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An easy and quick cheese bread with a soft, fluffy texture and gooey melted cheese pockets inside. Perfect as a snack, side dish, or quick meal, and loved by cheese fans. Versatile recipe allowing for cheese swaps and various add-ins.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite)
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dried herbs (like oregano or thyme, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and dried herbs until evenly mixed.
  3. Fold in the shredded cheese gently, coating the cheese with the flour mixture to prevent sinking.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil or melted butter, and egg until smooth and combined.
  5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined; a few lumps are okay, do not overmix.
  6. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Optional: sprinkle extra shredded cheese on top for a cheesy crust.
  8. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If browning too fast, loosely cover with foil.
  9. Cool the bread in the pan for 10 minutes.
  10. Carefully turn the bread onto a wire rack and cool completely for at least 20 minutes before slicing.
  11. Slice with a serrated knife and serve plain, with butter, garlicky spread, or marinara sauce.
  12. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes.

Notes

Try different cheeses like feta, gouda, or pepper jack for new flavor profiles., Add bacon bits, jalapeños, or fresh herbs to enhance flavor., When measuring flour, spoon and level for fluffier bread., Freshly grate cheese and toss with flour before folding in to prevent sinking., Avoid overmixing the batter to maintain a tender crumb., If using salty cheese (e.g. feta), reduce added salt to prevent oversalting., Lining pan with parchment paper aids in easy removal and clean slices., Let the bread cool fully before slicing to prevent gummy texture., Recipe can be made as muffins: bake 15-20 minutes and check for doneness., For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend; adjust baking time as needed., For dairy-free, use plant-based milk and dairy-free cheese; note texture/flavor changes., Can substitute buttermilk for milk for extra tenderness and tang.

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