Get ready for a comforting, crowd-pleasing treat that will have your kitchen smelling irresistible and your friends asking for seconds: Cheese Bread! This savory quick bread is packed with the bold flavors of sharp cheddar and Parmesan, all wrapped together in a soft, golden loaf that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering, alongside a simple soup, or just sneaking a warm slice for breakfast, Cheese Bread always hits the spot. The best part? It comes together without any yeast and with ingredients you probably already have on hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Cheese Bread is all about simple pantry staples coming together to create something magical. Every ingredient plays a starring role in building texture, rich flavor, and that beautiful golden color. Here’s what you’ll need for the ultimate savory loaf:
- All-purpose flour: Gives the bread its soft crumb and structure — no fancy flour needed!
- Granulated sugar: Just a touch to gently balance the salty cheese and give depth to each bite.
- Baking powder: This is your lift; it ensures your Cheese Bread rises beautifully without yeast.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out all the cheesy goodness (don’t skip or skimp!).
- Garlic powder (optional): Adds warm, savory notes and a dash of flavor complexity.
- Ground black pepper: For a subtle heat and aromatic boost that pairs perfectly with cheese.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The star of the show, giving the bread bold, melty pockets throughout.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty richness that lingers in every slice.
- Whole milk: The moisture and richness that make the crumb so delightfully tender.
- Sour cream: Secret weapon for added tang and an ultra-moist, soft texture.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps everything moist and ensures that perfect quick bread texture.
- Large egg: Binds everything together for a sturdy but tender loaf.
How to Make Cheese Bread
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While it’s warming up, grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with either a light swipe of oil or a quick burst of nonstick spray. Lining the bottom with parchment will guarantee an easy release, but isn’t strictly necessary for this Cheese Bread.
Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper until everything is evenly distributed. This step ensures the leavening agent is well-blended, giving you a consistent texture throughout the bread.
Step 3: Add the Cheeses
Toss in the shredded sharp cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese, then give everything a good mix. Coating the cheese in the flour mixture means those cheesy bits will be perfectly suspended throughout every slice, preventing them from all sinking to the bottom.
Step 4: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a second bowl, whisk together the milk, sour cream, vegetable oil, and egg. Stir briskly until it’s completely smooth. This is where you get all the moisture and richness that gives Cheese Bread its signature soft crumb.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, and gently stir just until you don’t see any more dry streaks—being careful not to overmix, which can make the loaf tough. The batter should look thick and lumpy, but that’s exactly what you’re aiming for.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Spoon the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Slide it into the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean. Let the Cheese Bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack. Slice, serve, and watch it disappear before your eyes!
How to Serve Cheese Bread
Garnishes
For the finishing touch, you can sprinkle a bit of extra grated Parmesan and some chopped fresh chives over the warm loaf. A light brushing of melted butter will make the crust glisten and add a touch of decadence. Don’t be afraid to add a few twists of black pepper right before serving for a pretty and peppery pop!
Side Dishes
Cheese Bread shines alongside a bowl of tomato soup, a crisp green salad, or even a classic chili. Looking for something a bit fancy? Serve it with a platter of roasted vegetables or a cheese and charcuterie board—either way, this bread complements just about any meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the loaf into cubes for a fun party bite and serve it with toothpicks and spicy mustard. Make cheesy mini sandwiches with ham or roasted veggies for a delightful lunch. You can even toast slices under the broiler with an extra layer of cheddar for an extra crispy, melt-in-your-mouth treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover Cheese Bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store at room temperature for up to two days. If you need to keep it longer, pop it in the fridge where it will stay delicious for up to five days.
Freezing
Cheese Bread freezes beautifully! Wrap slices or the whole loaf in plastic wrap, then tuck it into a zip-top freezer bag. It’ll stay fresh for up to three months—just thaw at room temp and enjoy.
Reheating
To recapture that just-baked warmth and aroma, pop individual slices in the toaster or heat the loaf in a 300°F oven for 10 to 12 minutes until heated through. This brings the cheese back to melty, golden glory.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese in Cheese Bread?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar and Parmesan are classic, you can try Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or even pepper jack for a spicier twist. Mixing multiple cheeses can add extra depth and flavor.
Do I have to add garlic powder?
No, garlic powder is totally optional. It gives a pleasant savory backbone, but feel free to leave it out (or increase it) depending on your personal taste preferences.
Can I make Cheese Bread gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute an all-purpose gluten-free flour blend for the regular flour. Just make sure you use a 1:1 mix designed for baking, and check that your baking powder is gluten-free as well.
What’s the best way to keep Cheese Bread moist?
Keep it tightly wrapped at room temperature or in the fridge, and avoid leaving it exposed to air for too long. If it starts to dry out, just warm it up—this will revive its tender, cheesy texture.
Can I add mix-ins like herbs or bacon?
Definitely! Chopped chives, cooked bacon bits, sun-dried tomatoes, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper are all fantastic additions to the base recipe. Just fold them in with the cheese for endless flavor combinations.
Final Thoughts
There’s something special about pulling a loaf of Cheese Bread from the oven: the golden top, crispy edges, and that unmistakable cheesy aroma wafting through your home. It’s a simple joy and a real crowd-pleaser, whether you’re baking for family or just for yourself. Give this recipe a try and watch it become a new favorite at your table!
Print
Cheese Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices)
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the savory goodness of this easy-to-make Cheese Bread that’s loaded with sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect for serving alongside soups or salads.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Cheese Mix:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 cups whole milk
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and pepper. Add cheddar and Parmesan cheeses.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk milk, sour cream, oil, and egg until smooth. Mix wet ingredients into dry until just combined.
- Bake: Pour batter into pan, bake for 45-50 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Enhance flavor with chives, bacon bits, or cayenne
- Pair with soups or salads
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