“`html
If you’re searching for a quick, comforting treat that bursts with fresh herbs and melty cheese, look no further than this Herb & Cheese Quick Bread Recipe. It’s a perfect balance of savory herbs, sharp cheddar, and a tender, moist crumb that feels like a warm embrace with every bite. Whether you’re hosting brunch, need a snack on the go, or want a side that elevates any meal, this bread delivers all the flavor without any fuss. The combination of rustic herbs and cheesy richness makes it irresistibly delightful and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple ingredients is the key to making this Herb & Cheese Quick Bread Recipe a success. Each element plays a crucial role: the herbs bring aromatic depth, cheese adds savory richness, and the baking powder ensures a light, fluffy texture.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the bread structure and body.
- 2 tablespoons sugar: A subtle sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: The magical leavening agent that makes the bread rise beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Adds a sweet, slightly peppery herbal note.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings warm, earthy undertones to the loaf.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Offers gentle garlicky aroma without overpowering.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Your go-to cheese for a melty, sharp bite; feel free to swap with your favorite cheese.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Contributes moisture and tender crumb with a slight tang.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and give the bread a rich texture.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and moisture for a soft interior.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional): For a pop of fresh color and brightness at the end.
How to Make Herb & Cheese Quick Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the bread bakes evenly and develops a lovely golden crust. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly or line it with parchment paper for an effortless release when the bread is ready.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, basil, oregano, and garlic powder. Combining these dry ingredients first guarantees that the herbs and leavening agents are evenly dispersed throughout the bread, which means every slice is full of flavorful, tender crumb.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter until smooth. The buttermilk adds a lovely tang and keeps the bread moist, while eggs add body. Once these are well mixed, pour them into the dry mixture.
Step 4: Bring it All Together
Gently stir the wet ingredients into the dry until just combined. Avoid overmixing—it’s important to keep some lightness for a soft texture. Then fold in the shredded cheddar cheese carefully so it’s distributed without breaking down the batter.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top. Pop it in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the crust is beautifully golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Garnish
After baking, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 5 to 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This rest helps the bread set perfectly so it slices cleanly. Before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a refreshing pop of color and flavor.
How to Serve Herb & Cheese Quick Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley or a scattering of extra shredded cheese right after baking adds a vibrant touch and heightens the savory appeal. For an extra treat, brush the crust with melted butter and sprinkle on a pinch of flaky sea salt.
Side Dishes
This quick bread pairs wonderfully with soups like tomato basil or creamy broccoli cheddar. It’s also a fantastic companion to hearty salads or a simple charcuterie board. Its herby, cheesy flavor can even complement egg dishes for breakfast or brunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the bread warm and serve it with flavored butters such as garlic herb or sun-dried tomato spread. You can also turn slices into mini sandwiches with fresh greens, roasted veggies, or smoked turkey for a delightful lunch option. For a crowd-pleasing appetizer, cut the bread into bite-sized pieces, toast lightly, and serve with warm cheese dips.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover Herb & Cheese Quick Bread Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to two days, or in the fridge for up to a week without compromising its tender texture.
Freezing
This bread freezes beautifully. Slice it before freezing to make reheating easier and quicker. Wrap slices individually or the whole loaf in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer bag. It will keep well for up to three months without losing its delicious flavor.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked warmth, reheat slices in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 to 10 minutes. You can also microwave slices for 20 to 30 seconds, but this might soften the crust slightly. Adding a small dab of butter while reheating makes it taste fresh out of the oven again.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes! Regular milk works fine in this recipe. To mimic buttermilk’s tanginess, you can add a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
What other cheeses can I use?
Feel free to swap cheddar for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a sharp parmesan for a different twist. Each cheese will bring its own unique flavor and texture.
Can I add fresh herbs instead of dried?
Absolutely! Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs since they are less concentrated than dried. Fresh thyme, rosemary, or chives can add wonderful fresh notes.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
This version uses all-purpose flour, but you could experiment with gluten-free baking blends designed for quick breads. Just be aware the texture might vary slightly.
How can I make the bread more moist?
Using buttermilk and melted butter helps keep the bread tender. If you want even moister results, try swapping half the butter for Greek yogurt or adding a tablespoon of olive oil.
Final Thoughts
This Herb & Cheese Quick Bread Recipe is truly one of those easy, go-to recipes that feels special every single time you make it. It’s brimming with cozy, familiar flavors yet simple enough for any skill level. I hope you enjoy baking and sharing this delicious loaf as much as I do—it’s the perfect way to brighten up any meal or snack time!
“`
Print
Herb & Cheese Quick Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 55-60 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (approximately 8 slices)
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Herb & Cheese Quick Bread is a deliciously savory loaf bursting with aromatic dried herbs and sharp cheddar cheese. Perfect for breakfast, snack, or alongside soups and salads, it’s a quick bread recipe that requires no yeast or rising time. Ready in under an hour, it combines wholesome ingredients like all-purpose flour, buttermilk, and fresh herbs to create a moist, flavorful bread that’s easy to bake and enjoy.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk)
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
Optional Garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bread after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, dried basil, dried oregano, and garlic powder. Mixing these ingredients thoroughly ensures an even distribution of flavors and leavening agents.
- Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, eggs, and melted unsalted butter until well combined. Pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined — be careful not to overmix to maintain a tender crumb. Then fold in the shredded cheddar cheese evenly into the batter.
- Transfer to Pan: Pour the prepared batter into your greased or lined loaf pan. Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly, making sure it reaches all corners of the pan for uniform baking.
- Bake the Bread: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. The bread is done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bread is fully cooked.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 5 to 10 minutes. Then transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, slice, and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- For a different flavor twist, try swapping cheddar with gouda or mozzarella cheese.
- If buttermilk is unavailable, you can substitute it with milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar left to sit for 5 minutes.
- Do not overmix the batter as it can make the bread tough instead of tender.
- The bread is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature.
- This recipe can be doubled to make two loaves; adjust baking time accordingly.
