Blue-Ribbon Poppy Seed Cheese Bread

Total Time

Prep: 20 min. Bake: 45 min. + cooling

Makes

1 loaf (16 pieces)

Updated: Jun. 27, 2023
The recipe for this moist and delicious bread won me a blue ribbon at the Los Angeles County Fair. I make several batches at once and freeze them for later use or to give as gifts.—Marina Castle-Kelley, Canyon Country, California
Blue-Ribbon Poppy Seed Cheese Bread Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup shortening
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground mustard
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup 2% milk
  • 1-1/4 cups shredded cheddar-Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/2 cup chopped sweet onion
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
  • 1/8 teaspoon paprika

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°. In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Combine flour, baking powder, mustard and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with milk. Fold in cheese, onion and poppy seeds.
  2. Transfer to a greased 9x5-in. loaf pan; sprinkle with paprika. Bake 45-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack.

Nutrition Facts

1 slice: 194 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 248mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.