This simple, cheesy quick bread is savory, moist, and perfect as a side dish, snack, or with soup or salad. No yeast needed—ready in under an hour!
Ingredients
For the Bread:
· 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
· 1 tablespoon baking powder
· 1 teaspoon salt
· ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
· ¼ teaspoon black pepper (optional)
· 1 large egg, room temperature
· 1 cup (240ml) milk (whole or buttermilk preferred)
· ¼ cup (60ml) olive oil or melted butter
· 2 cups (225g) shredded cheese (cheddar, Gruyère, mozzarella, or a blend)
· ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan or Pecorino
· Optional add-ins: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (parsley, chives), ¼ cup cooked crumbled bacon, ½ cup finely diced jalapeños
For Topping (Optional):
· 2 tablespoons melted butter
· 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan
· ¼ teaspoon paprika or dried herbs
Instructions
- Prep:
· Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
· Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper. - Mix Dry Ingredients:
· In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and pepper. - Combine Wet Ingredients:
· In another bowl, whisk egg, milk, and oil until smooth. - Make Batter:
· Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Stir with a spatula until just combined—do not overmix.
· Fold in shredded cheese, Parmesan, and any add-ins until evenly distributed. - Bake:
· Pour batter into prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top.
· If using topping, brush with melted butter and sprinkle with Parmesan and paprika.
· Bake for 45–55 minutes, until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
· If top browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil during last 15 minutes. - Cool & Serve:
· Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
· Slice when warm or at room temperature.
Tips
· For extra cheesy pull, use a mix of melting cheeses like mozzarella and sharp cheddar.
· Leftovers keep in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or freeze sliced for up to 1 month.
· For a crispier crust, bake in a preheated cast-iron skillet instead of a loaf pan.
Enjoy this rich, savory cheese bread fresh from the oven with butter, soup, or on its own