Cheesy Savory Bread Loaf

Introduction:
This cheesy bread loaf is the perfect blend of soft, tender crumb with a golden, crispy crust packed with melted cheese. It’s a quick bread recipe that requires no yeast or rising time, making it easy to whip up as a delicious snack, side dish, or even breakfast. The sharpness of cheddar cheese combined with the light, airy bread makes every bite delightful.

Recipe: Cheesy Savory Bread Loaf

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (reserve 1/2 cup for topping)
• 1/4 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt (optional for extra moisture)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and pepper until well combined.
3. Prepare Wet Ingredients:
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, milk, and sour cream (if using) until smooth.
4. Combine Ingredients:
   • Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense.
   • Fold in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese and the chopped herbs if using.
5. Bake the Bread:
   • Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top for a cheesy crust.
   • Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
6. Cool and Serve:
   • Let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
   • Slice and serve warm or at room temperature. This bread is delicious on its own, with butter, or alongside soups and stews!

This cheesy bread loaf is perfect for when you need a quick, savory bread with minimal effort. Feel free to customize it by adding herbs, bacon bits, or different cheeses.