Ingredients:

  • 375g all purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 240ml whole buttermilk, room temperature
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely minced

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk the room temperature buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter until fully emulsified.
  4. Add 1.5 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese to the dry ingredients. Toss with your hands or a spatula to ensure each strand of cheese is coated in flour to prevent clumping.
  5. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet emulsion. Use a silicone spatula to gently fold the mixture until just combined and no flour streaks remain.
  6. Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle the remaining 0.5 cups of cheddar cheese and the minced chives over the top.
  7. Bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before slicing.