Decadent Cheddar Quick Bread Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Ingredients:
For the Bread:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 3 cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
- A pinch of onion powder
- A pinch of dried parsley
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with nonstick spray, ensuring to coat well.
- Prepare the Bread Batter:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the flour mixture and stir until the cheese is evenly coated.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the milk and egg until well combined.
- Pour the milk mixture into the flour mixture and stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Add the melted butter to the batter and stir until everything is evenly moistened and combined.
- Bake the Bread:
- Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly and smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the Topping:
- While the bread is baking, prepare the topping by whisking together the melted butter, garlic powder, salt, onion powder, and dried parsley in a small bowl.
- Finish and Serve:
- Once the bread is baked, remove it from the oven and immediately brush the top with the prepared butter topping.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then carefully remove it from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and Serve: Slice the bread and serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy the rich cheesy flavor with a hint of garlic and herbs!
This Decadent Cheddar Quick Bread is perfect as a savory snack, for brunch, or as a side dish to complement soups and salads. The cheesy goodness combined with the flavorful butter topping makes it irresistible!
Here are some tips to make your Decadent Cheddar Quick Bread even more delightful:
- Use High-Quality Cheddar Cheese: The flavor of your bread largely depends on the quality of the cheese. Use freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese for the best taste.
- Add Variations: Feel free to customize your bread by adding in some extras like cooked and crumbled bacon, diced jalapeños for a spicy kick, or a handful of chopped herbs like chives or parsley for freshness.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste the batter before baking and adjust the seasoning to your liking. You can add a bit more salt or even a dash of black pepper for extra flavor.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can result in a tougher texture rather than a tender crumb.
- Proper Greasing of the Pan: Make sure to grease your loaf pan thoroughly with nonstick spray or butter, especially around the corners and edges, to ensure easy release after baking.
- Brush with Topping Immediately: For the best absorption of flavor, brush the melted butter topping onto the bread immediately after it comes out of the oven. This helps the bread to soak up the flavors and stay moist.
- Serve Warm: This bread is especially delicious when served warm. If you’re not serving it immediately after baking, you can reheat individual slices in the microwave or toaster oven.
- Store Properly: To keep the bread fresh, store it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the bread for longer storage; just thaw slices as needed.
- Pairing Suggestions: Serve the Decadent Cheddar Quick Bread alongside soups, stews, or salads for a comforting meal. It also makes a great addition to brunch or as a snack with a smear of butter.
- Experiment with Herbs: If you enjoy experimenting with flavors, try adding different herbs to the bread batter or the butter topping. Rosemary, thyme, or basil can add a delightful herbal aroma to complement the cheesy goodness.
By following these tips, you can elevate your Decadent Cheddar Quick Bread to new levels of deliciousness, ensuring a flavorful and satisfying treat every time you bake it!
Here are 10 essential tips that can help you master this recipe:
- Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Grate your own cheddar cheese for the best flavor and texture. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture of the bread.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow the milk, egg, and melted butter to come to room temperature before mixing. This ensures even blending and a smoother batter.
- Measure Flour Accurately: Use the spoon and level method when measuring flour to avoid packing it down, which can lead to a dense loaf.
- Adjust Cheese Amount: Depending on your preference, you can adjust the amount of cheese slightly. More cheese will yield a richer flavor, but be mindful of not overwhelming the bread.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter until just combined. Overmixing can develop gluten and result in a tougher texture.
- Properly Grease the Pan: Ensure your loaf pan is generously greased to prevent the bread from sticking. Consider lining it with parchment paper for easier removal.
- Test for Doneness: Use a toothpick or cake tester to check if the bread is fully baked. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter.
- Cooling Process: Let the bread cool in the pan for about 5-10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This allows it to set and makes it easier to slice.
- Brushing with Butter: Brushing the warm bread with melted butter immediately after baking enhances the flavor and keeps the crust moist.
- Serve at the Right Temperature: This bread is best served warm or at room temperature to fully enjoy its cheesy goodness.
These tips should set you on the path to creating a perfect Decadent Cheddar Quick Bread every time. Adjustments can be made based on personal preferences, but following these guidelines will ensure a delicious outcome.
Here are 40 popular questions and answers related to Decadent Cheddar Quick Bread:
- What is Decadent Cheddar Quick Bread?
- It’s a savory bread loaf made with cheddar cheese, baked to perfection with a tender crumb and cheesy flavor.
- Can I use other types of cheese?
- Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses, but cheddar is traditional for this recipe due to its bold flavor.
- Can I make this bread gluten-free?
- Yes, you can substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour in place of regular flour.
- How can I make this bread more moist?
- Ensure you don’t overbake it and brush it generously with melted butter after baking.
- Can I freeze Decadent Cheddar Quick Bread?
- Yes, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing for up to 3 months.
- What can I serve with this bread?
- It pairs well with soups, salads, or as a snack with butter or cheese.
- How long does it take to bake?
- Approximately 35-40 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
- Why did my bread turn out dense?
- Overmixing the batter or using too much flour can lead to a dense texture.
- Can I add herbs or spices to the batter?
- Yes, herbs like parsley or spices like garlic powder can enhance the flavor.
- Do I need to let the bread cool before slicing?
- Yes, let it cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
- What’s the best way to store leftover bread?
- Store it wrapped tightly or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Can I make this bread without eggs?
- Yes, you can use a commercial egg substitute or try a flaxseed meal/water mixture.
- How can I make this bread spicier?
- Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter.
- Why did my bread collapse in the middle?
- This can happen if the oven temperature is too high or if the batter was overmixed.
- Can I add bacon to this bread?
- Yes, cooked and crumbled bacon can be a delicious addition.
- Can I use low-fat milk instead of whole milk?
- Yes, but whole milk will give the bread a richer flavor.
- How can I prevent the cheese from sinking to the bottom?
- Toss the shredded cheese with a tablespoon of flour before adding it to the batter.
- Why did my bread taste bitter?
- Check the expiration dates of your baking powder and baking soda; they might have gone bad.
- Can I add vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes?
- Yes, finely chopped and well-drained vegetables can be added for extra flavor.
- How do I know when the bread is done baking?
- Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs attached.
- Can I make muffins instead of a loaf?
- Yes, adjust the baking time to about 20-25 minutes for muffins.
- Why is my bread crumbly?
- It may have been overbaked or lacked enough liquid; try reducing baking time or adding more milk.
- Can I use a different size pan?
- Yes, but adjust the baking time accordingly; smaller pans may require less time.
- What’s the difference between quick bread and yeast bread?
- Quick breads use baking powder or baking soda as leavening agents and do not require rising time like yeast breads.
- Can I add nuts like walnuts or pecans?
- Yes, chopped nuts can add a nice texture and flavor contrast.
- Can I make this bread with sour cream instead of milk?
- Yes, sour cream can add richness to the bread. Use the same amount as the milk.
- Why did my bread turn out flat?
- This can happen if the baking powder or baking soda is expired or if the oven temperature was too low.
- How can I make this bread more savory?
- Increase the amount of cheese and add herbs like rosemary or thyme.
- Can I add olives or roasted peppers?
- Yes, just ensure they’re well-drained and pat them dry before adding to the batter.
- Can I use self-rising flour instead of all-purpose flour?
- Yes, but omit the baking powder and reduce the salt in the recipe.
- Can I make this bread in a bread machine?
- Quick bread recipes like this one are typically not suitable for bread machines due to the batter consistency.
- Can I use margarine instead of butter?
- Butter is recommended for best flavor, but margarine can be substituted.
- Can I make this bread without baking powder?
- No, baking powder is essential for the bread to rise properly.
- How can I make this bread dairy-free?
- Substitute dairy-free cheese and milk alternatives, ensuring they have similar consistency and fat content.
- Can I add grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor?
- Yes, a small amount of grated Parmesan can enhance the cheesy flavor.
- Can I make mini loaves instead of one large loaf?
- Yes, adjust the baking time accordingly and monitor for doneness.
- How can I make this bread more kid-friendly?
- Consider adding mild cheeses or hiding vegetables within the batter.
- Can I add a glaze or topping to this bread?
- Yes, a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of extra cheese before baking can add a nice touch.
- Can I use Greek yogurt instead of milk?
- Yes, Greek yogurt can add richness to the bread; use the same amount as milk.
- Can I use a different type of flour like whole wheat?
- Yes, but expect a denser texture. You may need to adjust liquid amounts slightly.
These questions and answers cover a range of common inquiries about making Decadent Cheddar Quick Bread, helping you troubleshoot and customize your baking experience.