Easy Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread is the kind of recipe you keep in your back pocket for the days when life is running faster than you are. You want that warm, savory, cheesy smell filling your kitchen, but you do not want to fuss with yeast, kneading, or long rising times. This loaf saves dinner when the soup tastes a little bland or when guests stop by and you need something you can pull off with confidence. It uses simple ingredients, bakes up tender with a golden top, and slices like a dream. If you can stir, you can make it, and honestly, it makes people think you worked way harder than you did.
Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread Recipe
Why this loaf works any night of the week
When I say this loaf is easy, I mean it. No yeast. No kneading. Minimal dishes. You get a thick batter that comes together in one bowl and bakes into a savory, cheesy, slightly crumbly bread that pairs perfectly with soup, salad, chili, or a quick weeknight skillet. The cheddar melts into tiny pockets that make every bite taste rich and satisfying.
The Story Behind This Recipe
From my kitchen to yours—Easy Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread mixes everyday ingredients with bright flavor. Tested, tasted, and ready for your table. Easy Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread is the kind of recipe you keep in your back pocket for the days when life is running faster than you…
I make this when I want something comforting but not fussy. The crust is lightly crisp, the inside is tender, and it slices without falling apart. It is also super flexible, so you can add herbs, diced jalapeños, or even a handful of cooked bacon if that is your thing. If you want a starter to set out while this bakes, try pairing it with a simple appetizer like a marinated cheese plate and some olives. It looks like a plan, even if it is a last minute save.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon fine salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar (just enough to balance the savory flavors)
- 1 and 1/4 cups milk, room temperature
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup neutral oil or melted butter, slightly cooled
- 1 and 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, loosely packed
- Optional add ins: 2 tablespoons chopped chives, 1 finely chopped jalapeño, or 1/2 cup cooked crumbled bacon
Step by step directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9 by 5 inch loaf pan and line it with a strip of parchment so you can lift the bread out easily.
- In a big bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and sugar. This spreads the baking powder evenly, which helps the loaf rise consistently.
- In a second bowl, whisk the milk, egg, and oil until smooth. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir with a spatula until just combined. The batter will be thick and a bit lumpy.
- Fold in the shredded cheddar and any optional add ins. Do not overmix. Stop once the cheese is evenly dispersed.
- Scrape the batter into the pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle a little extra cheese on top if you like a cheesy crust.
- Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. Start checking at 40 minutes.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift out and cool on a rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing.
Tips, swaps, and storing
Use freshly shredded cheese if you can. Pre shredded works in a pinch, but fresh melts into the batter with better flavor. If you want a richer loaf, swap oil for melted butter. If the batter feels too thick to stir, add an extra tablespoon of milk. To store, wrap leftovers tightly and keep at room temp for up to two days or refrigerate up to four days. Reheat slices in a toaster oven so the edges crisp up again. Freezing works too. Wrap slices individually, and thaw on the counter or toast straight from the freezer.
I love this bread next to tomato soup or a simple salad. It also makes amazing breakfast toast under a fried egg. For a fun game day spread, slice it thick and serve with little bowls of mustard or hot honey, and if you are going all in, add some snacks like crispy pickles or sliders. You can even cube it and serve as dippers with chili or a cheesy dip. This recipe is my go to for a reliable loaf that tastes like comfort food in every bite.
“I made this on a weeknight with leftover cheddar, and it was perfect. The crust got golden, the inside was soft, and it was ready before the soup finished simmering. My family already asked for it again.”
Pro tip: Let it cool a bit before slicing so it does not crumble. Warm is perfect, hot can be fragile.
More Bread Recipes
Easy ideas to bake next
If this loaf made you smile, you will love exploring a few other cozy bakes. Around the holidays or anytime you want something festive without a long prep, check out this cheerful loaf that always disappears fast: Festive Christmas Bread. It is simple, flexible, and kid friendly.
- Cheesy add ins: Try swapping cheddar for Monterey Jack or pepper jack in this quick bread.
- Herb lovers: Add dried Italian herbs or fresh thyme to the batter for a fragrant twist.
- Heat it up: Stir in a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for a gentle kick.
Keep this section bookmarked when you are in a baking mood but short on time. Every one of these riffs uses the same simple, stir and bake approach that makes quick breads so approachable. If you are feeding a crowd, bake two loaves at once and freeze one for later. Future you will be thrilled with that decision.
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What to serve with your fresh loaf
Whenever I pull Easy Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread from the oven, I think about what will make a comforting plate around it. A cozy soup is always a winner. If you like big, saucy flavors, this Crockpot Lasagna Soup is a hearty bowl that loves a thick cheesy slice for dunking. The rich tomato and creamy cheese meet this bread right in the middle.
For a simple snack spread, pile slices on a board with olives, salami, and a little honey for drizzling. If you want a crunchy side to balance the soft crumb of the loaf, make a batch of Easy Air Fryer Fried Pickles. The contrast is addictive in the best way.
For the main dish, this bread loves anything saucy or cheesy. Think meatloaf, baked pasta, or skillet chicken with pan juices. It is especially great for casual dinners when you want something that feels homey without extra effort. If you are serving a crowd, slice half the loaf thick for dunking and the other half thin for layering into little sandwiches with deli turkey and mustard.
And if you are building a weekend brunch, toast slices and top with soft scrambled eggs, chives, and a touch of hot sauce. It is simple, satisfying, and incredibly budget friendly. Easy Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread really stretches into different meals without feeling repetitive.
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Reader favorites you might crave next
When you find a keeper like Easy Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread, it is fun to collect a few more easy wins. For quick party bites, these Garlic Parmesan Bacon Cheeseburger Bombs are playful and wildly popular. They vanish fast, so plan for extra. If you want a lighter snack to round out the table, that is where the pickles I mentioned shine, or just set out sliced veggies with ranch.
Weeknights can be a juggle, but making one simple side like this bread changes the whole meal. It turns soup from a small bowl into a full dinner, or makes a basic salad feel like a bistro meal at home. That is why I bake it so often. It is dependable, budget friendly, and genuinely tasty.
Rate This Recipe
I would love to know how your loaf turned out. Did you try jalapeños, bacon, or keep it classic? Leave a star rating and a quick note so other readers can learn from your tweaks. Your feedback helps me keep improving and helps new bakers feel confident. If you share a photo, tag it so I can cheer you on from my kitchen. And thank you for spending a little part of your day here. Easy Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread recipes like this are the heart of this blog.
Common Questions
Can I use pre shredded cheese?
Yes. Freshly grated melts a bit better, but pre shredded works fine and makes this even faster.
How do I prevent a gummy center?
Measure flour accurately, do not overmix, and bake until a toothpick shows just a few moist crumbs. Let it cool before slicing.
Can I make it in a muffin tin?
Absolutely. Grease the tin and bake at 350°F for about 18 to 22 minutes. Start checking at 18 minutes.
What if I do not have milk?
Use half and half thinned with a bit of water, or try unsweetened almond milk. The texture stays close to the original.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Toast slices in a skillet with a little butter or in a toaster oven. It brings back the crisp edges perfectly.
Ready to bake and share?
If you are craving something warm, savory, and straightforward, this loaf delivers every time. The method is simple, the ingredients are flexible, and the results feel special without taking your whole evening. For more inspiration and variations from other home cooks, I found these helpful and reliable: the classic take from Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread – Crafty Cooking Mama and another short and sweet version at Quick Cheese Bread – The Salty Marshmallow. Bake it tonight, slice while it is still a little warm, and share it with someone you like. Easy Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread might just become your new weeknight ritual.
Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9 by 5 inch loaf pan and line it with a strip of parchment.
- In a big bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and sugar.
- In a second bowl, whisk the milk, egg, and oil until smooth. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir with a spatula until just combined.
- Fold in the shredded cheddar and any optional add ins without overmixing.
- Scrape the batter into the pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle a little extra cheese on top.
- Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift out and cool on a rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing.
