Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray. Set aside.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon sugar

2 teaspoons garlic powder

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, evenly coating the cheese with flour.

Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat together:

4 tablespoons melted (and slightly cooled) butter

1 1/3 cups buttermilk

2 large eggs

Mix until the eggs are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.

Combine Wet and Dry

Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients.

Use a rubber spatula to gently fold the batter until just combined.

📝 Do not overmix—the batter should be lumpy but fully moistened.

Prepare for Baking

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the batter.

Loosely tent the pan with foil to prevent over-browning during the first stage of baking.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, covered with foil.

After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 20 minutes.

The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Cool and Serve

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes.

Then, turn it out onto a cooling rack or serving plate.

Allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving.