gluten, resulting in a tough, rubbery loaf instead of tender bread.

Cheese Selection Secrets

• Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor punch; mild cheddar works but tastes less bold
• Shred your own cheese from a block rather than buying pre-shredded bags
• Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent optimal melting
• Try mixing half sharp cheddar with half gruyere for a gourmet twist

• Testing for Doneness A toothpick test isn't always reliable with cheese bread since melted cheese can make it look wet. Instead, press gently on the center of the loaf; it should spring back. The internal temperature should reach 200-205°F if you have a thermometer.
• Achieving the Perfect Crust Brush the top with a tablespoon of melted butter immediately after removing from the oven. This creates an irresistible golden, slightly crispy crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior.
• Make-Ahead Strategy You can prep the dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately the night before. Keep them covered in the fridge, then combine and bake fresh when needed. The batter doesn't hold well once mixed, so bake it immediately after combining.

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

• Cheddar Garlic Bread Variation Add 3-4 minced garlic cloves to the wet ingredients and increase garlic powder to 1 teaspoon. For extra garlic lovers, brush the finished loaf with garlic butter. This variation turns your basic cheddar bread recipe into an intense, aromatic experience that's perfect alongside pasta dishes.
• Cheddar Jalapeño Bread Dice 2-3 fresh jalapeños (remove seeds for less heat) and fold them into the batter. Add ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the dry ingredients for extra kick. Top with pepper jack cheese instead of plain cheddar for a spicy twist. This creates a bold, restaurant-quality bread that pairs wonderfully with Mexican-inspired meals.

Herb-Infused Cheddar Loaf

• Fresh rosemary and thyme (1 tablespoon each, minced) create an artisan cheddar bread feel
• Dried Italian herbs (2 teaspoons) work beautifully for a Mediterranean twist
• Fresh chives and dill (2 tablespoons each) make a lighter, spring-inspired version

• Dietary Modifications For a no-knead cheddar bread approach, this recipe already requires minimal handling. For gluten-free, substitute with Cup4Cup or King Arthur gluten-free flour blend plus ½ teaspoon xanthan gum. The texture will be slightly denser but still delicious.
• Keto-Friendly Cheddar Bread Replace flour with 2 cups almond flour plus ½ cup coconut flour. Omit the honey and add an extra egg for binding. This creates a lower-carb version that still delivers on the cheesy, savory flavor.
• Buttermilk Alternatives Don't have buttermilk? Mix 1 ¼ cups whole milk with 1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it curdles slightly. Greek yogurt thinned with a bit of milk also works beautifully in this easy cheese bread loaf.

Creative Mix-ins

• Cooked, crumbled bacon (4-5 strips) for a smoky dimension
• Sun-dried tomatoes (⅓ cup, chopped) add tangy sweetness
• Caramelized onions (½ cup) create depth and natural sweetness
• Green onions and sesame seeds on top for an Asian-inspired twist

Equipment Recommendations

Essential Tools

• 9x5-inch loaf pan ; this standard size ensures even baking and perfect slices; glass or metal both work, though metal browns the crust better
• Large mixing bowls ; you'll need at least two (one for dry, one for wet ingredients)
• Box grater or food processor ; for shredding cheese; a food processor saves time if you're making multiple loaves
• Whisk and wooden spoon ; for combining ingredients without overmixing
• Cooling rack ; essential for proper air circulation after baking

• Nice-to-Have Items A kitchen scale ensures perfect measurements every time, especially with flour. An instant-read thermometer takes the guesswork out of doneness. Parchment paper makes cleanup easier and prevents sticking. These tools aren't required for this cheddar bread recipe, but they do make the process smoother.
• Budget-Friendly Alternatives No loaf pan? Use an 8-inch square baking pan and reduce baking time by 5-10 minutes. Can't afford a box grater? Many stores sell pre-shredded cheese; just expect slightly less melty results. A fork works fine instead of a whisk for this rustic cheddar loaf.

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your cooled cheddar bread recipe in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days. The cheese keeps it moist longer than plain bread. For best results, bring slices to room temperature before serving, or toast them lightly to refresh the texture.

Freezing Instructions

• This savory cheddar quick bread freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Slice the completely cooled loaf before freezing so you can grab individual portions. Wrap slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag with as much air removed as possible. To reheat, toast frozen slices directly or thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Meal Prep Strategy

• Bake two loaves at once; your future self will thank you. Freeze one whole and keep the other for immediate enjoyment. You can also prep the dry ingredient mixture in batches and store in airtight containers for up to a month. When you're ready to bake, just add the wet ingredients and go.

Reheating for Best Results

• Wrap slices in foil and warm in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes to restore that fresh-baked texture. The microwave works in a pinch (20-30 seconds per slice) but can make the cheddar bread recipe slightly rubbery. Toasting is honestly the best option; it crisps up the cheese bits and brings back that just-baked aroma.

FAQ

Your Next Baking Adventure Awaits

Now that you've mastered this cheddar bread recipe, your kitchen is going to smell amazing for days. This savory loaf brings comfort and flavor to any meal, whether you're serving it alongside soup, using it for sandwiches, or just enjoying warm slices with butter. The beauty of this cheddar bread recipe is its flexibility; once you've made the basic version, you can experiment with endless variations to keep things exciting.

Don't stop your culinary journey here. After you've enjoyed your homemade cheesy bread loaf, try my refreshing Cucumber Mint Juice Recipe for a light, cooling beverage that balances rich foods beautifully. Looking for morning inspiration? My Breakfast Pita Recipe pairs wonderfully with this cheddar bread recipe for a complete brunch spread that'll impress everyone at your table. Happy baking, and I'd love to hear how your bread turned out in the comments below!

Happy Baking!-By Lisa Johnson✨

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