This savory Bacon Cheddar Chive Quick Bread is a one-bowl, one-pan delight that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting dinner side.
Packed with protein from eggs, cheese, and bacon, and enriched with fiber from whole ingredients, it’s both satisfying and nutrient-rich.
Quick to prepare and baked to golden perfection, it’s an everyday recipe everyone will love.
Bacon Cheddar Chive Quick Bread
Equipment
- 2 Mixing Bowls
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Cheese grater
- Medium skillet
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour spooned and leveled
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper plus extra for topping
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 4 tbsp ½ stick unsalted butter, melted
- 4 oz sharp Cheddar cheese grated (about 1 cup), plus extra for topping
- 2 oz Parmesan cheese grated (about ½ cup)
- 4 slices cooked bacon crumbled
- 3 tbsp fresh chives chopped
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the correct baking temperature while you prepare the bread. Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal and cleaning. This step ensures the bread bakes evenly and doesn’t stick.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Whisk the ingredients thoroughly to evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasonings. A well-mixed dry base ensures the bread rises consistently and has balanced flavor throughout.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl or a large measuring cup, whisk together 2 large eggs until slightly frothy. Add ½ cup of buttermilk and 4 tablespoons (½ stick) of melted unsalted butter, stirring to combine. The buttermilk adds moisture and a subtle tang, while the butter contributes richness and tenderness to the bread. Make sure the eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature to prevent the butter from solidifying.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, gently fold the mixture together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—overworking the batter can make the bread dense and tough. The goal is a slightly lumpy batter that will bake into a light, tender loaf.
- Fold in Flavor Enhancers: Once the basic batter is combined, fold in the shredded Cheddar cheese (4 oz), grated Parmesan cheese (2 oz), crumbled cooked bacon (4 slices), and chopped fresh chives (3 tablespoons). Gently incorporate these ingredients to evenly distribute the cheese, bacon, and chives throughout the batter. These add flavor, texture, and a satisfying savory richness.
- Transfer to Loaf Pan: Pour the prepared batter into the greased loaf pan, using a spatula to smooth the top and ensure it’s evenly distributed. Sprinkle a little extra Cheddar cheese and a pinch of black pepper on top for a golden, flavorful crust. This finishing touch adds visual appeal and a slightly crispy texture to the top of your bread.
- Bake the Bread: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the loaf; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The bread should be golden brown on top and smell wonderfully cheesy and savory. Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so start checking at 35 minutes to avoid overbaking.
- Cool Before Serving: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bread to cool for 15 minutes in the pan on a wire rack. Cooling slightly helps the bread hold its shape and makes it easier to slice. You can serve it warm for a soft, gooey texture or at room temperature for a firmer, more set loaf.
- Slice and Enjoy: After cooling, carefully remove the bread from the pan and slice it with a serrated knife. Serve as a savory breakfast option, a brunch centerpiece, or a flavorful side to soups and salads. Each slice delivers a perfect combination of cheesy, smoky, and herbaceous flavors, making it irresistible for any occasion.
Notes
- For best results, cook the bacon ahead of time and drain on paper towels to remove excess fat.
- Use freshly grated Cheddar and Parmesan for maximum flavor and better melting.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to ensure a light, tender texture.
- Allow the bread to cool slightly in the pan before removing to keep its shape.
- This bread can be served warm or at room temperature, making it versatile for any meal.
- Chives can be substituted with green onions or fresh parsley for a different flavor twist.
- Adjust seasoning to taste; adding a pinch of smoked paprika or garlic powder can enhance depth.
Chef’s Secrets For Perfect Bread
The secret to a moist, flavorful quick bread lies in balancing wet and dry ingredients and incorporating high-quality add-ins.
Using room-temperature eggs ensures smooth integration with buttermilk and butter, which keeps the bread tender.
Pre-cooking bacon and draining excess fat prevents sogginess while maximizing smoky flavor.
Freshly grated cheese melts more evenly and intensifies taste.
Folding ingredients gently rather than stirring vigorously keeps the crumb light and prevents a dense loaf.
Finally, letting the bread cool slightly in the pan allows it to set perfectly without collapsing.
Serving Suggestions For Every Occasion
This savory quick bread is versatile and pairs beautifully with many meals.
Serve slices warm alongside a bowl of tomato soup for a comforting lunch or with scrambled eggs and avocado for a hearty breakfast.
For brunch, pair it with fresh fruit and a light salad to balance the richness of the cheese and bacon.
It also makes a delicious side for roasted vegetables or grilled chicken at dinner.
A spread of herb butter or cream cheese elevates the flavor for a special touch.
Storage Tips To Maintain Freshness
Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, keeping it soft and flavorful.
For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
To serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or warm slices in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes.
Avoid storing in the fridge without wrapping, as it can dry the bread.
Reheating gently preserves the texture and enhances the flavor of the cheese, bacon, and chives.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the batter and refrigerate for a few hours before baking.
For best results, bake fresh, but storing the baked bread overnight is also fine. Wrap tightly to maintain moisture.
2. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely. Sharp Cheddar gives a robust flavor, but Gruyère, Fontina, or Monterey Jack work well too.
Just ensure you use a cheese that melts easily for a moist texture.
3. Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
Check the blend includes xanthan gum for structure, and the texture may be slightly denser but still delicious.
4. Can I reduce the fat content?
You can use reduced-fat butter or replace part of the butter with unsweetened Greek yogurt.
However, this may slightly affect the bread’s richness and tenderness.
5. How can I prevent the bread from being soggy?
Drain bacon thoroughly and use room-temperature wet ingredients. Avoid overmixing the batter.
Baking at the recommended temperature ensures a fully set center with a golden crust, preventing excess moisture.
