Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here! When you’re craving that comforting aroma of freshly baked bread but don’t have hours to spare for yeast to rise, my recipe for Herb & Cheese Quick Bread is your absolute hero. This isn’t just bread; it’s a wonderfully savory, incredibly moist, and deliciously cheesy loaf that comes together in about an hour, from start to finish. It’s pure delight in every slice and perfect for adding a touch of homemade warmth to any meal!
Why I Love This Recipe
What’s not to love about a bread that delivers big on flavor with minimal effort and no waiting around for dough to rise? I am absolutely obsessed with Herb & Cheese Quick Bread because it’s the epitome of convenience meets deliciousness. The combination of fragrant herbs and melty cheese baked into a tender, moist crumb is simply irresistible. It’s fantastic as a quick side for weeknight dinners, perfect for a cozy soup night, or an impressive addition to a brunch spread. Plus, it fills your home with the most inviting aroma as it bakes, promising deliciousness to come! It’s a fantastic alternative to traditional yeast breads when time is of the essence.
The Simplicity of Quick Breads
Quick breads are a beloved category in baking, characterized by their reliance on chemical leavening agents (like baking powder and baking soda) rather than yeast. This means no kneading, no rising time, and a much faster path from mixing bowl to oven. Historically, quick breads became popular in America with the widespread availability of baking soda and baking powder in the 19th century, allowing home bakers to create fresh bread, muffins, and cakes with unprecedented speed.
Savory quick breads, like this Herb & Cheese Quick Bread, take advantage of this convenience to deliver a flavorful accompaniment to meals. By incorporating aromatic herbs (like rosemary, thyme, or chives) and cheese, the bread becomes a rich, comforting, and incredibly versatile side. It’s perfect for soaking up sauces, serving with soups, or just enjoying on its own. This recipe embraces that easy charm, offering a simple yet incredibly satisfying homemade bread in a fraction of the time it takes for traditional loaves.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this savory and delightful Herb & Cheese Quick Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried rosemary, thyme, oregano)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack), plus 1/2 cup for topping
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
Swaps and Notes
- Flour: All-purpose flour works perfectly. Measure it by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling off for accuracy.
- Cheese: Sharp cheddar provides a bold flavor, and its meltiness is fantastic. You can use a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack for extra creaminess, or even some Gruyere for a nuttier note. Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded.
- Herbs: Dried Italian seasoning is a convenient blend. You can use individual dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, oregano, or basil. For fresh herbs, double the amount (e.g., 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary instead of 1 teaspoon dried). Fresh chives or green onions (finely chopped) can also be added.
- Milk: Whole milk or 2% milk will provide the best richness and moisture.
- Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred to control the saltiness. Ensure it’s melted but then cooled slightly before adding to the wet ingredients to avoid scrambling the egg.
- Add-ins (Optional): You can add 1/4 cup of finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, a few chopped olives (like Kalamata), or even some cooked, crumbled bacon bits for extra flavor.
Steps for the Recipe
Let’s get this quick and cheesy bread baking!
- Prepare Oven & Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan, or line with parchment paper leaving an overhang on the sides for easy lifting.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and dried Italian seasoning until well combined.
- Add Cheese to Dry: Stir in 1 cup of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese into the dry ingredients. Toss to coat the cheese in the flour mixture (this helps prevent it from sinking to the bottom).
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the lightly beaten egg, milk, and melted (and slightly cooled) unsalted butter until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir with a spoon or spatula until just combined. Do not overmix – a few lumps are fine, and overmixing will lead to a tough bread.
- Pour into Pan: Pour the bread batter evenly into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it gently with a spatula.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the batter.
- Bake: Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
- Cool & Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes before lifting it out onto the wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve warm.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: This is the most crucial rule for quick breads. Overmixing develops gluten, which results in a tough, dry bread. Mix only until the flour streaks disappear.
- Melted Butter, But Not Hot: Allow your melted butter to cool slightly before adding to the wet ingredients. Hot butter can scramble the egg.
- Coat the Cheese: Tossing the shredded cheese with the dry ingredients helps prevent it from sinking to the bottom of the loaf.
- Don’t Overbake: Bake until just golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Overbaking leads to dry bread.
- Cool Slightly Before Slicing: While tempting to slice immediately, letting the bread cool for 10-15 minutes in the pan allows it to set up, making for cleaner slices.
- Freshly Shredded Cheese: Shredding cheese from a block usually melts better and has a better flavor than pre-shredded options.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Herb & Cheese Quick Bread is incredibly versatile and makes a fantastic addition to many meals:
- Soup Companion: Perfect for dipping into hearty soups, stews, or chili. It would be amazing with a rustic soup like my This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor.
- Dinner Side: A delicious alternative to rolls or plain bread with any dinner, especially roasted meats or casseroles.
- Breakfast/Brunch: Serve toasted with eggs, or alongside a frittata.
- Appetizer: Slice and serve on a cheese board, or alongside dips like This Beer Cheese Dip Is My Favorite Party Starter That Disappears in Minutes.
- Sandwich Base: Use thicker slices as a savory base for open-faced sandwiches.
- Beverage Pairings: A simple glass of water, iced tea, or a light lager would complement this savory bread nicely.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Herb & Cheese Quick Bread stays wonderfully moist, making it great for storing:
- Room Temperature: Store cooled bread tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat: To refresh, slice and toast lightly, or warm individual slices in a microwave for 15-20 seconds. You can also warm slices in a toaster oven.
- Freezing: This quick bread freezes beautifully! Once completely cool, wrap the entire loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently reheat slices in the microwave or toaster oven.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoyed creating this savory and easy quick bread, you might also like these other fantastic, easy-to-make recipes:
- For more cheesy goodness in a handheld format, try my Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter.
- If you love effortless ways to impress guests with cheese, my This Baked Brie Appetizer Is My Favorite Effortless Way to Impress Guests is a must-try.
- And for a truly authentic cheesy bread experience, check out my recipe for Greek Cheese Bread (Tiropsomo).
- For a different cheesy appetizer, check out This Crockpot Nacho Dip Is The Reason I Never Have Leftovers.
Final Thoughts
Herb & Cheese Quick Bread is a true triumph of flavor and convenience – it offers all the rich, savory, and cozy notes you crave from homemade bread, without the lengthy wait. It’s perfect for any occasion, an easy yet elegant addition that everyone will enjoy. This recipe is a game-changer that will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
I hope you give this amazing recipe a try and enjoy every savory, cheesy bite! Let me know in the comments below if this becomes your new favorite quick bread, or what your go-to easy homemade bread recipes are. I always love hearing from you! Happy baking!
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