Cheddar Bay Bread
Freshly baked cheddar bread has a crisp golden crust, a soft interior, and plenty of savory flavor in every slice. This Cheddar Bay Bread combines sharp cheddar cheese, garlic, butter, and the signature seasoning blend of Old Bay into an easy quick bread that doesn’t require any yeast or rising time. The result is a loaf that’s perfect alongside soups, seafood dinners, barbecue, or simply served warm with a little extra butter.
Because this recipe uses baking powder and baking soda instead of yeast, you can have homemade bread on the table in about an hour. The batter comes together in just a few minutes, making it an easy addition to weeknight meals or holiday gatherings.
Whether you’re serving it with a bowl of chowder, slicing it for sandwiches, or enjoying a warm piece straight from the oven, this cheddar bread is one you’ll find yourself making again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Cheddar Bay Bread
There are plenty of reasons this recipe deserves a spot in your recipe collection.
- No yeast or rising time required.
- Rich cheddar flavor in every bite.
- Old Bay seasoning adds a savory, slightly spicy finish.
- Soft, tender crumb with a buttery golden crust.
- Easy enough for weeknight dinners but impressive enough for entertaining.
- Delicious served warm, toasted, or at room temperature.
The garlic herb butter brushed over the loaf while it’s still warm creates a flavorful crust that complements the cheesy interior without overpowering it.
What Is Old Bay Seasoning?
Old Bay Seasoning is a classic blend of herbs and spices that originated in Maryland and has become a favorite for seafood dishes throughout the United States. It contains celery salt, paprika, black pepper, red pepper, and several other spices that create its distinctive savory flavor.
Although it’s commonly used on shrimp, crab, and fish, Old Bay also pairs beautifully with cheese and butter. In this bread, it adds just enough seasoning to complement the cheddar without making the loaf overly spicy.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup cold buttermilk
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon honey or granulated sugar
Cheese
- 2 cups freshly shredded sharp yellow cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Garlic Herb Butter
- ¼ cup melted unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 teaspoon fresh parsley)
- Pinch of salt or Old Bay seasoning
Equipment You’ll Need
Making this recipe requires only a few basic kitchen tools.
- 8½ x 4½-inch or 9 x 5-inch loaf pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Pastry brush
- Cooling rack
How to Make Cheddar Bay Bread
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease your loaf pan generously with butter or line it with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang to lift the loaf out after baking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Garlic powder
- Old Bay seasoning
- Salt
- Black pepper
Once combined, gently stir in the freshly shredded cheddar cheese until each strand is lightly coated with flour.
Coating the cheese helps distribute it evenly throughout the loaf while preventing it from sinking during baking.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together:
- Cold buttermilk
- Melted butter
- Eggs
- Honey
Whisk until smooth and fully combined.
Step 4: Fold the Batter Together
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients.
Using a rubber spatula, gently fold everything together just until no dry flour remains.
The batter will be thick, which is exactly what you want.
Avoid overmixing, as this develops the gluten and can make the finished loaf dense rather than tender.
Step 5: Bake
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared loaf pan.
Bake for 45 to 50 minutes.
The bread is finished when:
- The top is deep golden brown.
- A toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs.
- The loaf feels firm when lightly pressed.
Step 6: Brush with Garlic Butter
While the bread bakes, stir together:
- Melted butter
- Garlic powder
- Parsley
- Pinch of Old Bay or salt
As soon as the bread comes out of the oven, brush the garlic butter generously over the entire top.
The warm loaf absorbs the butter, creating an incredibly flavorful crust.
Allow the bread to cool for about 15 minutes before removing it from the pan.
Baker’s Tips
A few simple techniques make a noticeable difference in the finished loaf.
Shred Your Own Cheese
Freshly shredded cheddar melts much better than pre-packaged shredded cheese.
Packaged cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect both texture and melting, while freshly shredded cheese creates a softer crumb with pockets of melted cheddar throughout.
Don’t Overmix
Quick breads should be mixed only until the flour disappears.
Overmixing creates tougher bread instead of a tender loaf.
Cool Before Slicing
It can be tempting to slice into warm bread immediately, but allowing the loaf to cool for about 15 minutes helps it finish setting.
Cutting too early releases steam and can compress the crumb.
Serving Ideas
Cheddar Old Bay Bread pairs well with a wide variety of meals.
Serve it alongside:
- Crab soup
- Tomato soup
- Seafood chowder
- Chili
- Beef stew
- Pulled pork
- Grilled chicken
- Barbecue ribs
It also makes an excellent breakfast when lightly toasted and spread with butter.
For entertaining, slice the loaf and serve it on a bread board with whipped butter, herb butter, or pimento cheese.
Variations
This recipe is easy to customize with a few simple additions.
Add Bacon
Fold in ½ cup cooked, crumbled bacon for extra smoky flavor.
Mix in Jalapeños
Add one finely diced jalapeño for a little heat.
Use Different Cheeses
Try combining cheddar with:
- Pepper Jack
- Monterey Jack
- Gruyère
- White cheddar
- Colby Jack
Add Fresh Herbs
Fresh chives, thyme, or rosemary add another layer of flavor.
Storage
Allow the bread to cool completely before storing.
Keep it in an airtight container or wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week.
To reheat, warm slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds or toast them until lightly crisp.
Freezing Instructions
This bread freezes very well.
Wrap the entire cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, or place slices in a freezer-safe bag.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-shredded cheddar?
You can, but freshly shredded cheddar produces a smoother texture and melts more evenly throughout the bread.
Can I substitute milk for buttermilk?
Buttermilk provides moisture, tenderness, and helps activate the baking soda. If needed, make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for about 5 minutes before using.
Is this bread spicy?
No. Old Bay adds savory seasoning and mild warmth rather than significant heat.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. This bread stays moist for several days and reheats beautifully, making it a great make-ahead side dish for holidays, parties, and family dinners.
Bake It in My Ashley Elaine Loaf Pan
This Cheddar Bay Bread bakes beautifully in my Ashley Elaine ceramic loaf pan. The ceramic material promotes even baking for a tender interior and beautifully browned crust, while the fluted edges create an elegant presentation that goes straight from the oven to the table.
One of my favorite colors for serving this recipe is this Pistachio Glaze, a beautiful light green that complements everything from seafood dinners to cozy family meals. It will be available very soon! In the meantime, you can shop my current loaf pan colors here:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G87JZ356?th=1
Whether you’re serving this bread with soup, a seafood feast, or a weekend brunch, it’s a recipe that’s easy to make and always welcomed at the table.
Cheddar Bay Bread
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan generously with butter or line it with parchment paper leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese so the strands are light coated in flour (this keeps the cheese from sinking to the bottom).
- In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the cold buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, and honey until smooth.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to gently fold just until combined and no dry flour pockets remain.
- Transfer the batter to your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top gently. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- While the bread bakes, combine the ¼ cup melted butter, garlic powder, parsley, and pinch of Old Bay in a small dish. As soon as the loaf comes out of the oven, brush the warm garlic butter generously all over the top crust.
