Simple and Delicious Cheese Bread

For 12 Slices (5X9-inch loaf pan), Simple and Delicious Cheese Bread keeps the list centered on Parmesan cheese, all-purpose flour and baking powder. Set aside about 65 minutes.

• Yield 12 Slices (5X9-inch loaf pan)
• Ready in 65 minutes
• Prep 15 minutes
• Cook 50 minutes

Ingredients

• 3 ounces Parmesan cheese (shredded on large holes of box grater (about 1 cup))
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 4-5 ounces sharp or extra-sharp cheddar cheese (cut into ½-inch cubes)
• 1 1/4 cups whole milk (2% milk may be substituted but don’t use skim milk)
• 3 tablespoons butter (melted)
• 1 large egg lightly beaten
• 3/4 cup sour cream

Instructions

1. Adjust an oven rack to the middle position in the oven and preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 5 by 9-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray, then sprinkle 1/2 cup of the Parmesan cheese evenly in bottom of pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper to combine. Using a rubber spatula, mix in cheddar cheese cubes, breaking up clumps, until cheese is coated with flour.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together milk, melted butter, egg, and sour cream.
4. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients until just combined (the batter will be heavy and thick). Do not overmix. Scrape batter into prepared loaf pan; spread to sides of pan and level surface with a rubber spatula. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan evenly over surface.
5. Bake until deep golden brown and toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean, 45 to 50 minutes.
6. Cool in pan on wire rack 5 minutes; invert loaf from pan and continue to cool until warm, about 45 minutes. Cut into slices and serve.

Cool the bake on a rack until the crumb sets, then slice.