If you love the comforting combination of sharp cheddar and aromatic garlic, then you are in for a real treat with this Cheddar Garlic Quick Bread Recipe. It’s a simple yet irresistibly delicious quick bread that balances a tender crumb with bursts of cheesy goodness and just the right touch of garlicky flavor. Perfect to whip up when you want a homemade bread fix without the long wait, it’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug from the oven every time you make it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Cheddar Garlic Quick Bread Recipe plays a vital role, from lending structure and rise to delivering rich flavor and inviting color. The best part is how straightforward and pantry-friendly these ingredients are, making this bread both accessible and wonderfully tasty.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the backbone for a soft, tender crumb with a classic bread texture.
- 4 teaspoons baking powder: The essential leavening agent that helps the bread rise quickly and stay fluffy.
- 1 Tablespoon sugar: Adds just a subtle hint of sweetness to balance the savory elements.
- 1½ teaspoons garlic powder: Delivers a gentle, aromatic garlic flavor that infuses every bite.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the savory notes beautifully.
- 1½ cups whole milk: Adds moisture and richness for a tender crumb.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients, lending structure and a bit of silkiness.
- 4 Tablespoons butter, melted: Provides a lovely buttery flavor and moist texture.
- 2 cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese: The star of the show—sharp, melty pieces throughout give this bread its signature cheesy punch.
How to Make Cheddar Garlic Quick Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start things off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Getting the oven ready early ensures your bread bakes evenly and develops a gorgeous golden crust right from the start.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, garlic powder, and salt. Doing this thoroughly distributes the leavening agent and seasoning evenly, setting you up for a perfectly balanced loaf.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Create a well in your dry mixture and pour in the milk, egg, and melted butter. Whisk these together gently but quickly—overmixing will cause the batter to become dense, and we want our bread light and tender.
Step 4: Incorporate the Cheese
Fold in the freshly shredded cheddar using a rubber spatula. This step is key because it evenly distributes cheesy pockets throughout the bread without overworking the batter.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
Pour your batter into a greased bread pan, smoothing the top to ensure even baking. Pop it into the oven and bake for about 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the crust turns a luscious golden brown.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once out of the oven, allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes so it sets nicely. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool slightly before slicing. Serving it warm with a smear of butter or chive cream cheese elevates the experience to pure comfort food bliss.
How to Serve Cheddar Garlic Quick Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top adds a pop of color and a fresh note that complements the cheddar and garlic perfectly. A light brush of melted butter right after baking also enhances the bread’s golden crust and flavor.
Side Dishes
This bread is versatile enough to pair beautifully with a variety of dishes. Serve alongside hearty soups, like tomato bisque or loaded potato soup, or as a cozy companion to stews and chili for an extra comforting meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice your bread thick and toast it lightly, then top with avocado mash or a dollop of sour cream and chopped scallions. You can also cube it and serve alongside dips like spinach artichoke or warm queso for crowd-pleasing appetizers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Cheddar Garlic Quick Bread Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh and moist for up to 3 days—perfect for quick snacks or sandwiches.
Freezing
This bread freezes wonderfully. Slice it first, then wrap individual slices or the whole loaf in foil and seal in a freezer bag. When frozen properly, it keeps for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To bring frozen or leftover bread back to life, toast slices directly or warm the whole loaf in a 350°F oven wrapped in foil for about 10–15 minutes. This refreshes the texture and melts the cheese slightly for that fresh-baked feel.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is classic, you can substitute with gouda, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack for a different flavor profile. Just make sure to shred it fresh for the best melt and taste.
Is this bread gluten-free?
This particular recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it contains gluten. For a gluten-free version, you could experiment with a gluten-free baking blend, but results may vary as gluten affects texture and rise.
Can I add herbs or spices to the batter?
Definitely! Adding fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or even a pinch of smoked paprika can enhance the flavor and make the bread uniquely yours. Just add these when mixing the dry ingredients.
What if I don’t have garlic powder?
If you’re out of garlic powder, you can use finely minced fresh garlic, but reduce the quantity to about one clove to avoid overpowering the bread. Alternatively, onion powder can add a different but lovely aromatic touch.
How thick should I slice the bread?
Slices about 1 inch thick are ideal to enjoy the bread’s texture and flavors fully, whether warm or toasted. Thicker slices hold up well for hearty toppings or sandwiches.
Final Thoughts
This Cheddar Garlic Quick Bread Recipe is one of those unbeatable comfort foods you can easily make anytime the craving hits. It’s simple to prepare, absolutely delicious, and brings such warmth and flavor to your table. Do yourself a favor and try it soon—you might just find a new favorite go-to bread that everyone will love!
Print
Cheddar Garlic Quick Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheddar Quick Bread is a delicious and easy-to-make savory bread featuring sharp cheddar cheese and a hint of garlic, perfect for a comforting snack or a side to your favorite meal. Ready in just one hour, it combines simple pantry ingredients into a soft, cheesy loaf with a golden crust.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1½ teaspoons garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1½ cups whole milk
- 1 large egg
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
Cheese
- 2 cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese (from block)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Pre-heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking once your batter is prepared.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, garlic powder, and salt until well combined to create an evenly mixed base for the bread.
- Add the Wet Ingredients: Make a well in the center of the dry mixture and add the milk, egg, and melted butter. Whisk quickly, mixing just until combined. Avoid over mixing as it can make the bread dense.
- Incorporate the Cheese: Add the freshly shredded cheddar cheese to the batter. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the cheese into the batter until it is evenly distributed.
- Bake the Bread: Pour the batter into a greased bread pan, spreading it evenly. Place in the oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool slightly. Slice and serve warm with butter or chive cream cheese for added flavor.
Notes
- Do not over mix the batter to ensure the bread stays light and fluffy.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best texture and flavor; pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting.
- Butter or chive cream cheese make excellent accompaniments for serving.
- Keep an eye on the bread during baking; ovens may vary. The toothpick test is the best way to check doneness.
- This bread is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored wrapped up for 2 days at room temperature or frozen for longer storage.
