If you’ve ever found yourself craving the garlicky, cheesy goodness of Cheddar Bay Biscuits, then this Cheddar Bay Biscuit Bread is about to become your new obsession! Combining the best parts of fluffy biscuits with the convenience of a loaf bread, this recipe is rich, buttery, and loaded with sharp cheddar cheese and savory herbs. Perfect for any meal, it pairs beautifully with soups, salads, or even as a standalone snack.
Here’s everything you need to know about making this flavorful bread from scratch, along with tips, variations, and serving suggestions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: No kneading or advanced bread-making skills required!
- Irresistibly Flavorful: Packed with cheddar cheese, herbs, and garlic butter for a taste that’s utterly addictive.
- Versatile: Great as a side dish, breakfast bread, or even toasted with a little butter for a snack.
Ingredients for Cheddar Bay Biscuit Bread
This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, making it a breeze to whip up.
For the Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 egg (lightly beaten)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
For the Garlic Butter Topping:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or substitute with fresh parsley for extra flavor)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and sugar (if using).
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and melted butter until well combined.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently stir until just combined—be careful not to overmix! Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The bread should be golden brown on top.
Step 6: Add the Garlic Butter
While the bread is baking, prepare the garlic butter topping by mixing melted butter, garlic powder, and parsley in a small bowl. Brush the topping generously over the hot bread as soon as it comes out of the oven.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve warm for the best flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- With Dinner: Serve alongside hearty soups, stews, or roasted meats.
- As Breakfast: Toast a slice and spread with butter or cream cheese.
- For Snacking: Pair it with a dip like marinara or ranch for a satisfying savory treat.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter just until the dry ingredients are incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
- Cheese Options: Sharp cheddar works best for a bold flavor, but you can experiment with Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or a cheese blend.
- Herb Variations: Swap parsley for thyme, rosemary, or chives for a different flavor profile.
Fun Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a pinch of red chili flakes to the batter for a hint of heat.
- Bacon Lover’s Twist: Fold in ½ cup of cooked, crumbled bacon for a smoky addition.
- Cheddar Jalapeño: Add diced jalapeños for a spicy, cheesy bread perfect for chili nights.
Storage and Freezing Tips
- Room Temperature: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: To keep the bread fresh longer, store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Freezing: Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven.
Nutritional Information (Per Slice)
- Calories: ~210
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 14g
- Sodium: 320mg
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
History of Cheddar Bay Inspiration
Cheddar Bay Biscuit Bread is inspired by the beloved Cheddar Bay Biscuits made famous by a certain seafood chain. The “Bay” in the name evokes a coastal flair, but the star ingredients—cheddar cheese, garlic, and herbs—are universal crowd-pleasers. This bread version offers the same crave-worthy flavors in a convenient loaf format, perfect for slicing and sharing.
Perfect Pairings
Pair this bread with:
- Seafood Dishes: Like shrimp scampi or crab bisque.
- Comfort Foods: Such as creamy chicken pot pie or beef stew.
- Salads: Especially Caesar salad or a spinach and feta mix.
