Name: Cheddar Garlic Quick Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1½ teaspoons garlic powder; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 1¼ cups whole milk; 2 large eggs; ¼ cup butter, melted and cooled; 2½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 98 reviews

If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful bread that’s bursting with cheesy, garlicky goodness, you’re going to adore this Cheddar Garlic Quick Bread Recipe. I absolutely love how this bread turns out—soft inside with a slightly crispy crust and packed with that sharp cheddar punch and savory garlic hit. Whether you’re serving it alongside dinner, enjoying it as a snack, or bringing it to a potluck, this bread never disappoints. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every step to make sure your loaf comes out perfect every time!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Quick and Easy: You’ll have this bread ready in just over an hour with minimal hands-on time—perfect for busy days.
Loaded with Flavor: The combo of sharp cheddar, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning makes every slice irresistible.
Perfectly Moist Texture: Thanks to whole milk and melted butter, this bread stays moist but still slices well.
Versatile for Any Meal: Whether it’s alongside soup, salad, or just on its own, it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Cheddar Garlic Quick Bread Recipe - Recipe Step

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Cheddar Garlic Quick Bread Recipe relies on pantry staples, and each ingredient brings something special to the table. Using sharp cheddar (not mild) really amps up the flavor, and the garlic powder paired with Italian seasoning gives it a subtle but undeniable savory kick.

Cheddar Garlic Quick Bread Recipe - Ingredients

All-purpose flour: The perfect base for a quick bread; makes the texture tender without being too dense.
Sugar: Adds just a touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
Baking powder: This is your leavening agent, so make sure it’s fresh for the best rise.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors; don’t skip it!
Garlic powder: Gives that cozy garlic taste without overwhelming the bread.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs adds complexity and an aromatic note.
Whole milk: Keeps the bread moist and tender—don’t swap for skim if you want the same richness.
Eggs: Help bind everything together and give the bread a great structure.
Butter, melted and cooled: Adds richness and flavor; be sure it’s cooled or it could scramble the eggs.
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The star of the show—go for a good quality cheddar for the best taste.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the best things about this Cheddar Garlic Quick Bread Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. I’ve played around with a few variations depending on what I had on hand or what I was craving.

Make it spicy: I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few chopped jalapeños for a little heat, and my family goes crazy for this twist.
Herb-heavy version: Swap the Italian seasoning for fresh rosemary and thyme when you want something a bit more fragrant and fancy.
Dairy-free twist: I’ve swapped out cheddar for a dairy-free cheese and used almond milk plus vegan butter—results were surprisingly delicious!
Extra cheesy: For cheese lovers, sprinkle extra cheddar on top before baking—the crust gets all golden and crispy, which is heavenly.

How to Make Cheddar Garlic Quick Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure you spray your 8½ x 5-inch bread pan thoroughly with non-stick cooking spray to make clean slicing and release effortless. I like to give the pan a quick swipe with butter after spraying for a little extra richness on the crust.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning until evenly combined. This step makes sure your bread has an even flavor throughout. I discovered this trick when I baked my first loaf and found a weird patch of unseasoned bread—whisking really helps!

Step 3: Add the Cheese

Gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese with a spoon. Be careful not to mix too hard here — you want to evenly distribute the cheese without overworking the flour mixture. Tossing the cheese in some flour beforehand also helps prevent it from sinking to the bottom if you want to avoid that.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients Separately

In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, and the cooled melted butter until fully combined. A tip I learned: letting the butter cool solves the problem of accidentally scrambling eggs if it’s too hot. This mix will bring everything together and make your bread deliciously moist.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixes

Pour the wet ingredients into your dry mixture and stir gently until just combined. Don’t over-mix! It’s okay if a few flour streaks remain; the batter should be slightly lumpy. Over-mixing can result in a tougher texture, and you want your bread soft and tender.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and pop it into the oven. Bake for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. When the bread’s done, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before slicing to avoid crumbling and to help it set perfectly.

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Pro Tips for Making Cheddar Garlic Quick Bread Recipe

Whisk Dry Ingredients Well: This ensures even distribution of seasonings and leavening, so there are no surprises in your bread.
Use Sharp Cheddar: I used to grab whatever cheese was on sale until I realized sharp cheddar gives this bread its signature flavor.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Resist the urge to stir endlessly; a few lumps are totally fine and keep the bread tender.
Let It Cool Before Slicing: Cutting too soon can cause the bread to crumble; patience really pays off here.

How to Serve Cheddar Garlic Quick Bread Recipe

Cheddar Garlic Quick Bread Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a little extra freshly shredded cheddar on top just before baking to get a crispy cheesy crust. If you want to serve it with a little extra flare, a smear of garlic herb butter or a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley never fails to impress guests. I personally love a dash of flaky sea salt on top right before serving—it really boosts the flavor.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs beautifully with soups—tomato basil and creamy broccoli cheddar are some of my go-tos. It also works wonderfully alongside a fresh green salad for a lighter meal, or even with a bowl of chili on a chilly day for something hearty and comforting.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like to slice the bread thick and arrange it in a basket lined with a colorful cloth napkin, perfect for sharing at a brunch or dinner party. Another fun idea is cutting it into cubes and serving it as dippable “bread bites” with a garlic aioli or warm cheese fondue—your guests will be asking for the recipe!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to keep it fresh. It’ll stay good on the counter for about 2 days. If you want to keep it longer, the freezer is your friend.

Freezing

I slice the bread before freezing it. This way, I can grab a piece or two whenever I want without thawing the whole loaf. Just keep the slices in a freezer-safe bag with as much air removed as possible. It freezes beautifully and holds flavor and texture for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop slices straight into a toaster oven or under the broiler for a few minutes until warmed through and crispy on the edges. If you’re reheating more than a couple slices, wrapping the loaf in foil and warming it in the oven at 300°F for 15 minutes also works great and keeps it moist.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese for this bread?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is my favorite because of its robust flavor, you can experiment with Monterey Jack, pepper jack for some heat, or even Gouda for a smoky twist. Just keep in mind that softer cheeses might change the bread’s texture.
Can I make this bread gluten-free?

You can! I’ve successfully swapped the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend measured 1:1. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binder to help with texture. The bread might be a bit more crumbly but still delicious.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The top should be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch. Don’t rush it—if you open the oven too early, it might collapse.
Can I double the recipe to make a larger loaf?

You can double the ingredients but I recommend baking the batter in two separate pans rather than one large pan. This helps ensure even baking and avoids undercooked centers or overly browned edges.

Final Thoughts

This Cheddar Garlic Quick Bread Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s quick, easy, and always smells like a little slice of heaven baking. I love sharing it with friends because it feels like comfort food that anyone can make without fuss. Now that you have my tips and experience, I’m confident you’ll enjoy making it just as much as I do—give it a shot and let me know how it turns out!