A delightful savory bread featuring cheddar cheese and a hint of black pepper, perfect for any occasion.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Ensure your oven is fully preheated for even baking.
Grease the bottom and sides of a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
Use butter or a non-stick spray for easy removal of the bread.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, grated cheddar cheese, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
Grate the cheese fresh for better melting and flavor.
In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, and egg until smooth.
Ensure the butter is not too hot to avoid cooking the egg.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
Overmixing can make the bread dense.
Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
Tap the pan gently to remove air bubbles.
Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Check the bread at 40 minutes to prevent overbaking.
Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooling on a rack prevents the bottom from becoming soggy.
Slice and serve the bread as a side dish or snack.
Serve warm for the best flavor.