Pepper Jack Cheese Quick Bread
A savory quick bread studded with spicy pepper jack cheese, perfect for lunch boxes, casual dinners, or alongside soups and chilis. The combination of melted butter, buttermilk, and sharp cheese creates a moist crumb with just enough heat to keep things interesting. Serve warm with butter or as a base for sandwiches. This straightforward loaf requires no yeast and comes together in under an hour, making it ideal for weeknight baking or when you need homemade bread fast.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Grease only the bottom of a 9x5 inch loaf pan with vegetable shortening or cooking spray.
- 2
Combine flour, cheese, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl; stir to mix.
- 3
Add buttermilk, melted butter, and beaten eggs; stir just until moistened with lumpy batter.
- 4
Transfer batter to prepared pan.
- 5
Bake at 350 degrees for 35-45 minutes until golden brown and toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
- 6
Cool in pan for 5 minutes.
- 7
Run a knife around the edges to loosen bread from pan.
- 8
Turn bread out onto a wire rack.
- 9
Cool completely for 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips
Grease only the bottom of the pan to allow the bread to rise up the sides for a better rise and crust.
Do not overmix the batter; lumps are normal and lead to a tender, tender crumb.
Slice while still slightly warm for the best texture and to enjoy the cheese at its most flavorful.
Good to Know
Keep at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or wrap and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Freezes well for up to 3 months.
Prepare batter up to 2 hours in advance and refrigerate; bake when ready. Baked bread keeps overnight and tastes fine at room temperature or reheated.
Serve warm or at room temperature with butter, alongside soup, chili, or salad. Excellent for sandwiches or alongside breakfast.
Common Mistakes
Overmix batter to avoid a dense, tough crumb
Do not grease the sides of the pan to avoid a thick crust that prevents rising
Do not overbake to avoid drying out; check at 35 minutes with a toothpick
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
maintains heat
FAQ
Can I use fresh jalapeños instead of pepper jack cheese?
Yes, chop 2-3 fresh jalapeños and add to the dry ingredients, though you'll lose the cheese's richness. Add 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar for extra flavor and binding.
What if my bread doesn't rise enough?
Confirm baking powder and baking soda are fresh and not expired. Ensure oven temperature is accurate with a separate thermometer, and avoid opening the oven door during baking.
How long does this keep, and can I freeze it?
Keeps 3 days at room temperature in an airtight container or 5 days refrigerated. Freezes beautifully for 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat wrapped in foil.