Herb & Cheese Quick Bread Recipe

Flavorful Herb & Cheese Quick Bread Recipe You’ll Love

Whipping up a delightful herb and cheese quick bread can turn an ordinary afternoon into a culinary adventure.

Fragrant ingredients dance together, creating a warm and inviting aroma that fills the kitchen.

Rustic and comforting, this simple recipe promises a delectable treat that pairs perfectly with soups or salads.

Soft, golden crumbs studded with aromatic herbs and sharp cheese await you.

Mixing the ingredients becomes a joyful moment of creativity and anticipation.

Anyone can master this straightforward recipe with just a few basic pantry staples.

Slice into this savory bread and let the rich flavors transport you to a cozy, delicious escape.

Herb & Cheese Quick Bread Wonders

  • Craft Quickly: This savory bread comes together faster than traditional yeast breads, perfect for busy home cooks wanting fresh, homemade goodness without complex steps.
  • Customize Freely: The recipe welcomes creative additions like different herbs, cheese varieties, or spices, allowing personal touch and kitchen experimentation.
  • Serve Versatile Meals: Delightful as a side dish for soups, salads, dinner tables, or breakfast spreads, this bread complements numerous meal types with its rich, herby flavor profile.
  • Beginner-Friendly Baking: Minimal ingredients and straightforward mixing technique make this recipe accessible for novice bakers, ensuring success with simple mixing and baking skills.

Ingredients to Make Herb & Cheese Bread

For the Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A key base that provides structure and texture to the quick bread.
  • Baking Powder: A leavening agent that helps the bread rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the bread.
  • Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle, savory flavor to the bread.
For the Cheese and Herbs:
  • Cheese: Provides a rich, tangy flavor and creamy texture to the bread.
  • Fresh or Dried Herbs: Adds aromatic and fresh flavor notes to the bread.
For the Wet Ingredients:
  • Milk, Egg, Melted Butter: These ingredients combine to create moisture, bind the bread together, and add richness to the texture.

How to Bake Herb & Cheese Quick Bread

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a loaf pan and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a mixing bowl and toss in:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • Garlic powder
  • Shredded cheese
  • Chopped fresh herbs

Whisk everything together until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, blend:
  • Milk
  • Egg
  • Melted butter

Stir these ingredients until they’re smooth and friendly with each other.

Step 4: Create the Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Gently fold and stir until just combined.

Don’t overmix – you want the batter to be friends, not stuck together.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the batter into your prepared loaf pan.

Use a spatula to spread it evenly and create a smooth top.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven.

Bake for 35-40 minutes. The bread is ready when it turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Let the bread rest for a few minutes in the pan. Carefully turn it out onto a cooling rack.

Slice and serve warm for maximum deliciousness.

Tips to Bake Perfect Herb & Cheese Bread

  • Experiment with different cheese types like sharp cheddar, gruyere, or parmesan to create unique flavor profiles that complement the herbs.
  • Use fresh herbs instead of dried for more vibrant and intense flavor, chopping them finely to distribute evenly throughout the bread.
  • Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the bread light and tender, stirring just until ingredients are combined to prevent gluten development.
  • Enjoy the bread warm with butter, use as a side for soups or salads, or toast slices for added crispiness and depth of flavor.
  • Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month, thawing at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Flavor Variations for Quick Bread

  • Spicy Jalapeño Cheddar Bread: Replace herbs with diced jalapeños and swap cheese for sharp cheddar, adding extra kick and heat to the classic recipe.
  • Mediterranean Olive Feta Bread: Incorporate chopped kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese, bringing tangy Mediterranean flavors to the quick bread.
  • Rosemary Parmesan Garlic Bread: Use fresh rosemary instead of mixed herbs, blend in grated parmesan, and increase garlic powder for an aromatic Italian-inspired version.
  • Bacon Chive Bread: Mix crispy chopped bacon bits and fresh chives into the batter, creating a savory breakfast-style bread with rich, smoky undertones.

Pairings for Herb & Cheese Bread

  • Pair with Savory Spreads: Complement the herb and cheese bread with tangy olive tapenade or creamy roasted red pepper hummus for an extra flavor boost.
  • Wines that Wow: Choose crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that beautifully balance the bread's rich, herbal notes and cheesy undertones.
  • Perfect Protein Partners: Serve alongside grilled chicken salad, smoked salmon, or classic charcuterie board to create a satisfying and complete meal experience.
  • Enhance with Fresh Salads: Match the bread with light Mediterranean-style salads featuring mixed greens, cucumber, feta, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette to cut through the bread's richness.

Proper Storage for Quick Bread

  • Store wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Keep bread in an airtight container to maintain moisture and prevent staleness.
  • Slice bread completely, wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label the bag with the date to track freshness.
  • Warm slices in a toaster, toaster oven, or regular oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes. Add a light butter spread for extra moisture and flavor.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of cheese in this bread?

Yes, you can easily swap cheeses like cheddar, parmesan, or gouda to match your taste preferences or what you have available in your kitchen.

  • What herbs work best in this quick bread?

Fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, chives, or parsley all complement the cheese perfectly and add wonderful flavor to the bread.

  • Is this bread suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

The basic recipe isn’t gluten-free or dairy-free, but you can experiment with alternative flour and milk options to make it more adaptable to specific dietary needs.

  • How can I tell if the bread is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread – if it comes out clean without wet batter, the bread is done. The top should also be golden brown and have a slightly firm texture.

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Herb & Cheese Quick Bread Recipe

Herb & Cheese Quick Bread Recipe


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4.8 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Savory herb & cheese quick bread promises a delightful culinary journey through rustic comfort. Warm slices of this Mediterranean-inspired creation invite you to savor each aromatic, cheesy bite with pure pleasure.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (480 milliliters) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) milk
  • 1 cup (240 grams) shredded cheese (cheddar, parmesan, or mozzarella)

Leavening and Seasoning:

  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon mixed dried herbs (oregano, thyme, basil)

Binding and Fat:

  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) melted butter or olive oil

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) and thoroughly coat a loaf pan with non-stick spray or butter.
  2. Combine all dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl, creating a uniform mixture of flour, leavening agent, seasonings, grated cheese, and chopped herbs.
  3. Whisk liquid components separately, blending milk, egg, and melted butter until fully incorporated.
  4. Gently fold liquid mixture into dry ingredients, stirring just until a cohesive batter forms without overmixing.
  5. Pour batter into prepared pan, using a spatula to distribute evenly and create a smooth surface.
  6. Slide pan into preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, watching for a golden-brown exterior and checking center with a clean toothpick.
  7. Remove bread from oven and allow to rest in pan for 10 minutes, helping it set and prevent crumbling.
  8. Transfer bread to a wire rack, letting it cool completely before slicing to maintain structural integrity.

Notes

  • Boost herb flavor by using fresh herbs instead of dried, chopping them finely to distribute evenly throughout the bread.
  • Customize cheese selection by swapping in different varieties like sharp cheddar, gruyere, or pecorino for unique flavor profiles.
  • Make gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the texture remains light and tender.
  • Prevent dense texture by avoiding overmixing the batter, which can develop tough gluten strands and result in heavy bread.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 244 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 610 mg
  • Fat: 13 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg
Nate Harper

Nate Harper

Founder & Recipe Curator

Expertise

Single-Recipe Development, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Seasonal Menu Planning, Culinary Storytelling, Home Kitchen Innovation

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Central Oregon Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and seasonal recipe creation.

Nate studied under experienced chefs who emphasized local sourcing, minimal waste, and building recipes from fresh, simple ingredients.


Nate Harper is the founder and creative force behind Make, Take, Bake. Raised in the wild beauty of Oregon’s high desert, Nate grew up surrounded by family gardens, farmers’ markets, and home kitchens that celebrated the seasons.
His early love for simple, honest food evolved into a professional passion when he attended Cascade Culinary Institute, where he sharpened his skills in creating recipes that are sustainable, satisfying, and made for everyday life.
Nate’s goal is to make cooking feel accessible, free of fuss, and full of flavor. He believes a single, thoughtfully built dish can stand alone, and sometimes even steal the show.

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