Savory Bacon and Cheddar Bread
A rustic, savory loaf packed with crispy bacon bits and sharp cheddar cheese that makes for the ultimate comfort food.
Ingredients
- •8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
- •2 cups all-purpose flour (250g)
- •1 tablespoon baking powder
- •1 teaspoon salt
- •1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- •1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (150g)
- •2 large eggs
- •1 cup whole milk (240ml)
- •1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- •2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray.
- 2
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper.
- 3
Stir in the crispy chopped bacon and the shredded cheddar cheese until well coated with the flour mixture.
- 4
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, melted butter, and chopped chives.
- 5
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir with a spatula just until combined; do not overmix, as this will make the bread tough.
- 6
Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- 7
Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
- 8
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
💡 Chef tips
- For extra flavor, use the rendered bacon fat instead of a portion of the melted butter.
- You can make this ahead by wrapping the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap; it stays fresh at room temperature for up to two days or can be frozen for a month.
- If you want a crunchier crust, sprinkle a little extra shredded cheddar on top during the last 5 minutes of baking.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished loaf should have a golden-brown, crusty exterior with a moist, tender crumb that smells intensely savory and tastes like a perfect harmony of smoky bacon and melted cheese.