
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This breakfast dessert bread offers a twist on traditional sweet breads, blending the savory flavor of cheddar cheese with the subtle sweetness of the baked loaf. The addition of dry onion soup mix enhances the savory profile, making each slice a satisfying experience. It’s simple to make, perfect for any time of day, and pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea. Plus, it’s a great option for gatherings, as it’s sure to stand out with its unique flavor combination.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese (grated or shredded, divided)
- 3 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 2 packets (2 oz) dry onion soup mix
- 2 cups buttermilk
Directions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 loaf pan and set it aside.
- Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and onion soup mix.
- Add the wet ingredients: Stir in the buttermilk until everything is well combined.
- Add the cheese: Mix 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese into the batter.
- Transfer to the loaf pan: Pour the mixture into the prepared loaf pan, and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly on top of the bread batter.
- Bake the bread: Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and Timing
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 50–60 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Servings: 12 slices
Storage and Reheating
Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the bread in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm individual slices in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or toast them for a crisp finish.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute cheddar with other cheeses such as mozzarella, gouda, or a blend of cheeses. Keep in mind that different cheeses will provide varying flavors and textures.
2. Can I make this bread without the onion soup mix?
Yes, if you don’t have onion soup mix, you can make a homemade version using dried onion flakes, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. This will help replicate the savory flavor.
3. Can I make this bread without buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using in the recipe.
4. Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free. Be sure to use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour mix for the best results.
5. Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes, this bread can be made ahead of time and stored for up to 3 days at room temperature or up to 3 months in the freezer. Just let it cool completely before storing it.
6. Can I add other ingredients like herbs or spices?
Yes, you can add herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley to enhance the flavor of the bread. A pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika can also add a little heat if you prefer.
7. Can I use a different pan size?
This recipe is designed for a 9×5 loaf pan. If you use a different size, you may need to adjust the baking time slightly. A smaller pan will bake faster, while a larger pan may require a longer bake time.
8. Can I make this bread without the extra cheese on top?
Yes, the bread will still taste delicious without the cheese topping. However, the cheese on top adds a nice golden finish and extra flavor, so we recommend keeping it if you can.
9. How do I know when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the toothpick has wet batter on it, continue baking for a few more minutes.
10. Can I serve this bread with a spread?
Yes! This bread pairs wonderfully with butter, cream cheese, or even a light spread like honey for a sweet contrast to the savory flavor.
Conclusion
Grandma’s Breakfast Dessert Bread is a comforting and flavorful treat that blends savory cheese and a touch of sweetness in a deliciously soft loaf. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a light dessert, this bread is sure to be a hit in any household. Whether you’re enjoying it on its own or pairing it with a hot drink, it brings a wonderful combination of flavors that everyone will love.

Grandma’s Breakfast Dessert Bread: A Savory-Sweet Delight
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Grandma’s Breakfast Dessert Bread is a unique savory-sweet treat combining cheddar cheese, onion soup mix, and buttermilk, baked into a soft, flavorful loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light dessert.
Ingredients
1 ½ cups cheddar cheese (grated or shredded, divided)
3 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
2 packets (2 oz) dry onion soup mix
2 cups buttermilk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 loaf pan and set it aside.
- Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and onion soup mix.
- Add the wet ingredients: Stir in the buttermilk until everything is well combined.
- Add the cheese: Mix 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese into the batter.
- Transfer to the loaf pan: Pour the mixture into the prepared loaf pan, and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly on top of the bread batter.
- Bake the bread: Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
You can substitute the cheddar cheese with other types of cheese such as mozzarella, gouda, or a blend of cheeses for a different flavor.
If you don’t have onion soup mix, make a homemade version with dried onion flakes, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt.
For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend and a 1-to-1 gluten-free mix.
If you don’t have buttermilk, use regular milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice added to it.
Add herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley to enhance the bread’s flavor, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.
The bread can be made ahead and stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Using a different pan size may require adjusting the baking time. A smaller pan will bake faster, while a larger one may take longer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg