Loaded Bacon Cheddar Bread 🥓🧀

This Loaded Bacon Cheddar Bread is the ultimate savory treat that combines crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and green onions in a soft, buttery bread. It's perfect for a snack, an appetizer, or as a side dish for any meal! Once you take a bite, you won't be able to resist going back for seconds (or thirds!).

Consider serving it warm with a side of your favorite dipping sauce or a rich soup for a hearty and satisfying meal. 🍲🍞

Ingredients

For the bread

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup milk
• 2 large eggs

For the filling

• 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (about 8 strips)
• 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

🥄 Make sure to sift your flour if it’s lumpy, which will help your bread rise evenly!

3. In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter, milk, and eggs until well blended.

4. Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients, stirring until just mixed. Be careful not to over-mix; you want the bread to stay fluffy!

5. Gently fold in the crumbled bacon, cheddar cheese, and green onions (and red pepper flakes if using).

6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

7. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

🧊 Letting the bread cool slightly helps it firm up and makes it easier to slice without falling apart!

Variations

• Herb-Infused: Add 1 tablespoon of your favorite fresh herbs (like rosemary or thyme) to the batter for an extra layer of flavor. 🌿
• Cheese Lovers: Experiment with different types of cheese; pepper jack adds a spicy twist while mozzarella gives a nice gooey texture! 🧀
• Vegetarian: Replace the bacon with sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a delicious veggie option.
• Mini Breads: For bite-sized treats, pour the batter into a muffin tin and reduce baking time to about 20-25 minutes.

This Loaded Bacon Cheddar Bread is sure to make your taste buds sing. Enjoy it fresh out of the oven for a crunchy, cheesy delight that everyone will adore! 🎉