This incredibly fluffy Herb & Cheese Quick Bread is the ultimate savory treat for any meal or snack! Loaded with cheddar cheese and fragrant fresh herbs, it boasts a tender crumb and beautifully golden crust, all without any need for yeast or kneading. Whether you’re a busy home cook or just craving a simple homemade bread packed with flavor, this recipe comes together quickly and easily—no special baking skills required. It’s the perfect addition to breakfast, brunch, or your favorite soup or salad!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unbelievably Easy: Quick to mix and bake, no kneading or yeast required, making it ideal for bakers of any skill level.
- Rich Savory Flavors: Real cheddar and a trio of fresh herbs bring irresistible taste and aroma with every bite.
- Fluffy, Tender Texture: The combination of milk, eggs, and butter yields a moist, tender crumb you’ll crave.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Enjoy as a stand-alone snack, at brunch, or alongside soups and salads for true comfort food.
- Highly Customizable: Swap in your favorite cheeses or herbs for endless flavor combinations!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Herb & Cheese Quick Bread is in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one is chosen to deliver maximum taste, lift, and color without any fuss, helping you create a showstopping loaf every time!
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and body for the loaf, resulting in a tender, fluffy bake.
- 1 tablespoon sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that beautifully balances the savory flavors.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Essential for that gorgeous rise and light texture—no yeast needed!
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other ingredients and brings out the sharpness of the cheese.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into pockets of gooey flavor and creates that classic savory aroma.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Brightens both the color and flavor with a hint of freshness.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme: Adds a subtle earthy note that pairs perfectly with the cheese.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary: Delivers savory intensity and a fragrant herbal boost.
- 1 cup whole milk: Keeps the crumb rich and moist—full-fat milk works best here.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds outright richness and ensures a soft texture throughout.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and help the bread rise beautifully.
Variations
Herb & Cheese Quick Bread is a blank canvas for your favorite flavors! With a few smart swaps or additions, you can easily tailor this recipe to suit your pantry, preferences, or dietary needs. Don’t be afraid to get creative—there’s a variation for everyone!
- Different Cheeses: Try mozzarella, pepper jack, Swiss, or feta for a fun twist on the original cheddar flavor.
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute a quality gluten-free flour blend for traditional flour for a celiac-friendly loaf.
- Dried Herbs: No fresh herbs? Swap in dried, but use half the amount since they’re more concentrated.
- Add Veggies: Fold in small amounts of sautéed onions, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers for extra bursts of flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a chopped jalapeño for heat lovers!
- Lactose-Free: Use plant-based milk, cheese, and butter for a dairy-free option.
How to Make Herb & Cheese Quick Bread
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. Measure and prep all ingredients—chop the herbs, shred the cheese, and melt your butter before starting to ensure a smooth assembly.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until fully incorporated. Mixing these first ensures the baking powder is evenly distributed for even rising.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Herbs
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, parsley, thyme, and rosemary. Tossing them in the flour mixture helps keep the cheese and herbs evenly dispersed throughout the loaf, and prevents them from sinking to the bottom.
Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole milk, melted butter, and eggs until blended. The butter should be cooled slightly to avoid scrambling the eggs.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, gently mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few small flour streaks are fine. Overmixing can make the bread dense instead of fluffy.
Step 6: Transfer to Pan and Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Ovens vary, so start checking at the 40-minute mark.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy!
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then remove it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This helps lock in its moisture and makes slicing easier. Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy every savory bite!
Pro Tips for Making Herb & Cheese Quick Bread
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Milk, eggs, and butter should be at room temperature for the smoothest, fluffiest crumb.
- Avoid Overmixing: Stir until ingredients are just combined—the less mixing, the softer your bread.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs make a huge difference in flavor and aroma, but dried work in a pinch.
- Test for Doneness: Insert a skewer into the center; if it comes out clean, your bread is ready to cool.
- Let It Cool: Allow the bread to cool 10–15 minutes in the pan to finish setting before slicing.
How to Serve Herb & Cheese Quick Bread
Garnishes
Sprinkle a handful of freshly chopped parsley or thyme over warm slices just before serving for a fragrant touch and a pop of color. You can also brush the top lightly with melted butter for an extra indulgent finish.
Side Dishes
This bread is the ultimate companion for hearty soups, creamy chowders, or crisp green salads. Serve alongside scrambled eggs at brunch or pair it with a charcuterie board for a rustic touch that’s sure to impress guests.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn Herb & Cheese Quick Bread into fun appetizers by cutting it into cubes and serving on a platter with herbed butter, soft cheeses, or a bowl of olive tapenade. Toast thick slices and serve with poached eggs for a savory breakfast treat, or make mini loaves for personalized favors at parties or potlucks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Herb & Cheese Quick Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for 4–5 days. To maintain its soft crumb, wrap in foil or plastic wrap before storing.
Freezing
This bread freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely, then wrap the whole loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place in a zip-top freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, and thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
Reheat individual slices in a toaster oven or microwave until just warmed through. For the whole loaf, wrap loosely in foil and bake at 325°F (160°C) for 10–15 minutes. This helps revive the bread’s tenderness and rekindles the delicious cheesy aroma.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! Herb & Cheese Quick Bread is incredibly flexible—try Swiss, Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or even a mix of cheeses for a new twist each time.
Can I make this bread ahead of time for a party?
Yes, you can bake it a day in advance. Just let the loaf cool fully, wrap it tightly, and slice before serving for the freshest flavor and texture.
Do I need to use fresh herbs, or will dried work?
Fresh herbs provide the brightest flavor and color, but you can substitute dried herbs in a pinch—use about half the amount since they have a stronger taste.
Why did my bread turn out dense?
The most common reason for dense quick bread is overmixing the batter. Mix only until ingredients are just combined and avoid compacting the batter in the pan.
Is Herb & Cheese Quick Bread vegetarian?
Yes, as written, this quick bread is vegetarian-friendly, as long as you use vegetarian cheese (without animal rennet).
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a foolproof, flavor-packed bread to upgrade your meal or wow at your next gathering, this Herb & Cheese Quick Bread hits all the right notes. Its fluffy texture, sharp cheesy flavor, and irresistible aroma will have everyone reaching for seconds. Give it a try and make it your new go-to savory loaf—you’ll be amazed at how easy and delicious homemade bread can be!
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Print
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40–50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10–12 slices) 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This unbelievably fluffy Herb & Cheese Quick Bread is an easy, savory loaf packed with cheddar cheese and fresh herbs. No yeast or kneading required, this moist, tender bread rises perfectly with baking powder, comes together in one bowl, and is the perfect side for breakfast, brunch, soups, or salads. Customize it with your favorite cheeses, herbs, or veggie add-ins for a flavor-packed homemade treat anytime.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Herbs
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
- Prep Your Pan and Ingredients: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or line it with parchment paper. Prep all your ingredients: chop the herbs, shred the cheese, and melt the butter, allowing it to cool slightly.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until fully combined, ensuring an even distribution of the leavening agents.
- Add Cheese and Herbs: Gently stir the shredded cheddar cheese, parsley, thyme, and rosemary into the flour mixture. This coating helps keep the cheese and herbs evenly distributed in the loaf.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, melted (slightly cooled) butter, and eggs together until well blended.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as a few visible streaks of flour are fine.
- Transfer to Pan and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Begin checking at 40 minutes, as ovens may vary.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool fully before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy!
Notes
- Use room temperature milk, eggs, and butter for the softest crumb.
- Avoid overmixing the batter for a lighter, fluffier texture.
- Fresh herbs make the biggest flavor impact, but dried herbs (in half the quantity) can be substituted.
- Test doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean from the center.
- For extra flavor and color, garnish slices with fresh parsley or thyme and a brush of melted butter before serving.
- Variations: Swap cheddar for your favorite cheese, add cooked veggies, or sprinkle chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- This bread is vegetarian if made with vegetarian cheese.
- For gluten free: Substitute a quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
- To store: Wrap cooled bread tightly and keep at room temp 2 days, refrigerator 4–5 days, or freeze up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of loaf)
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
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