If you’re craving something savory, cheesy, and with a little southern kick, this Green Chile Cheese Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. Packed with the perfect blend of sharp cheddar, creamy Monterey Jack, and that unmistakable punch of green chiles, this bread offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. It’s quick to whip up and so rewarding to eat warm from the oven, with a crispy crust and a tender, cheesy inside that will instantly become a favorite at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Green Chile Cheese Bread Recipe keeps things wonderfully simple with a handful of ingredients that each play an essential role. From the fluffy structure provided by the flour and baking powder to the bold flavors from the cheeses and green chiles, every element contributes to making this bread irresistible.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the bread, giving structure and a tender crumb.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Ensures a light, fluffy rise so the bread isn’t dense.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle depth and warmth to the flavor profile.
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Brings a sharp, tangy bite that’s classic and crowd-pleasing.
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Offers a creamy, mild counterpart to the cheddar.
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles, drained: Provides that signature green chile heat and moisture.
- 1/2 cup chopped roasted green chiles (optional): For those who can’t get enough heat and smoky flavor.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
- 3/4 cup milk: Keeps the bread moist and tender during baking.
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil or melted butter: Adds moisture and a subtle richness.
How to Make Green Chile Cheese Bread Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Oven Ready
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your loaf pan by greasing it well or lining it with parchment paper. This first step ensures your bread won’t stick and will come out perfectly shaped every time.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder. Combining these dry ingredients ensures that your bread will rise evenly and have a consistent flavor throughout.
Step 3: Add the Cheeses and Chiles
Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and both types of green chiles. The cheeses add creaminess and tang, while the chiles bring that distinctive southwestern kick that makes this Green Chile Cheese Bread Recipe truly unique.
Step 4: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, milk, and vegetable oil or melted butter until combined. This mixture will add moisture and richness, helping to create that perfect tender crumb.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry mix, then stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine and will help keep the bread light and fluffy.
Step 6: Prepare for Baking
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. This little step helps your bread bake evenly and achieve a beautiful golden top.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The enticing aroma will have you eagerly anticipating the first slice.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to firm up, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. It’s divine served warm, allowing the cheese and green chiles to shine with every bite.
How to Serve Green Chile Cheese Bread Recipe
Garnishes
This bread is fantastic on its own, but for a fresh twist, try garnishing with a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro or a light drizzle of honey for a hint of sweetness. A little butter melted on top while warm enhances the rich flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Green Chile Cheese Bread pairs wonderfully with hearty soups like chili or tortilla soup, making for a soul-warming meal. It’s also great alongside salads or served with a hearty bowl of beans for a satisfying southwestern-inspired lunch or dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice this bread into thick wedges for dipping into creamy salsas, guacamole, or even queso dip. You can also toast slices and use them as the base for an open-faced sandwich with avocado, freshly sliced tomatoes, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Stored at room temperature, the bread will stay fresh for about 2 to 3 days — perfect for quick snacks or unexpected guests.
Freezing
This Green Chile Cheese Bread Recipe freezes beautifully. Slice the cooled bread first, then separate the slices with parchment paper and store them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can pull out exactly what you need for a quick toast or snack.
Reheating
To bring day-old bread back to life, warm slices in a toaster or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 10 minutes. This refreshes the crust to a delicious crisp and melts the cheese slightly, making it taste like it just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use fresh green chiles instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh roasted green chiles will add a wonderful smoky flavor, but be sure to roast and chop them finely so they blend well in the bread.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, the recipe is vegetarian as is. Just be mindful of the cheese you choose—some cheeses use animal rennet, so look for vegetarian-friendly options if that matters to you.
Can I substitute the cheeses?
Feel free to experiment with cheeses like pepper jack for extra spice or a mild mozzarella for a creamier texture. Just keep the total cheese quantity the same to maintain the right balance.
How spicy is this bread?
The spice level depends on the green chiles you use. If you prefer milder bread, stick to canned diced green chiles. Adding roasted chiles increases the heat, so adjust according to your taste.
Can I make this bread gluten-free?
You can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix, but be aware it might alter the texture slightly. For best results, use a blend designed for quick breads.
Final Thoughts
This Green Chile Cheese Bread Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that combines bold southwestern flavors with a comforting, cheesy delight. Whether you’re baking for a family dinner, a potluck, or just to treat yourself, this bread is sure to bring smiles and satisfied appetites. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll be reaching for this recipe again and again!
Print
Green Chile Cheese Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-50 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 8 servings)
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American Southwestern
Description
A savory and flavorful Green Chile Cheese Bread packed with sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack cheeses, and mild roasted green chiles, perfect as a snack or side to any meal. This quick bread has a tender crumb and a spicy kick, baked to golden perfection in under an hour.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Cheese and Chiles
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles, drained
- 1/2 cup chopped roasted green chiles (optional for extra heat)
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by greasing it well or lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder until evenly combined. This forms the base of your bread batter.
- Add Cheese and Chiles: Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack cheeses, and both the canned and optional roasted green chiles. Mix thoroughly so the ingredients are well distributed throughout the dry mixture.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vegetable oil or melted butter until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Mix Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread tough.
- Pour into Pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth out the top evenly, ensuring an even bake.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean when the bread is fully baked. The top should be nicely golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then remove it and place on a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature as desired.
Notes
- For extra heat, add the optional roasted green chiles or substitute with hotter varieties.
- Using melted butter instead of oil adds a richer flavor.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the bread light and tender.
- Store leftovers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- This bread pairs well with soups, salads, or chili for a comforting meal.
