Masters of kitchen
If you’re craving something warm, savory, and soul-soothing, cheddar cheese quick bread is your go-to bake. It’s rich, hearty, and packed with flavor thanks to the sharpness of real cheddar. Whether you’re serving it with a cozy bowl of chili or slicing it up for a holiday brunch board, this cheesy loaf has a place on any table.
What makes it even better? It’s a quick bread — meaning there’s no yeast, no kneading, and no long waiting time. Just mix, bake, and enjoy the magic of a golden, cheesy crust with a tender crumb inside.
In this post, you’ll learn:
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The basic ingredients and simple swaps,
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Step-by-step baking tips to get a perfect loaf,
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Creative add-ins and serving ideas to make it your own.
Whether you’re new to baking or just want a no-fuss savory recipe, this cheddar cheese quick bread will win you over with its simplicity and bold flavor.
What Is Quick Bread, Anyway?
Unlike traditional yeast-based loaves that require rising time, quick breads rely on chemical leaveners like baking powder and baking soda to rise during baking. This makes them perfect for anyone who wants fresh, homemade bread without the fuss.
Quick breads are known for their soft, moist texture and can be either sweet (like banana bread) or savory — as in our cheddar cheese version. They’re mixed like muffins: dry ingredients in one bowl, wet in another, then gently combined. That’s it!
These types of breads bake up beautifully in about an hour and are ideal for busy weeknights, last-minute guests, or weekend meal prep.
Tip: Always test your baking powder before baking — freshness matters! If it’s expired, your loaf might turn out flat or dense.
Why Use Cheddar in Bread?
Cheddar isn’t just for grilled cheese sandwiches — it shines in bread too! Using sharp cheddar gives your quick bread a bold, salty kick that complements the tender interior and adds a beautifully golden crust.
As the bread bakes, the cheddar melts into little pockets of richness. The top becomes slightly crisp and caramelized, thanks to the cheese’s natural fats. It’s cheesy without being greasy — the perfect savory loaf.
Need ideas for what to serve it with? Try:
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A steaming bowl of tomato soup,
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A hearty serving of beef chili,
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A simple fried egg on top for brunch,
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Or just warm slices with a pat of butter.
It’s the kind of bread that doesn’t just go with a meal — it becomes the best part of it.
Essential Ingredients & Substitutions
This cheddar cheese quick bread keeps things simple but flexible. Let’s break down the key ingredients and some easy swaps:
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All-purpose flour: The foundation of the bread. You can substitute up to 50% with whole wheat flour for a slightly nuttier, more wholesome flavor.
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Baking powder & baking soda: These work together to lift the bread. Baking powder gives rise, while baking soda reacts with the buttermilk for a tender crumb.
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Sharp cheddar cheese: Go for block cheese and grate it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese is coated in anti-caking agents that can affect melting and flavor.
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Buttermilk: Adds tang and keeps the loaf moist. If you don’t have any, make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk — let it sit for 5–10 minutes.
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Egg: Just one, but it does a lot — structure, moisture, and richness.
Optional Add-Ins (for bold variations):
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Green onions – for a fresh, zippy twist
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Bacon bits – for smoky depth
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Diced jalapeños – for spice lovers
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Sun-dried tomatoes – for an umami punch
These mix-ins make it easy to tailor your bread to any flavor craving or occasion. Just don’t overload it — ½ to ¾ cup of add-ins is the sweet spot.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Cheddar Quick Bread
Ready to bake? Follow these five simple steps for a foolproof, delicious loaf:
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard loaf pan (9×5-inch) with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together:
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All-purpose flour
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Baking powder
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Baking soda
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Salt
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Any dried herbs or spices you’re using
Toss in the grated cheddar so it’s evenly coated—this helps prevent it from sinking during baking.
Step 3: Whisk Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together:
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Buttermilk
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Egg
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Melted butter or oil
This combo brings moisture and richness to the loaf.
Step 4: Combine Gently
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry. Using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold the mixture together until just combined. A few streaks of flour are okay!
Quick Tip: Avoid overmixing – it leads to a tough, dense bread.
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Step 5: Bake, Cool, and Slice
Transfer the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Add extra shredded cheddar on top for a golden, cheesy crust.
Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice once fully cooled.
Expert Baking Tips & Troubleshooting
Want your cheddar quick bread to turn out perfect every time? These tips will help you troubleshoot and bake like a pro:
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Done or not? Use a toothpick: insert it into the center—if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it’s ready. The top should also be nicely golden with slightly crisp edges.
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Dry bread? It could be:
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Overbaked (check your oven with a thermometer),
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Not enough fat or liquid,
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Or overmixed batter.
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Too dense or didn’t rise?
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Check if your baking powder is still active—it loses power over time.
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Don’t skip the acidic buttermilk—it’s essential for the baking soda to work properly.
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Crumbly slices? Let the bread cool completely before cutting. Slicing while hot may result in a dry or broken texture.
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Cheesy topping hack: For extra flavor and texture, sprinkle shredded cheddar on top of the loaf before baking. It crisps up into a golden, irresistible crust.
Flavor Variations to Try
Cheddar cheese quick bread is a blank canvas just waiting for your creative touch. Here are some tasty ways to make it your own:
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Herby Cheddar: Add 1–2 teaspoons of dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or dill for a savory, earthy vibe.
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Spicy Kick: Swap half the cheddar for pepper jack, or stir in 1–2 tablespoons of chopped jalapeños for some heat.
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Bacon Cheddar: Fold in ½ cup of cooked, crumbled bacon to make it extra hearty and smoky.
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Garlic Cheddar: Mix in a teaspoon of minced garlic or roasted garlic paste for deep, savory flavor.
Want to get fancy? Try mixing two cheeses—like cheddar and parmesan—or adding a pinch of smoked paprika to deepen the flavor.
How to Store, Freeze & Reheat Cheddar Bread
To keep your bread fresh and flavorful:
At Room Temperature:
Wrap the cooled loaf in foil or plastic wrap. Store in a cool, dry place for up to 2–3 days.
In the Freezer:
Slice the loaf and wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap or freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. This makes it easy to grab one slice at a time!
Reheating Tips:
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For crispy edges, toast slices or warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes.
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Avoid the microwave—it can make the bread rubbery and ruin the crust.
Pro Tip: Brush slices with melted butter before reheating to enhance flavor and moisture.
Best Ways to Serve Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread
This cheesy loaf is super versatile. Try serving it:
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Toasted with butter or cream cheese for a cozy breakfast,
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Alongside soups, stews, or chili for dipping,
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As a side for scrambled eggs or omelets during brunch,
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Cut into cubes and baked into cheesy croutons,
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Or sliced in half for savory sandwiches (hello, breakfast egg melt!).
However you enjoy it, this bread adds flavor, texture, and heartiness to any meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even a simple bread like this can go wrong if you’re not careful. Avoid these common mistakes:
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Using pre-shredded cheese: It contains anti-caking agents that affect melt quality and flavor. Always grate your own!
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Overmixing the batter: It might seem like more stirring equals better blending, but too much mixing = dense, tough bread.
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Skipping the buttermilk or a proper substitute: The acidity is crucial for reacting with baking soda and achieving that perfect rise.
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Cutting while it’s still hot: Tempting, yes. But cutting too soon can lead to crumbles and dryness. Be patient—it’s worth it.
FAQs – Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread
Can I use other cheeses instead of cheddar?
Yes! Good alternatives include gouda, fontina, Monterey Jack, or even a blend. Just avoid soft cheeses like brie or mozzarella—they don’t melt the same way.
Why did my bread turn out dry?
It may have been overbaked or overmixed. Also check that your oven temperature is accurate—an oven thermometer helps!
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Results may vary slightly in texture, but it still works great.
What makes the bread rise without yeast?
The combination of baking soda, baking powder, and the acidity of buttermilk gives the loaf lift and lightness.
How do I make this bread more moist?
Use full-fat buttermilk or sour cream. You can also fold in grated zucchini or a bit of applesauce for added moisture without changing flavor much.
Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (2)
- Whisk
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Grater
- 9x5 inch loaf pan
- Parchment paper or non-stick spray
- Wire cooling rack
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese freshly grated
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ¼ cup melted unsalted butter or neutral oil
- Optional: ¼ cup chopped green onions crumbled bacon, or diced jalapeños
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir in grated cheddar.
- In another bowl, whisk the buttermilk, egg, and melted butter until smooth.
- Pour wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently fold together until just combined (don’t overmix).
- Transfer the batter to the loaf pan. Smooth the top and sprinkle extra cheese if desired.
- Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Use block cheese and shred it yourself for the best melt and flavor.
- Don’t overmix the batter—just combine until no dry spots remain.
- Add-ins like herbs or bacon can elevate the flavor, but keep total mix-ins under ¾ cup.
Nutrition
Conclusion & Encouragement to Try It (100 words)
Cheddar cheese quick bread is one of those comforting, foolproof bakes that’s easy to make and easy to love. Whether you stick with the classic version or try out fun variations, this recipe is warm, satisfying, and ready in under an hour.
So go ahead—grab your cheese, preheat your oven, and get baking! Don’t forget to leave a comment or share your version online. We love seeing how you make these recipes your own.
Love savory bakes? Check out our Jalapeño Cornbread Muffins or Garlic Cheese Biscuits for your next craving fix.
