This cheese bread recipe is one of those cozy, no-fuss quick breads that’s loaded with flavor. It’s made with simple ingredients and bakes into a tender loaf with a golden crust.

slices of Cheese Bread

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Holly’s Recipe Highlights

  • Flavor: Savory and cheesy with a rich cheddar flavor, a hint of Parmesan, and a touch of cayenne in every slice.
  • Why Make It: No rise time, no kneading, and it goes from bowl to oven in minutes.
  • Prep Tip: Line the loaf pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup and easy removal.  
  • Serving Suggestions: Serve warm with soup, chili, or stew for an easy, cozy meal. It’s also delicious spread with garlic butter.
baking powder , cayenne pepper , sugar , eggs , salt , parmesan , flour , green onion , milk , cheese and butter with labels to make Cheese Bread

Ingredient Notes

  • Flour: All-purpose flour gives the loaf structure while keeping the crumb tender. A gluten-free 1:1 blend can be used, though the texture may be slightly more delicate.
  • Butter: Cold butter helps create a tender texture. It can be swapped for oil or melted butter, but the loaf may be slightly denser.
  • Sharp Cheddar: Sharp cheddar gives this bread its bold, cheesy flavor and melts beautifully when freshly shredded.
  • Parmesan: Parmesan adds a salty, savory depth. Romano can be used in its place, or it can be left out.
  • Milk: Whole milk gives the richest texture, but any milk you have on hand works. Unsweetened almond or oat milk can usually be swapped in, too.
  • Green onion: Green onion adds a mild onion flavor and a little color to this cheese bread. Chives are the easiest swap, or it can be left out for a plainer loaf.

Variations

  • Add crumbled cooked bacon for a smoky twist.
  • Stir in fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a different flavor.
  • Use a cheddar-mozzarella blend for a softer, milder loaf.
  • Swap the green onion for chopped jalapeño for a little heat.
adding Cheese Bread dough to baking dish

How To Make Cheese Bread

  1. Whisk dry ingredients together. Cut in the butter, then fold in the cheese and the green onion.
  2. Mix the wet ingredients in another bowl (full recipe below).
  3. Combine all the ingredients and pour into a loaf pan, and bake until a toothpick comes out clean.

Tips For The Best Loaf

  • For the Best Flavor: Shred the cheese from a block, instead of using pre-shredded cheese.
  • For a Tender Loaf: Don’t overmix the batter or the loaf can be dense.
  • Batter Consistency: The batter should be thick, not pourable or runny.
  • For the Perfect Slice: Let the loaf cool before slicing, then use a serrated knife for neat slices.
a slice of cheese bread with butter in the background

How To Store It

  • Keep leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
  • To freeze, slice the bread and store between sheets of parchment for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat slices in the toaster until warmed through.

More Savory Breads You'll Love

Did you enjoy this Cheese Bread Recipe? Leave a comment and rating below.

image of Everyday Comfort cookbook by Holly Nilsson of Spend With Pennies plus text
close up of cheese bread slices
4.95 from 349 votes

Cheese Bread

Servings 12 slices
This savory cheese bread is tender, buttery, and loaded with cheddar flavor. It’s an easy, quick bread that’s perfect with soup, chili, or toasted with butter.
Servings 12 slices
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
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Ingredients  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 4 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ¼ cup cold butter
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1 green onion finely chopped
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease an 8" x 4" loaf pan.
  • Whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and cayenne pepper in a medium bowl.
  • Using a pastry cutter or a fork, cut in butter. Stir in cheeses and green onion.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk eggs until foamy. Add milk and sugar.
  • Add wet ingredients to the dry mixture and stir just until moistened, do not overmix.
  • Pour into a prepared pan and bake for 50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Notes

Store in an airtight container on the countertop for up to 4 days. 
4.95 from 349 votes

Nutrition Information

Calories: 183 | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 49mg | Sodium: 223mg | Potassium: 206mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 316IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 168mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Appetizer, Bread, Side Dish
Cuisine American

Recipe Adapted Martin, Verneil. “Cheese Quick Bread”. Recipe. Among Friends. Centax Books, SK, 1989. 32. Print.

sliced loaf of Cheese Bread with a title
buttery and flavorful Cheese Bread with writing
loaf of Cheese Bread slices and close up of slices with butter with a title
Cheese Bread with butter and a title

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About the author

Holly Nilsson is the creator of Spend With Pennies, where she creates easy, comforting recipes made for real life. She is also the author of “Everyday Comfort,” which promises to inspire even more hearty, home-cooked meals.
See more posts by Holly

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4.95 from 349 votes (269 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. I an NOT a good cook, but I tried this. It is easy, and is absolutely delicious! I used half sharp cheddar and half mozzarella. Everything else was according to the recipe. I slathered butter on it and sprinkled a little garlic powder on it. So good!5 stars

  2. Made this bread to go with beef stew and it was fantastic! I did not have milk so I used almond milk and it was still fantastic! For the butter I shredded it and chilled it in the freezer while mixing the other ingredients; it makes it easier to cut in. This recipe is so easy, quick and delicious! Thank you for sharing!5 stars

    1. So happy you enjoyed this recipe, Cathy! Thanks for the tip, that sounds like a super helpful way to cut in the butter.

    1. Hi Claire, we haven’t tried this recipe as muffins yet. I would imagine it would take about 20 minutes to cook though. We do have these delicious cheese muffins that you may enjoy too.

  3. A little too sweet and I only used 1/2 of the sugar called for. I also used 1/4 t. garlic salt and the rest plain salt. Might add bacon and/or jalapeños next time5 stars

  4. I made this bread today for the first time, and served it with homemade tomato soup. The bread was a hit with the family. I did add a teaspoon of garlic powder, and I used yellow onion since I didn’t have green onion. The bread was delicious — so moist and flavourful. Thanks very much for this recipe. I’ll be making it again soon!

  5. Hi, im about to make it this weekend. Sounds amazing! But i did not understand the part where it says to add in the butter. It says “usin a fork cut in butter” u mean the cold hard butter to cut in little pieces (why a fork and not a knife?) and add it and mix it in just like that? Without actually mixing it into the dough completely incorporated? please clarify.

    1. If using a knife works for you, you definitely can. We find it easiest to cut in using a fork, providing similar results to a pastry cutter.

  6. This was great and so easy! I added some red pepper flake and a little extra cheese. I’ll be adding to my go to recipes. Thanks!5 stars

    1. Hi Jenny, we have never made this recipe in the air fryer but we would love to hear know how it turns out for you if you attempt it!

      1. Absolutely amazing bread❣️I doubled The recipe to make two loaves one for our family and one for a trip to half Falls with my parents❣️ God bless you and thank you for this really wonderful amazing bread❣️5 stars

    1. Hi Judy, it should be okay. We usually use milk with higher fat content, but it should turn out delicious still.

  7. I would love to try this recipe, however, I don’t have a butter. Can I replace it with Olive oil? If yes, how much?

    1. Hi Sheryl, we haven’t tried making this recipe with oil but I wouldn’t recommend it. If you do attempt it let us know how it turns out.

  8. Made the cheese bread today, so easy to make and came out great. So delicious too.
    Thank you for a great recipe.

  9. Excellent recipe! My picky family loved it. I added a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning on top before baking. It tastes like my favorite coffee shop order…cheese on an everything bagel5 stars