Name: Savory Cranberry Bread with Cheese and Rosemary Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: PT-489047H36M6S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tbsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; 1 tbsp sugar; 1 cup milk; 2 eggs; 2 tbsp olive oil; ½ cup fresh cranberries, chopped; ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 tbsp chopped rosemary

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Let me introduce you to a delightful holiday treat that’s sure to steal the spotlight: the Savory Cranberry Bread with Cheese and Rosemary Recipe. This festive twist on classic cranberry bread marries the tangy brightness of cranberries with the melty richness of cheese and the aromatic essence of fresh rosemary, creating a loaf that’s as beautiful as it is flavorful. It’s a perfect side to brighten any meal, especially during gatherings where you want something both comforting and a little unexpected. Trust me, once you try this, it will become a go-to favorite in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a round wreath-shaped bread with twisted layers, arranged in a ring on a black plate topped with almond slices. The bread has a golden brown color with white icing drizzled thinly over the top, contrasting with the almonds. The black plate sits on a wooden board, all placed on a white marbled surface. The bread layers are clearly visible, each twisted segment showing a soft, fluffy texture inside with shiny outer crust. In the background, there are some oranges and green pine branches adding a festive touch, and some stacked white plates slightly out of focus. A woman's hand is positioned near the edge of the plate, gently holding it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this savory cranberry bread lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient brings something important to the table, from the basic structure to those pops of flavor and wonderful aromas. These easy-to-find items will come together effortlessly to create a loaf you’ll be so proud to serve.

2 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base that gives the bread its perfect crumb and hold.
1 tbsp baking powder: To help the loaf rise and become light and fluffy.
½ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the bread.
1 tbsp sugar: Just a touch to balance the tartness of the cranberries.
1 cup milk: Adds moisture and tenderness to the batter for a soft texture.
2 eggs: Bind everything together and give the bread structure.
2 tbsp olive oil: Brings richness and a slight fruity note.
½ cup fresh cranberries, chopped: The star ingredient that lends bright, tart bursts throughout the bread.
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into pockets of savory goodness that contrasts beautifully with the fruit.
1 tbsp chopped rosemary: Infuses the bread with a fragrant herbal note that’s perfect for the season.

How to Make Savory Cranberry Bread with Cheese and Rosemary Recipe

Step 1: Prepare your oven and pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a loaf pan thoroughly. This step ensures your bread doesn’t stick and bakes evenly.

Step 2: Combine the dry ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. This creates a well-distributed base where every bite will have consistent flavor and texture.

Step 3: Mix the wet ingredients separately

In another bowl, whisk the milk, eggs, and olive oil until smooth and slightly frothy. These wet ingredients provide moisture and richness, which contrast beautifully with the dry mixture.

Step 4: Bring wet and dry mixtures together

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and gently fold them together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine and will keep your bread tender.

Step 5: Fold in cranberries, cheese, and rosemary

Now the fun part: gently stir in the chopped cranberries, shredded cheddar cheese, and fresh rosemary. These add pops of tartness, savory richness, and fragrant herbiness that make this bread special and memorable.

Step 6: Bake to golden perfection

Transfer the batter into your prepared loaf pan and place it in the oven. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow it to cool slightly before slicing so those wonderful flavors can settle.

How to Serve Savory Cranberry Bread with Cheese and Rosemary Recipe

This is a round braided bread wreath with a golden brown crust. The bread has many twisted layers visible on top, showing a rich texture with darker brown spots where the filling has caramelized. White icing is drizzled in thin lines across the top, adding a bright contrast to the warm brown tones. The bread rests on crumpled parchment paper, and nearby there are dried orange slices and evergreen branches on a white marbled surface. The inside of the wreath shows a hollow ring with layered dough edges. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

This bread shines even more when served with simple garnishes. A smear of herb butter or a dollop of cream cheese brings a creamy, lush element that pairs beautifully with the tart cranberries and salty cheddar. Fresh rosemary sprigs on the side can add a lovely aroma to your presentation.

Side Dishes

Pair your savory cranberry bread with hearty soups, fresh salads, or a warm bowl of roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. Its robust flavors cut through the richness of stews or work as a satisfying snack alongside charcuterie boards.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the bread into thick slabs and toast it lightly for a crispy contrast. Top with honey and additional cheese for a sweet-savory combo. You can even cube it lightly toasted as croutons for salads, showcasing the delightful mix of rosemary and cranberry in a unique way.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your leftover savory cranberry bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it at room temperature for up to two days. Beyond that, refrigerate it to keep it fresh, though this may slightly dry out the loaf.

Freezing

This bread freezes beautifully. Slice it first, then place parchment paper between slices and store in an airtight freezer bag. It will keep well for up to three months, letting you enjoy that holiday flavor anytime you want a quick snack.

Reheating

For the best taste, reheat slices in a toaster or oven at a moderate temperature until warm and slightly crisp on the outside. This brings back the bread’s freshly baked charm and revives the melted cheese texture wonderfully.

FAQs

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes! You can swap fresh cranberries for dried ones, but reduce the sugar slightly since dried cranberries tend to be sweeter. This adjustment helps keep the balance between tart and savory flavors perfect.

What type of cheese works best?

Cheddar is fantastic for its sharpness and meltability, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyere or mozzarella for different flavor profiles that still complement the cranberries and rosemary.

Is this bread suitable for vegetarians?

Absolutely! This savory cranberry bread is vegetarian-friendly since it contains no meat or animal-derived gelatin, making it a great choice for many dietary preferences.

Can I add nuts or seeds to the bread?

Certainly. Adding walnuts or pecans adds a lovely crunch that pairs well with the softness of the bread and the tart cranberries. Just fold them in along with the other add-ins.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

The best test is inserting a toothpick or skewer into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bread is done. The top should be golden brown and spring back slightly when pressed.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about the Savory Cranberry Bread with Cheese and Rosemary Recipe — it’s a combination of flavors that feels festive yet comforting, simple yet special. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this loaf is a wonderful way to add a homemade touch to any meal. I can’t wait for you to try it and share the joy it brings! Happy baking!