Preheat Oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or spray a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray to prevent sticking. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper for easier removal.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, garlic powder, and salt until well combined. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring it’s evenly distributed and coated with the flour mixture. This helps prevent the cheese from sinking to the bottom during baking.
Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and melted butter until smooth and well combined.
Combine and Mix:
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Do not overmix—it’s okay if the batter is a little lumpy. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
Transfer and Bake:
Spoon or pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
