Description
A savory and incredibly easy quick bread, bursting with the flavors of sharp cheese, aromatic herbs, and garlic. Since it uses baking powder instead of yeast, it comes together quickly without any proofing time, making it perfect for a last-minute side dish or a satisfying snack.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried oregano, basil, thyme)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or a blend like cheddar-jack)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh chives or green onions, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 cup milk (any kind, dairy or non-dairy)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan, or line with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried Italian seasoning until well combined.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped chives (if using) into the dry ingredients. Toss to coat the cheese and herbs with the flour mixture, which helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, and lightly beaten egg until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay, as overmixing can lead to a tough bread.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown.
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes before carefully removing it from the pan.
- Slice and serve warm.
Notes
- Ensure all your wet ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
- For an extra golden crust, you can brush the top of the loaf with a little melted butter or an egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp water) before baking.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack for a kick.
- Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the batter can give it a subtle warmth.
- This bread is best enjoyed the day it’s made, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. Reheat slices briefly in the microwave or toaster oven.
- Great as a side with soups, stews, chili, or simply enjoyed on its own with butter.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 70-80g)
- Calories: 200-280 (varies based on cheese fat content and slice size)
- Sugar: 3-7g
- Sodium: 300-500mg
- Fat: 10-18g
- Saturated Fat: 6-10g
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20-30g
- Fiber: 1-2g
- Protein: 8-12g
- Cholesterol: 40-70mg
Keywords: Quick Bread, No Yeast, Cheese, Herb, Garlic, Savory Bread, Easy Baking, Side Dish