Quick Garlic Cheese Bread Recipe

This incredibly delicious Quick Garlic Cheese Bread is a game-changer for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something homemade but don’t want to wait hours. With a golden crust, gooey cheese in every bite, and a savory garlic butter topping, this bread comes together in under an hour with minimal effort. It’s the perfect side for soups and pasta dishes, or delightful enough to enjoy on its own!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• All-purpose flour: The foundation of our bread that provides structure – make sure to measure it correctly by spooning it into your measuring cup and leveling it off.
• Sugar: Just a tablespoon adds a touch of sweetness that balances the savory flavors and helps with browning.
• Baking powder: Our leavening agent that makes this bread rise without the need for yeast or proofing time.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the bread – don’t skip this!
• Cheddar cheese: The star of the show! Using freshly grated cheese (rather than pre-shredded) will give you the best melt and flavor.
• Milk: Adds moisture and richness to the bread – whole milk works best for the richest results.
• Egg: Provides structure and helps bind everything together.
• Butter: Used in both the bread and topping for richness and flavor – don’t substitute with margarine if you want that authentic buttery taste.
• Garlic powder: For that classic garlic bread flavor without the hassle of mincing fresh garlic.
• Onion powder: Adds depth of flavor that complements the garlic beautifully.
• Dried parsley: Adds a pop of color and subtle herb flavor to the topping.

Variations

Looking to switch things up? Try these tasty twists:

• Cheese Varieties: Swap the cheddar for pepper jack for a spicy kick, or try a mixture of mozzarella and parmesan for an Italian flair.
• Add-Ins: Fold in cooked and crumbled bacon, chopped jalapeños, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor dimensions.
• Herb Upgrades: Add fresh chopped rosemary, thyme, or basil to the batter for an herbal twist.
• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the batter or topping for heat lovers.
• Gluten-Free Option: Try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour (just watch the texture carefully).

How to Make Quick Garlic Cheese Bread

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Thoroughly spray a 9×5 loaf pan with baking spray, using a pastry brush to ensure every nook and cranny is covered.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until fully combined.

Step 3: Add the Cheese

Stir in 2 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar (reserving 1/2 cup for later), making sure all the cheese is coated in the flour mixture. This prevents the cheese from clumping together in one spot.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the milk and egg until well blended. Pour this mixture into your dry ingredients.

Step 5: Mix and Add Butter

Stir until just combined, with a few dry spots remaining. Then add the melted butter and gently mix until everything is incorporated. Be careful not to overmix!

Step 6: Transfer to Pan

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese over the top if desired.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and crusty.

Step 8: Prepare the Topping

While the bread bakes, whisk together the melted butter, garlic powder, salt, onion powder, and dried parsley in a small bowl.

Step 9: Apply Topping and Cool

Place the hot bread (still in the pan) on a wire rack. Immediately brush the butter topping all over the surface. Let it cool for 5 minutes in the pan, then remove and cool completely on the wire rack before slicing.

How to Serve

This cheesy garlic bread is versatile and pairs beautifully with many dishes:

Perfect Pairings:

• Serve alongside a warming bowl of tomato soup or chili for the ultimate comfort food experience.
• Pair with pasta dishes like spaghetti, lasagna, or fettuccine alfredo.
• Enjoy with a fresh green salad for a simple but satisfying meal.

Serving Suggestions:

• For extra indulgence, serve warm slices with additional melted butter.
• Create a bread basket centerpiece for your dinner table by wrapping the sliced bread in a cloth napkin to keep it warm.
• Cut into cubes and use as croutons for soup or salad.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Freezing

This bread freezes beautifully! Wrap the completely cooled loaf (or individual slices) in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

For that fresh-baked taste, reheat individual slices in a toaster oven for 1-2 minutes. To reheat the entire loaf, wrap in aluminum foil and warm in a 325°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Quick Garlic Cheese Bread is one of those magical recipes that brings the comfort of homemade bread to your table with minimal effort. The combination of cheesy goodness and garlic butter creates something truly special that will have everyone reaching for another slice. Whether you’re serving it alongside your favorite soup or enjoying it as a snack, this bread proves that delicious doesn’t have to be complicated. Give it a try – your kitchen will smell amazing and your taste buds will thank you!

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