Cheese Bread Recipe
If there’s one recipe I turn to again and again when I want to fill my kitchen with the glorious aroma of fresh bread and melting cheese, it’s this Cheese Bread. Simple to put together yet packed with flavor and irresistibly cheesy in every bite, it’s a crowd-pleaser whether paired with soup, served as a snack, or enjoyed all on its own. The golden crust and fluffy crumb studded with sharp cheddar and Parmesan make this loaf a go-to for weeknight dinners and weekend brunches alike. Trust me, once you bake it, you’ll be dreaming up excuses to make Cheese Bread for every occasion!

Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a handful of humble pantry and fridge staples combine to create such gorgeously savory Cheese Bread. Each ingredient plays a key role, from building structure and flavor to ensuring that luscious cheesy swirl in every slice.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of your bread, giving it just the right tender crumb.
- Baking powder: This ensures your loaf rises beautifully, delivering that lovely softness inside.
- Salt: Balances and amplifies the cheesy and savory notes.
- Garlic powder: Just a hint to add aromatic flavor without overwhelming the cheese.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: For melty, bold flavor in every bite; hand-shred for best melting.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty depth that amplifies the cheddar.
- Whole milk: Keeps the loaf moist and ensures a tender crumb.
- Sour cream: The secret to remarkable richness and subtle tang.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Delivers richness and that inviting, buttery aroma.
- Large egg: Binds it all together and provides structure so your Cheese Bread slices beautifully.
How to Make Cheese Bread
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when your batter is. Generously grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan—nothing’s sadder than stuck Cheese Bread! A quick swipe of butter or oil will do the trick.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a big mixing bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder. This ensures the leavening and seasonings are evenly distributed, setting the stage for a tender, flavorful loaf.
Step 3: Add the Cheeses
Gently stir in the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan until each cheesy strand is coated in your dry mixture. This helps the cheese stay suspended in the batter, giving you cheesy goodness in every bite rather than sinking to the bottom.
Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, sour cream, melted butter, and egg until smooth. This mixture brings moisture, richness, and just the right amount of tang to balance all that cheese.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Pour your wet ingredients into the dry cheese-flour mixture. Using a spatula, gently fold everything together just until combined. You want to avoid overmixing here, as it keeps your Cheese Bread tender and light. A few patches of flour are perfectly fine.
Step 6: Bake the Cheese Bread
Scoop the thick, cheesy batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 45–50 minutes. When a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (or with just a few moist crumbs), it’s ready!
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This helps set the crumb, making for perfect, neat slices of Cheese Bread every time.
How to Serve Cheese Bread

Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley or chives add a pop of color and a gentle herbal lift to each slice of Cheese Bread, making it even more enticing. For an extra treat, brush the warm loaf with a bit of melted butter and sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt or additional Parmesan on top.
Side Dishes
Cheese Bread shines next to a warm bowl of tomato soup, a crisp green salad, or alongside scrambled eggs for brunch. Its cheesy flavor holds its own with hearty stews, chili, or your favorite roasted veggies. The possibilities are limited only by your cravings!
Creative Ways to Present
Slice thick and toast for the ultimate open-faced sandwich, or cube and serve with toothpicks for a party platter. You can even turn Cheese Bread into hearty croutons for soups and salads or use it to build a savory bread pudding. This is a loaf that loves a little creativity!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cool, wrap your Cheese Bread tightly in foil or plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature for up to 2 days. The loaf stays nice and moist, and a quick toast will refresh the flavors beautifully.
Freezing
For longer storage, Cheese Bread freezes like a dream. Double-wrap slices or the whole loaf in plastic and foil, then stash in your freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature to enjoy that just-baked taste anytime.
Reheating
To revive leftover Cheese Bread, simply pop a slice in the toaster or warm it in a 300°F (150°C) oven for a few minutes. This brings back its glorious texture and that irresistible cheesy aroma, making it taste freshly baked all over again.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese in Cheese Bread?
Definitely! While sharp cheddar and Parmesan provide bold flavor, feel free to mix in mozzarella, pepper jack, or smoked gouda for a fun twist. Just keep the quantities the same for best results.
Is it possible to make Cheese Bread gluten free?
Yes, you can substitute a 1:1 gluten free flour blend with baking powder for the all-purpose flour. Texture might be slightly different, but the cheesy goodness stays the same.
What’s the best way to keep my Cheese Bread from getting dry?
Avoid overbaking, and make sure to measure your flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling off. Wrapping the bread well after cooling also helps it retain moisture.
Can I bake this recipe as muffins instead of a loaf?
Absolutely! Portion the batter into a greased muffin tin and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20–25 minutes. Cheese Bread muffins make perfect little snacks or breakfast treats.
Do I need to refrigerate Cheese Bread?
Not for short-term storage. Cheese Bread is fine at room temperature for a couple days, but if you know you won’t finish it by then, pop it in the fridge or freezer to keep it fresh.
Final Thoughts
This Cheese Bread is the kind of recipe that invites you to make it your own and share it with those you love. Whether you add your favorite herbs, experiment with new cheeses, or keep it classic, I hope it becomes as much of a staple in your kitchen as it is in mine. Give it a try—you just might wonder how you ever lived without it!
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Cheese Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cheese Bread recipe is a delicious savory quick bread packed with cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, perfect for a side dish or a snack. Easy to make and full of cheesy goodness!
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder. Add cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until coated.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk milk, sour cream, melted butter, and egg until smooth.
- Combine mixtures: Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients, stirring just until combined.
- Bake: Pour batter into pan, smooth the top, and bake for 45–50 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Let bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Add chopped herbs like chives or parsley for extra flavor.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations for a unique taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 45mg