Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp garlic powder (optional)
- ¼ tsp paprika or cayenne (optional, for a little kick)
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice)
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Add cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar, tossing to coat evenly with the flour mixture (this helps keep it from sinking to the bottom).
- Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and melted butter.
- Combine: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined (don’t overmix — batter will be thick).
- Bake: Spoon into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temp.
