Name: Herb & Cheese Quick Bread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American / Fusion
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tbsp baking powder; ½ tsp baking soda; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped; 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped; 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or cheese blend); 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar); 2 large eggs; ¼ cup olive oil (or melted butter)

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If you’ve got a serious craving for something savory, fragrant, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, this Herb & Cheese Quick Bread Recipe is about to become your new secret weapon. With a tender crumb, a medley of fresh herbs, and gooey ribbons of cheese in every bite, this loaf comes together in under an hour—no yeast and no fuss required! Whether you’re serving it as a star side at a holiday table, slicing it for hearty sandwiches, or just devouring it warm with a swipe of butter, you’ll be amazed that something so simple can taste so extraordinary. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get baking!

Herb & Cheese Quick Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Herb & Cheese Quick Bread Recipe serves a delicious purpose. These simple staples work together to create a loaf that’s light, flavorful, and irresistibly aromatic. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:

All-purpose flour: Provides structure and a tender crumb that’s just right for quick breads.
Baking powder: Acts as the primary leavening agent, helping your bread rise beautifully without yeast.
Baking soda: Adds extra lift and reacts with buttermilk for softness and tang.
Salt: Brings out the flavors in the cheese and herbs, making every bite more vibrant.
Black pepper: Lends a subtle heat and depth that keeps the flavor profile interesting.
Fresh parsley: Offers a fresh, grassy burst of color and flavor.
Fresh rosemary: Brings a stunning piney aroma and herby punch to every slice.
Fresh thyme: Delivers an earthy, minty flavor that compliments the cheese beautifully.
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Gives gooey, melty pockets of cheesy goodness in every bite—feel free to experiment with other cheese blends!
Buttermilk (or milk + vinegar): Adds moisture and tang; if you don’t have buttermilk, simply mix milk with a splash of vinegar for a brilliant shortcut.
Large eggs: Bind everything together and add richness for a moist loaf.
Olive oil (or melted butter): Brings a subtle flavor and ensures the quick bread stays tender and moist.

How to Make Herb & Cheese Quick Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy release. This little bit of prep goes a long way in making sure your loaf pops right out when it’s done, golden and gorgeous.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a large bowl and whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and black pepper. This ensures an even distribution of all the leaveners and seasonings, giving your Herb & Cheese Quick Bread Recipe its perfectly even rise and subtle background heat.

Step 3: Add Herbs and Cheese

Stir the chopped parsley, rosemary, thyme, and shredded sharp cheddar (or your cheese of choice) straight into the dry mix. Coating the cheese and herbs in flour prevents them from sinking and ensures cheesy, herby goodness in every slice.

Step 4: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk (or milk whisked with vinegar), eggs, and olive oil. This creamy blend is the secret to a super-moist crumb and a subtly savory flavor profile that makes this bread so irresistible.

Step 5: Combine and Stir

Pour your wet ingredients into the dry mixture and give everything a stir until just combined—don’t overmix or your loaf could turn out a little tough. A gentle hand gives you that perfect, soft and tender result.

Step 6: Fill and Smooth

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and gently smooth the top with a spatula. Even distribution is key for an evenly baked, beautifully shaped loaf.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center. You’ll find the top turns golden with gorgeous cheesy pockets peeking through—a true reward for your patience as the aroma fills your kitchen!

Step 8: Cool and Unmold

Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then lift it out and transfer to a wire rack. This step prevents sogginess and ensures the crust stays satisfyingly crisp.

Step 9: Slice and Enjoy

Once fully cooled, slice and serve your Herb & Cheese Quick Bread Recipe just as you like it—thick and hearty or thin and dainty. It’s the moment you’ve earned, so dig in!

How to Serve Herb & Cheese Quick Bread Recipe

Garnishes

For a professional finish, sprinkle your sliced bread with a little extra chopped parsley or thyme, or a dusting of grated Parmesan. A drizzle of olive oil or a pat of creamy butter melts right in, bringing even more rustic charm and flavor to the presentation.

Side Dishes

This savory loaf is spectacular with soups like creamy tomato or hearty vegetable, but it also shines alongside salads, roast chicken, or as part of a classic brunch spread. It’s equally at home dunked in your favorite stew or served as a rustic accompaniment to a cheese and charcuterie board.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual gathering, slice and arrange the bread in a basket lined with a tea towel. For lunchboxes or picnics, try slicing and spreading with herbed cream cheese, or use two slices to make a dreamy sandwich with roasted vegetables. Cubed, it makes fantastic croutons for salads or soups, keeping the Herb & Cheese Quick Bread Recipe exciting with every meal!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. At room temperature, it stays fresh for up to 2 days—though it rarely lasts that long because it’s just so tasty!

Freezing

To freeze, slice the bread once cooled and wrap each portion in plastic wrap or foil. Place the slices in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw on the counter or toast from frozen for a quick, homemade snack.

Reheating

A quick warm-up in a preheated oven (about 300°F) brings the Herb & Cheese Quick Bread Recipe back to life, reviving the crust and melting the cheese. For quick slices, a toaster works wonders—just keep an eye on melting cheese!

FAQs

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Dried herbs are wonderfully convenient. Just use about 1 teaspoon of each (parsley, rosemary, thyme), since dried herbs are more concentrated. The bread will still be bursting with herby flavor.

What cheeses work well in this bread?

Sharp cheddar is a classic, but feel free to get creative! Gruyère, mozzarella, or even a bit of Parmesan all work brilliantly in this Herb & Cheese Quick Bread Recipe. Mix and match for your own signature loaf.

Is it possible to make it gluten-free?

Yes, you can absolutely make this recipe gluten-free! Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, and check that your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Can I make this bread ahead of time?

Definitely! This is a great make-ahead option. Bake the loaf the day before, wrap tightly, and store at room temperature. For the freshest flavor, reheat slices just before serving.

Why did my bread turn out dense?

Likely causes are overmixing the batter or not measuring ingredients accurately. For the lightest crumb, mix just until combined and be sure to follow the recipe measurements closely—quick breads love a gentle touch!

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably special about sharing a warm, fresh loaf with friends and family. I hope you’ll find this Herb & Cheese Quick Bread Recipe as simple, fun, and entirely crowd-pleasing as I do. Give it a try, experiment with your favorite herbs and cheeses, and watch how quickly it disappears!