Nothing beats the aroma of freshly baked bread filling the kitchen, and this Herb & Cheese Quick Bread delivers just that! With its crispy golden crust and soft, cheesy interior, every bite is a warm embrace of comfort and flavor. The combination of fresh herbs and sharp cheddar creates a balanced taste that pairs beautifully with soups, salads, or even as a stand-alone snack.
What makes this recipe truly special is how effortlessly it comes together—no kneading, no waiting, just a simple mix-and-bake process. Whether you’re preparing a cozy dinner at home, serving guests, or looking for a delicious way to elevate your breakfast, this bread is a perfect choice. Enjoy it toasted with butter or as a base for a gourmet sandwich!
Full Recipe:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Stir in the cheddar cheese, parsley, thyme, and rosemary until evenly distributed.
- In another bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, and eggs until well blended.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 50 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour
Kcal: 245 kcal per serving | Servings: 8 servings
The Ultimate Guide to Herb & Cheese Quick Bread
If you love the idea of baking fresh bread at home but don’t want to deal with kneading, proofing, and waiting hours for the dough to rise, Herb & Cheese Quick Bread is the perfect recipe for you. This easy-to-make bread comes together in minutes and bakes into a soft, cheesy loaf infused with aromatic herbs.
Perfectly golden on the outside and tender on the inside, this quick bread is great as a side for soups, salads, or even as a standalone snack. The combination of cheddar cheese, fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, and rosemary, and a simple flour-based batter creates a satisfying, flavor-packed loaf that will leave everyone wanting more.
What Is Quick Bread?
Unlike yeast breads, which require time for rising and proofing, quick breads use baking powder or baking soda as a leavening agent. This means they can be made in a fraction of the time, going from bowl to oven in just minutes.
Quick breads can be either sweet (like banana bread or zucchini bread) or savory, like this Herb & Cheese Quick Bread. The beauty of quick bread recipes is their flexibility—you can add different flavors, experiment with ingredients, and always get a great result.
Why This Bread Is a Must-Try
This Herb & Cheese Quick Bread is the perfect combination of ease, flavor, and versatility. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your recipe collection:
✅ No Yeast, No Waiting – Just mix, pour, and bake. No proofing time required.
✅ Packed with Flavor – Sharp cheddar, fragrant herbs, and buttery richness.
✅ Versatile – A great side dish, snack, or sandwich base.
✅ Easily Customizable – Swap in different cheeses, herbs, or flours.
✅ Perfect for Any Occasion – Enjoy it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
How to Serve Herb & Cheese Quick Bread
This bread is delicious on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with other dishes. Here are some serving ideas to get the most out of your freshly baked loaf:
- With Soups & Stews: The rich, cheesy flavor makes this bread the perfect companion to a warm bowl of soup. Try it with tomato basil soup, creamy potato soup, or a hearty beef stew.
- Toasted with Butter: Slice and toast it for a crispy, buttery treat in the morning or as an afternoon snack.
- As a Sandwich Base: Use it instead of regular sandwich bread for a more flavorful alternative. It works great with avocado, scrambled eggs, or smoked salmon.
- Alongside a Fresh Salad: Serve it with a light salad to balance out the richness of the cheese and herbs.
- With Dips & Spreads: Enjoy it with hummus, garlic butter, or a whipped feta spread for an irresistible appetizer.
Easy Ingredient Swaps & Additions
One of the best things about quick bread recipes is how easy they are to customize. Here are some ways you can change up the flavors:
- Cheese Options: Swap cheddar for Gruyère, mozzarella, Parmesan, or feta for a different twist.
- Herb Variations: Use basil, oregano, chives, or dill if you don’t have parsley, thyme, or rosemary.
- Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes, black pepper, or finely chopped jalapeños for a bit of heat.
- Extra Texture: Mix in chopped nuts, caramelized onions, or crumbled bacon for added depth.
- Healthier Twist: Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier, fiber-rich version.
Baking Tips for the Perfect Quick Bread
To get the best results, follow these essential baking tips:
- Measure Ingredients Correctly: Too much flour can make the bread dense. Use the spoon-and-level method instead of scooping directly from the bag.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dry texture.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and quality cheese make a big difference in flavor.
- Grease Your Pan Well: Prevent sticking by greasing your loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray.
- Let It Cool: Allow the bread to rest in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps retain its soft texture.
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
Even though this recipe is simple, here are some common mistakes to watch out for:
- Dense Bread: This happens if the batter is overmixed. Stir just until everything is incorporated.
- Too Dry: If your bread comes out dry, you may have added too much flour or overbaked it. Check for doneness with a toothpick before removing it from the oven.
- Lack of Flavor: Be sure to season your batter well. Cheese and herbs need a good balance of salt to bring out their flavors.
- Uneven Baking: If the top is browning too quickly, cover the loaf loosely with foil in the last 10 minutes of baking.
How to Store & Freeze Quick Bread
This bread stays fresh for up to three days when stored properly. Here’s how to keep it tasting great:
- Room Temperature: Wrap the loaf in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Keep it on the counter for up to three days.
- Refrigerator: Store it in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat slices in the toaster or oven before eating.
- Freezing: Slice the bread and freeze individual pieces in an airtight bag. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes or in a toaster.
Why You’ll Make This Bread Again & Again
Once you try this Herb & Cheese Quick Bread, you’ll see why it’s a favorite for busy home cooks. Not only is it incredibly easy to prepare, but it also delivers bold, satisfying flavors in every bite. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a holiday gathering, or just because you’re craving homemade bread, this recipe is one you’ll come back to time and time again.
The best part? It’s endlessly adaptable. You can tweak the herbs, switch up the cheese, or even add mix-ins to make it your own. There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked bread filling your kitchen—and with this simple recipe, you can enjoy that comfort anytime you want.
Final Thoughts
Homemade bread doesn’t have to be complicated. With this Herb & Cheese Quick Bread, you can enjoy fresh, flavorful bread without the hassle of yeast and long wait times. Whether you’re pairing it with a meal, enjoying it as a snack, or gifting it to friends and family, this bread is sure to impress.
So go ahead—preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake a loaf of this deliciously cheesy, herb-infused bread. It’s an easy, rewarding recipe that proves homemade bread can be simple, quick, and absolutely delicious!