Herb & Cheese Quick Bread

This Herb & Cheese Quick Bread combines the irresistible aroma of fresh herbs with the comforting richness of cheddar cheese, all wrapped up in a tender, golden crumb that’s ready in less than an hour. The beauty of this no-yeast bread is how the fragrant rosemary, thyme, and parsley create colorful flecks throughout the loaf while pockets of melted cheddar deliver a savory surprise in every bite. #quickbreadrecipes #herbandcheese

What makes this bread truly special is how it fills your kitchen with an intoxicating aroma as it bakes. The moment that golden crust starts to form and the herbs begin releasing their essential oils, you’ll find yourself hovering near the oven in anticipation. Perfect for serving alongside soups and stews or simply enjoyed warm with a generous smear of butter, this bread requires no kneading, proofing, or waiting for dough to rise.

 

 

Ingredients Overview

This Herb & Cheese Quick Bread requires simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients that combine to create a flavor-packed loaf. Here’s what you’ll need:

• All-purpose flour: The foundation of our bread, providing structure and substance.
• Leavening agents: Baking powder and salt work together to help the bread rise and enhance flavor.
• Cheddar cheese: Provides pockets of melty goodness and savory depth throughout the loaf.
• Fresh herbs: Parsley, thyme, and rosemary add bright flavor and visual appeal.
• Wet ingredients: Milk, butter, and eggs create moisture and richness for a tender crumb.

The magic of this recipe lies in using fresh herbs rather than dried ones. Fresh herbs infuse the bread with vibrant flavor and aroma that dried herbs simply can’t match. The combination of parsley, thyme, and rosemary creates a classic flavor profile that complements the sharp cheddar perfectly.

The Beauty of Quick Breads

Quick breads, as the name suggests, are bread loaves that don’t require yeast for leavening. Instead, they rely on baking powder or baking soda to create lift. This means no waiting for dough to rise, no kneading to develop gluten, and significantly less time from mixing bowl to table.

What makes this Herb & Cheese Quick Bread particularly special is how it maintains a tender interior while developing a lovely golden crust. The secret lies in not overmixing the batter – this preserves the bread’s delicate texture while still ensuring even distribution of the herbs and cheese throughout.

Step-by-Step Overview

Creating this aromatic Herb & Cheese Quick Bread is surprisingly simple. Follow these steps for perfect results every time:

1. Step 1
   

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan. Proper preparation of your pan ensures the bread will release easily after baking.

   
   
2. Step 2
   

   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This even distribution of dry ingredients ensures consistent leavening throughout the bread.

   
   
3. Step 3
   

   Gently stir the shredded cheddar cheese and freshly chopped herbs (parsley, thyme, and rosemary) into the flour mixture until evenly distributed. This creates beautiful flecks of green throughout your finished loaf.

   
   
4. Step 4
   

   In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, and eggs until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. The wet ingredients should be thoroughly combined to ensure even moisture throughout the bread.

   
   
5. Step 5
   

   Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. This is crucial – overmixing will develop gluten and create a tough bread instead of a tender one. Stop mixing when you no longer see dry flour; some lumps are perfectly fine.

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6. Step 6
   

   Transfer the batter to your prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. The top can be slightly rough for an artisanal look.

   
   
7. Step 7
   

   Bake for 45-50 minutes, until the top develops a beautiful golden brown crust and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The bread will fill your kitchen with an intoxicating herby aroma as it bakes.

   
   
8. Step 8
   

   Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting period allows the structure to set and makes removal from the pan much easier.

   
   

Tips & Tricks

Elevate your Herb & Cheese Quick Bread with these professional tips:

• Cheese selection: Sharp cheddar provides the best flavor, but feel free to experiment with other firm cheeses like Gruyère or Parmesan for different flavor profiles.
• Fresh herbs matter: While dried herbs can work in a pinch, fresh herbs truly make this bread special with their vibrant color and aroma.
• Room temperature ingredients: Allow eggs and milk to come to room temperature before mixing for more even incorporation.
• Minimal mixing: Use a light hand when combining wet and dry ingredients – the batter should be just combined with some small lumps remaining.
• Check for doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf – it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, but no wet batter.

Variations

One of the beauties of this Herb & Cheese Quick Bread is how adaptable it is. Try these variations to keep things interesting:

Cheese Variations

• Mediterranean Version: Replace cheddar with feta cheese and add 1/4 cup chopped olives.
• Italian Inspiration: Use mozzarella and Parmesan instead of cheddar, and add 2 tablespoons of sun-dried tomatoes.
• Spicy Kick: Add 1/4 cup of pepper jack cheese and 1 tablespoon of diced jalapeños for heat.

Herb Combinations

• Italian Herb Blend: Use basil, oregano, and parsley.
• Provençal Style: Combine lavender, thyme, and rosemary.
• Fresh Garden Mix: Use whatever herbs you have growing in your garden – chives, dill, and parsley make a lovely combination.

Add-Ins

• Caramelized Onions: Fold in 1/2 cup of cooled caramelized onions for amazing depth of flavor.
• Bacon Bits: Add 1/4 cup of cooked, crumbled bacon for a smoky, savory twist.
• Garlic Lovers: Add 2-3 minced garlic cloves or 1 tablespoon of roasted garlic paste.

Storage & Reheating

This Herb & Cheese Quick Bread stays fresh longer than you might expect. Here’s how to store it properly:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Extend shelf life to 5-7 days by refrigerating in an airtight container.
• Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature.
• Reheating: To restore that fresh-baked texture, wrap slices in foil and warm in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes, or toast individual slices.

FAQ

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes, you can substitute dried herbs, but you’ll need to adjust the quantities. As a general rule, use one-third the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh. For this recipe, that would be approximately 2 teaspoons dried parsley, and 1 teaspoon each of dried thyme and rosemary. The flavor profile will be slightly different, but still delicious.

Why is my quick bread dense instead of fluffy?

Dense quick bread usually results from overmixing the batter. When you mix too much, you develop the gluten in the flour, creating a tougher texture. Mix only until the dry ingredients are just moistened, and don’t worry about small lumps in the batter – they’ll bake out.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute plant-based milk for the whole milk and use vegan butter alternatives. For the cheese, there are several vegan cheddar substitutes available that melt reasonably well, though the flavor will be slightly different.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf – it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, but no wet batter. Another good indicator is that the bread will start to pull away slightly from the sides of the pan, and the top will be golden brown.

Can I make this recipe as muffins instead of a loaf?

Absolutely! Pour the batter into a greased muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full. Reduce the baking time to approximately 20-25 minutes. This will give you about 12 delicious herb and cheese muffins that are perfect for breakfast or alongside soups.

I love making this Herb & Cheese Quick Bread on Sunday afternoons when I want the house to smell amazing with minimal effort. The first time I made it, my family came running to the kitchen asking what smelled so good! Now it’s become our go-to side for homemade soups and stews. My personal favorite way to enjoy it is toasted with a thin spread of butter while it’s still warm. The contrast between the crispy exterior and soft, herb-flecked interior is absolutely divine. Sometimes I’ll switch up the herbs based on what’s growing in my garden pots, but the classic combo of parsley, thyme, and rosemary always brings me back. Give this recipe a try and let me know what herb combinations you end up using!