The real beauty of this Cheesy Savory Bread Loaf lies in its versatility. The combination of melted cheddar, with its creamy richness, and the subtle hint of garlic and fresh herbs, creates a loaf that’s both indulgent and satisfying. The golden, cheesy crust that forms on top adds an irresistible crunch, while the inside remains soft and tender. Whether you enjoy it as an afternoon snack or pair it with a warm bowl of soup, this loaf is a true comfort food that can be whipped up with pantry staples yet feels like a gourmet treat.
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:
- Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray and set it aside.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder (if using), and ground black pepper. This ensures that your dry ingredients are evenly distributed and your loaf rises properly.
- Prepare wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, and milk. If you’re using sour cream or Greek yogurt, fold it into the wet mixture at this stage to add extra moisture to the bread.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix as this can result in a dense loaf.
- Add cheese and herbs: Fold in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and the chopped fresh herbs (if using). The cheddar will melt beautifully into the bread as it bakes, creating pockets of cheesy goodness.
- Transfer to loaf pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the reserved 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the loaf for a golden, cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 45–50 minutes or until the top is golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely cover the loaf with aluminum foil during the last 10–15 minutes of baking.
- Cool and serve: Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
