If you’ve been searching for a crowd-pleasing, easy-to-make savory bread that feels like a warm hug in every bite, you’re going to adore this Cheddar Garlic Quick Bread Recipe. It perfectly balances rich, sharp cheddar with a wonderful hint of garlic, all wrapped up in a moist, tender crumb. Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or want an effortless appetizer to impress guests, this bread delivers on flavor and comfort without any fuss. Plus, it comes together faster than your average loaf, making it a total winner for busy nights or last-minute get-togethers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is the first step to baking this irresistible bread. Each item plays its part perfectly—from the flour providing structure, to the rich cheddar lending intense flavor and gooey texture, and the garlic powder giving just the right savory kick.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The essential base for a tender and light crumb.
- 4 teaspoons baking powder: Makes the bread rise beautifully, keeping it fluffy.
- 1 Tablespoon sugar: Adds a subtle balance that enhances the savory flavors.
- 1½ teaspoons garlic powder: Infuses the bread with warm, aromatic garlic notes.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors, making every bite pop.
- 1½ cups whole milk: Keeps the bread moist and tender.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together for the perfect texture.
- 4 Tablespoons butter, melted: Adds richness and helps to create a golden crust.
- 2 cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese: The star ingredient that provides sharpness and gooey goodness; always better when freshly shredded from a block.
How to Make Cheddar Garlic Quick Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures your oven is perfectly heated so your bread bakes evenly and develops a beautiful golden crust.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, garlic powder, and salt until everything is evenly combined. This even distribution will guarantee a consistent flavor in every slice.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Create a well in the center of your dry mix and pour in the milk, egg, and melted butter. Whisk everything gently and just until the mixture comes together. Resist the urge to overmix; keeping it light leads to a soft, airy bread.
Step 4: Incorporate the Cheese in the Cheddar Garlic Quick Bread Recipe
Now comes the magic moment: add your freshly shredded cheddar cheese to the batter. Using a rubber spatula, fold the cheese in carefully so each bite promises bursts of cheesy heaven without breaking down the batter’s structure.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into a buttered bread pan and smooth the top evenly. Place in the oven and bake for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean and the crust turns a gorgeous golden shade. Baking at this temperature will give you a perfectly cooked interior with a crust that invites you in.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes to set nicely. Then, transfer to a wire rack to cool just a bit more before slicing. Serve warm with butter or a spread like chive cream cheese for an extra touch of indulgence.
How to Serve Cheddar Garlic Quick Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance this bread by topping it with fresh herbs like chopped chives or parsley. A light brush of melted garlic butter on warm slices elevates the garlic flavor for a truly irresistible bite.
Side Dishes
This quick bread pairs beautifully with hearty soups, stews, or a fresh green salad. It’s especially fantastic alongside chili or creamy tomato soup, where its savory, cheesy notes add richness and balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Try turning this bread into mini sandwich sliders stuffed with ham and pickles, or cut it into cubes and toast for flavorful croutons to sprinkle over salads or soups. It’s incredibly versatile, so feel free to get creative and turn it into an unforgettable snack or meal addition.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Cheddar Garlic Quick Bread Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Stored at room temperature, it will stay fresh for up to two days—perfect if you want to enjoy it later without losing moisture.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, slice the bread and freeze the portions in a resealable freezer bag. This method lets you pull out just the right amount whenever a cheesy garlic craving hits—freezing preserves flavor and texture beautifully.
Reheating
To revive your bread, gently warm slices in a toaster oven or conventional oven at low heat until heated through and slightly crisp on the outside. Microwaving works too but may soften the crust. A quick brush of butter before warming enhances the experience.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is classic here, feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a smoky cheese for unique flavor twists.
Is garlic powder necessary or can I use fresh garlic?
Garlic powder blends seamlessly into the batter for consistent flavor, but you can finely mince fresh garlic and sauté it lightly before adding if you prefer a fresher, punchier garlic taste.
Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend designed for quick breads. Be sure your baking powder is gluten-free too, to keep the bread light and tender.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
Insert a toothpick or skewer into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your bread is perfectly baked and ready to cool.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Definitely, just use a larger loaf pan or two pans to prevent overfilling. Keep an eye on baking time—it may need a few additional minutes but test with a toothpick as usual.
Final Thoughts
This Cheddar Garlic Quick Bread Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite go-to comfort foods because it’s easy, flavorful, and ridiculously satisfying. Whether you’re serving it to family or friends, or simply indulging on a quiet night in, this bread never fails to bring joy. I hope you give it a try soon and find yourself reaching for it time and time again.
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
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cheddar Quick Bread is a savory, cheesy treat perfect for any occasion. Made with simple pantry ingredients, it combines the sharp flavor of freshly shredded cheddar cheese with a light, tender crumb, baked to a golden perfection. Ready in just one hour, this bread is ideal for serving warm alongside soups, salads, or as a flavorful snack on its own.
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
Other Ingredients
- 2 cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese (from block)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is at the right temperature for baking once your batter is ready.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, garlic powder, and salt until they are evenly combined.
- Add the Wet Ingredients: Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the milk, egg, and melted butter. Whisk quickly and gently until just combined to avoid over-mixing, which can lead to dense bread.
- Incorporate the Cheese: Add the freshly shredded cheddar cheese to the batter. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the cheese into the mixture until it is evenly distributed.
- Bake the Bread: Pour the batter into a greased bread pan, spreading it evenly. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top turns golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with butter or chive cream cheese for an extra touch of flavor.
Notes
- Do not over-mix the batter to maintain a light texture.
- Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded for better melting and flavor.
- Allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing to prevent crumbling.
- Can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Reheat slices in the oven or toaster for a warm, fresh taste.
