Step 1

Pre-heat the oven to 350°Grease a 9-inch by 5-inch loaf pan generously with butter.

Step 2

Combine the self-rising flour, sugar and cayenne pepper in a large bowl. Grate the butter directly into the flour and stir to coat the butter pieces with flour. Beat the egg and buttermilk together and gently pour the wet ingredients into the flour mixture. Stir just until the ingredients are combined - the batter should be quite wet.

Step 3

Fold the cooked bacon, cheddar cheese and chives into the batter and transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan.

Step 4

Bake at 350°F for 50 minutes. Brush the top of the bread with the melted butter and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, until golden brown. The bread is finished when a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.

Step 5

Let the bread cool for at least 20 minutes before serving. Best served warm with butter or toasted the next day.