Pin it A savory, spicy quick bread loaf inspired by buffalo wings and ranch dressing. Perfect for game day or as a playful, bold appetizer, this loaf is packed with cheddar, hot sauce, fresh herbs, and a creamy ranch swirl.
I first baked this loaf for a football party & guests couldn&t believe how a classic appetizer could transform into an irresistible, cheesy quick bread. The flavors truly stand out & always earn requests for the recipe.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups (250 g)
- Baking powder: 1 tbsp
- Baking soda: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Smoked paprika: 1/2 tsp
- Garlic powder: 1/4 tsp
- Onion powder: 1/4 tsp
- Large eggs: 3
- Buttermilk: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Vegetable oil: 1/3 cup (80 ml)
- Hot buffalo wing sauce: 1/4 cup (60 ml)
- Apple cider vinegar: 1 tbsp
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: 1 1/2 cups (150 g)
- Crumbled blue cheese: 1/2 cup (60 g)
- Chopped celery: 1/2 cup (60 g)
- Sliced scallions: 1/4 cup (20 g)
- Chopped fresh dill: 2 tbsp
- Chopped fresh parsley: 2 tbsp
- Sour cream: 1/2 cup (120 g)
- Ranch seasoning mix: 2 tbsp
Instructions
- Prepare the pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Mix wet ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, beat eggs, then whisk in buttermilk, vegetable oil, buffalo sauce, and apple cider vinegar until combined.
- Combine mixtures:
- Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined.
- Add mix-ins:
- Fold in cheddar, blue cheese, celery, scallions, dill, and parsley. Do not overmix.
- Prepare ranch swirl:
- In a small bowl, stir together sour cream and ranch seasoning mix.
- Layer batter and swirl:
- Pour half the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Dollop half the ranch mixture over the batter and lightly swirl with a knife. Repeat with remaining batter and ranch swirl.
- Bake:
- Bake for 45-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and slice:
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove and cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
Pin it My kids love to help swirl the ranch mixture into the batter, giggling at the "chaos" in every slice. It&s now tradition for us to bake this loaf before any big game & share it warm with plenty of extra sauce.
Required Tools
9x5-inch loaf pan, mixing bowls, whisk, spatula, knife, parchment paper
Allergen Information
This loaf contains gluten, eggs, milk (cheese, buttermilk, sour cream). Ranch seasoning could include additional allergens so review all ingredient labels carefully.
Nutritional Information
Each slice (based on 10 slices): 270 calories, 16 g total fat, 21 g carbohydrates, 9 g protein
Pin it For extra flair, serve the loaf warm with a drizzle of ranch or buffalo sauce. It never lasts long at parties—slice and enjoy while it&s fresh!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use different cheeses?
Yes, substitute sharp cheddar or blue cheese with your favorites, like Monterey Jack or gouda, for varied flavor.
- → How spicy is the loaf?
Buffalo sauce gives mild to moderate heat. Adjust by adding cayenne or using less hot sauce as preferred.
- → Is buttermilk necessary?
Buttermilk provides tenderness and tang. Greek yogurt or sour cream can be used for similar results if needed.
- → Can I make this gluten-free?
Swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, but expect slight changes to texture.
- → What’s the best way to serve?
Enjoy slices warm, topped with extra ranch or buffalo sauce. Pairs well with fresh veggies or cold beverages.