Name: Rosemary Cheddar Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 105 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Whole Milk; ½ cup Sour Cream; ¼ cup Unsalted Butter; 1 large Egg; 3 cups All-Purpose Flour; 1½ cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese; 1½ tablespoons Baking Powder; 1½ tablespoons Chopped Fresh Rosemary; 2 teaspoons Kosher Salt; ? teaspoon Ground Red Pepper

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There’s something truly special about the aroma of freshly baked Rosemary Cheddar Bread wafting through the house. I remember the first time I made this delightful bread. It was a crisp fall afternoon, and I had just come back from the farmer’s market with a bundle of fragrant rosemary. The idea of combining that herb with sharp cheddar cheese was simply irresistible. Each bite is a burst of flavor, and the texture is perfectly soft yet crusty. This bread has become a staple in my home and a beloved recipe among friends and family. I often bake it to accompany soups and salads, or just to enjoy with a pat of butter. If you’ve never made fresh bread before, this is the perfect recipe to start your journey.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
1 hr 45 mins

Prep Time:
15 mins

Cook Time:
90 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
210 kcal

Protein:
7g g

Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
9g g

Tools Used:
Oven, Baking Sheet, Frying Pan, Wooden Spoon, Whisk, Chef’s Knife

Why This Rosemary Cheddar Bread Is a Winner

1. The Perfect Pairing

Every slice of Rosemary Cheddar Bread is a delightful combination of flavors. The earthy notes of rosemary beautifully complement the sharpness of cheddar cheese. These ingredients create a savory experience that elevates even the simplest meals.

2. A Wholesome Experience

Baking bread at home brings a sense of accomplishment. There’s something magical about taking the time to knead the dough and watch it rise. The smell of baking fills your kitchen with warmth and invites everyone to gather around.

3. Versatile and Adaptable

This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it as a side dish with dinner or toast it for breakfast. You can even experiment by adding different herbs or cheeses to suit your taste. The possibilities are endless!

4. Perfect for Every Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home, this bread fits right in. It’s also a fantastic addition to holiday meals, making it a crowd-pleaser.

5. Ideal for Sharing

Homemade bread is a perfect gift. Wrap a loaf of Rosemary Cheddar Bread in parchment paper and share it with a friend or neighbor. They’ll appreciate the thoughtful gesture and delicious treat!

What’s In This Rosemary Cheddar Bread

To create the most delightful Rosemary Cheddar Bread, we combine key ingredients that provide both flavor and texture. Each component plays a vital role in achieving the perfect loaf. The combination of whole milk, sour cream, and unsalted butter gives richness, while the all-purpose flour ensures a light and fluffy texture. The cheddar cheese infuses bold flavor, and the fresh rosemary brings a fragrant aroma that fills the air as it bakes.

Whole Milk: 1 cup (240 grams) – Provides moisture and richness to the bread, helping to create a tender texture.
Sour Cream: ½ cup (120 grams) – Adds tanginess and moisture, resulting in a deliciously soft crumb.
Unsalted Butter: ¼ cup (57 grams) – Used melted, this ingredient adds fat, which contributes to the bread’s richness and flavor.
Large Egg: 1 (50 grams) – Helps bind the ingredients together and adds structure to the loaf.
All-Purpose Flour: 3 cups (375 grams) – The main structure of the bread, providing elasticity and chewiness.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 1½ cups (150 grams) – The star ingredient that gives the bread its signature cheesy flavor.
Baking Powder: 1½ tablespoons (22.5 grams) – This leavening agent helps the bread rise, making it fluffy.
Chopped Fresh Rosemary: 1½ tablespoons (3 grams) – Provides a fragrant herbal note that pairs perfectly with cheddar.
Kosher Salt: 2 teaspoons (6 grams) – Essential for enhancing all the flavors in the bread.
Ground Red Pepper: ? teaspoon – Adds a subtle kick, balancing the richness of the cheese.

How to Assemble Rosemary Cheddar Bread

Making Rosemary Cheddar Bread is a straightforward process that anyone can master, even if it’s your first time baking bread. Follow these detailed steps, and soon you’ll have a beautiful loaf ready to enjoy. Trust me, the smell alone will make your kitchen feel like a cozy bakery!

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). This is the perfect temperature for baking bread, ensuring that it cooks evenly. While the oven is warming up, prepare your loaf pan by buttering it generously. An 8×4-inch loaf pan works wonderfully for this recipe.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole milk, sour cream, melted unsalted butter, and egg. Whisking these ingredients together helps to create a homogenous mixture, which is essential for even flavor distribution throughout the bread.
Once the wet ingredients are combined, gradually add in the all-purpose flour. It’s best to do this in parts, gently folding it into the mixture. You want to combine everything without overmixing, as this can lead to a denser bread.
Add the remaining ingredients: shredded cheddar cheese, baking powder, chopped fresh rosemary, kosher salt, and ground red pepper. Stir just until the dry ingredients are incorporated; don’t be alarmed if the dough looks thick and a bit shaggy. This is normal!
Spoon the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Make sure to spread it evenly to ensure it bakes uniformly.
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour and 30 minutes to 1 hour and 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking to avoid over-browning.
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. This cooling process makes it easier to remove the bread from the pan without breaking it.
After the cooling time, carefully transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely. Give it a few moments to cool before slicing; this helps maintain its moisture.
Serve the Rosemary Cheddar Bread warm or at room temperature. It’s fantastic on its own, but you can also enjoy it with a smear of butter or a side of your favorite soup.

Things Worth Knowing

Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh rosemary and high-quality cheddar cheese for the best flavor.
Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, mix just until incorporated to keep the bread light and fluffy.
Check for Doneness: Always use a toothpick or wooden pick to test the center of the bread; it should come out clean.
Cooling is Key: Allow the bread to cool fully before slicing to prevent it from being gummy inside.

Ways to Customize

One of the best things about Rosemary Cheddar Bread is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your tastes. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

Herbal Variations: Incorporate other herbs like thyme or oregano with the rosemary for a different flavor profile.
Cheese Choices: Try using different types of cheese, such as gouda for a smokier taste or mozzarella for a milder flavor.
Nutty Additions: Throw in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.
Spicy Kick: Add some red pepper flakes to the batter for a spicy twist.
Storage: Keep your leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze this bread for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil.
Pairing Suggestions: This bread is perfect for serving with soups, salads, or as a side for grilled meats.

Serve This Rosemary Cheddar Bread With

When it comes to enjoying your Rosemary Cheddar Bread, the options are endless. Here are some delicious pairings that will elevate your meal:

Hearty Soups: Serve this bread alongside a warm bowl of tomato soup or creamy potato leek soup for a comforting meal.
Salads: Pair with a fresh garden salad drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette. The flavors will complement each other beautifully.
Grilled Meats: Whether it’s chicken, steak, or fish, this bread makes a fantastic side dish for grilled meals.
Cheese Board: Add slices of your Rosemary Cheddar Bread to a cheese board for a delightful appetizer at gatherings.
Picnics: This bread is easy to pack and makes a great addition to any picnic spread.
Breakfast Toast: Toast slices and top with avocado or a fried egg for a hearty breakfast.

FAQ

Absolutely! While cheddar cheese gives this bread its signature flavor, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Gouda offers a smokier taste, while mozzarella provides a milder flavor. You can also try adding a mix of cheeses for a unique twist. Just remember to adjust the amount according to your taste preferences!

To keep your Rosemary Cheddar Bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It can last for up to three days. If you’d like to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before placing it in the freezer. It should maintain its quality for up to three months.

This bread is incredibly versatile! It pairs wonderfully with hearty soups like tomato soup or creamy chowders. You can also serve it alongside fresh salads or grilled meats. For a simple breakfast, toast the bread and enjoy it with avocado or a fried egg!

Yes! You can definitely customize the flavor by adding other herbs. Consider mixing in some thyme, chives, or even some fresh basil along with the rosemary. Just remember that fresh herbs can impart different flavor profiles, so it’s a great way to make this bread your own!

Conclusion

The Rosemary Cheddar Bread is a wonderful addition to any meal, offering a perfect blend of flavors and textures. It’s easy to make and perfect for sharing with loved ones. I encourage you to try this recipe and let the comforting aroma fill your kitchen. You won’t be disappointed, and your taste buds will thank you for the delightful experience!