Description
This Cheese Bread recipe is a quick and easy homemade treat perfect for any occasion. It combines a fluffy, tender bread base with melty, flavorful cheese, making it a delicious snack or side to your meals. With optional garlic powder and dried herbs, this bread packs a savory punch and is simple to prepare with common pantry ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs (like oregano or thyme, optional)
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is ready when the batter is prepared.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and dried herbs until well combined to evenly distribute leavening and seasoning.
- Add Cheese: Fold in the shredded cheese thoroughly so that all the cheese is coated with the flour mixture, ensuring even cheese distribution in the bread.
- Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, vegetable oil (or melted butter), and egg together until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined. Take care not to overmix to keep the bread light and tender.
- Prepare Pan: Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray or butter, or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Transfer Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Optionally, sprinkle extra cheese on top for a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
- Cool in Pan: Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to firm up and make removal easier.
- Cool Completely: Remove the bread from the pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, at least 20 minutes, ensuring clean slicing.
- Slice and Serve: Once fully cooled, slice the bread with a serrated knife and enjoy it plain or with butter, garlic spread, or marinara sauce.
- Store: Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to avoid dense bread.
- Feel free to use any cheese or herb combination you prefer for different flavor profiles.
- If you want a softer crust, brush the top with melted butter after baking.
- Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and removal from the pan.
- Leftover bread can be toasted for a crispy snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cheese bread, quick bread recipe, homemade bread, easy bread, savory bread, cheesy loaf
