Who doesn’t love the smell of fresh bread wafting through the kitchen, especially when it’s loaded with gooey, melted cheese? If you’ve been searching for the perfect bread that’s quick to make, loaded with flavor, and pairs well with just about everything, this Cheese Bread is your new best friend. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it on repeat!
This Cheese Bread recipe is a game-changer in the world of quick breads. With a blend of three irresistible cheeses and a hint of savory herbs, it’s the perfect addition to your next meal—or snack. And guess what? You don’t need any fancy equipment or kneading skills to make this masterpiece. So grab your mixing bowls and let’s get started!
Why This Cheese Bread is a Must-Try
This recipe isn’t just about the cheese—though the triple-cheese blend does steal the show. It’s about creating a bread that’s fluffy, moist, and packed with flavor in every bite. Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to make. Think of it as a savory twist on your favorite banana bread recipe—without the bananas, of course.
Whether you’re serving it as a side with soup, toasting it for breakfast, or just enjoying it fresh out of the oven with a pat of butter, this Cheese Bread is versatile and guaranteed to impress. And if you’re like me, you’ll probably find yourself sneaking a slice (or two) before it’s even had a chance to cool!
Let’s Get Baking: Prepping for Success
Gather Your Ingredients
Before we dive in, let’s make sure we’ve got everything on hand. The ingredients are straightforward and might already be in your pantry:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Cheese Blend:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 cups buttermilk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
The first step is to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grease your loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray. This ensures that your bread slides out easily once it’s baked to golden perfection.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, garlic powder, oregano, and thyme. Give it a good whisk to make sure all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed. The herbs add a subtle earthiness to the bread, perfectly complementing the cheesy goodness.
Step 3: Fold in the Cheeses
Now for the fun part—adding the cheese! Toss in your cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan, and stir until they’re evenly coated in the dry mixture. This step is crucial because it ensures every bite is packed with cheesy deliciousness. (Pro tip: Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt factor and flavor!)
Step 4: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, and eggs. You’ll want this mixture to be smooth and well-combined. The buttermilk is the star here, giving the bread its tangy flavor and moist texture. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to regular milk and letting it sit for a few minutes.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Here’s where it all comes together! Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—the batter should be lumpy but evenly moistened. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough bread, and nobody wants that.
What’s Next?
You’ve got your batter ready, and the smell of anticipation is already in the air! In the next section, we’ll cover how to bake your bread to perfection, share some expert tips for variations, and discuss serving suggestions that’ll make this Cheese Bread the star of your table.
Now that your batter is prepped and ready, it’s time to move on to the best part: baking this cheesy masterpiece. But wait—there’s more! I’ve got some tips and tricks to make sure your bread comes out absolutely perfect. Let’s dive in and finish what we started!
Step 6: Prepare the Loaf Pan
Grease your loaf pan generously with butter or nonstick spray. If you want an extra layer of insurance, you can also line the pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang on the sides for easy removal. Trust me, there’s nothing more satisfying than lifting out your perfectly baked loaf without a hitch!
Step 7: Transfer the Batter
Carefully pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, using a spatula to scrape every last bit from the bowl. Spread it evenly, smoothing out the top so it bakes uniformly. You might see a few cheese shreds peeking through the batter—don’t worry, those golden, crispy edges will be your favorite part!
Step 8: Time to Bake
Pop the pan into your preheated oven and let the magic happen. Bake the bread for 45–50 minutes. Around the 45-minute mark, test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your bread is ready to shine!
(Pro tip: If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover it with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.)
Step 9: Cool It Down
Once the bread is baked to perfection, take it out of the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This gives the loaf a chance to set and makes it easier to remove. Then, carefully transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely. If you’re like me and can’t resist sneaking a warm slice, go for it—but know that the texture and flavors really shine once it’s fully cooled.
Tips for Success
To make sure your Cheese Bread turns out perfect every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Stir just until the wet and dry ingredients are combined. Overmixing can make your bread dense instead of light and fluffy.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly shredded cheese and good-quality herbs make a world of difference in flavor.
- Customize Your Bread: Don’t be afraid to experiment! Add a pinch of cayenne for a little heat, or swap the dried oregano and thyme for rosemary or basil. Feeling extra indulgent? Throw in some crumbled bacon or diced jalapeños.
Serving Suggestions
Cheese Bread is as versatile as it is delicious. Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy it:
- As a Side Dish: Pair it with soups, stews, or chili for the ultimate comfort food combo.
- For Breakfast: Toast a slice and top it with butter, cream cheese, or even a fried egg.
- With Appetizers: Serve it alongside a cheese board or a bowl of marinara for dipping.
- Snack Time: Honestly, it’s perfect all on its own. Slice, grab, and go!
Variations to Try
This recipe is a classic, but there’s always room to mix things up. Here are a few ideas to inspire your next loaf:
- Herb Explosion: Add fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or dill for a burst of freshness.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to turn up the heat.
- Cheese Swap: Experiment with other cheeses like Gouda, fontina, or even blue cheese for a unique flavor twist.
- Savory Add-Ins: Fold in cooked bacon, sun-dried tomatoes, or caramelized onions for an elevated loaf.
FAQs and A Cheesy Conclusion
You’ve made it this far, and your Cheese Bread is now sitting proudly on your countertop, ready to steal the spotlight at your next meal. But before you dig in, let’s cover some of the most common questions about this recipe. Whether you’re troubleshooting, looking for storage tips, or just curious about variations, I’ve got you covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this recipe without buttermilk?
Absolutely! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute. Combine 1 1/4 cups of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes, and you’ll have a tangy substitute that works perfectly in this recipe.
2. How should I store the leftover Cheese Bread?
Store your bread in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to 5 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. To freeze, slice the bread first and store the slices in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can grab a slice or two as needed.
3. Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a good-quality gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for structure, or add 1/2 teaspoon of xanthan gum to the dry ingredients if it doesn’t.
4. Can I use different types of cheese?
Of course! While the recipe calls for cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan, you can easily swap in other cheeses. Gouda, Gruyere, or even pepper jack would be delicious. Just make sure to use a combination of at least one melty cheese and one sharp-flavored cheese for the best results.
5. How do I prevent my bread from sticking to the pan?
Grease your pan generously with butter or nonstick spray. For extra security, line the pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang on the sides. This makes it super easy to lift the bread out once it’s baked.
6. Why is my bread dense instead of fluffy?
The most common culprit is overmixing the batter. Stir the wet and dry ingredients together just until combined—lumps are okay! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in dense bread. Also, make sure your baking powder and soda are fresh, as old leavening agents can impact the rise.
7. Can I add extra flavors to this bread?
Absolutely! This recipe is super versatile. Add crumbled bacon, diced jalapeños, caramelized onions, or sun-dried tomatoes for a flavor boost. Just be sure not to overload the batter with too many mix-ins, as it can affect the texture.
A Warm, Cheesy Conclusion
There’s something magical about homemade bread, and this Cheese Bread takes that magic to a whole new level. With its rich blend of cheeses, fragrant herbs, and moist, fluffy texture, it’s a recipe that delivers every single time. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish, a snack, or the star of the table, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
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Cheese Bread – Easy Cheesy Quick Bread
- Total Time: 1 hour
Description
This savory quick bread is loaded with a blend of cheeses and seasoned with herbs for the perfect balance of flavor. It’s simple to make and ideal for pairing with soups, salads, or enjoying as a snack on its own!
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Cheese Blend:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 cups buttermilk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray and set aside.
2️⃣ Combine the dry ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, garlic powder, dried oregano, and dried thyme.
3️⃣ Add the cheeses:
Stir in the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dry mixture.
4️⃣ Mix the wet ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, and eggs until smooth and well combined.
5️⃣ Combine wet and dry ingredients:
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Gently stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
6️⃣ Prepare the loaf:
Transfer the batter into the greased loaf pan, spreading it out into an even layer.
7️⃣ Bake:
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs.
8️⃣ Cool the bread:
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
9️⃣ Slice and serve:
Once cooled, slice the bread and serve it warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Cheese options: Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère, Swiss, or pepper jack for different flavors.
- Make it herby: Add a teaspoon of Italian seasoning or fresh chopped herbs for extra aroma.
- Storage tips: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave for a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8-10 slices
