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If you’re on the lookout for a comforting, savory treat that comes together in a flash, this Cheesy Herb Quick Bread Recipe is going to become your new kitchen hero. Packed with sharp cheddar and fresh herbs, this bread is perfectly soft with a golden, cheesy crust that tastes like it just came from a bakery. Whether you want a snack, a side for dinner, or a base for sandwiches, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal fuss. It’s truly the kind of bread that makes your whole kitchen smell like a warm hug.
Ingredients You’ll Need
We’re keeping it wonderfully straightforward with ingredients that bring texture, flavor, and a lovely aroma to this bread. Each element is essential to make sure your loaf rises beautifully and tastes absolutely irresistible.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the bread that creates a tender crumb.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Your quick bread’s natural leavening agent, making it rise and fluff up without waiting hours.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances out the flavors and sharpens the cheddar’s richness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds subtle savory depth without overpowering the herbs.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Gives a gentle sweetness and aroma that complements the cheese perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary: A fragrant herb that brings a piney, earthy note to every bite.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme: Lends a slightly minty, floral flavor that brightens the loaf.
- 1¼ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The star ingredient for that ooey-gooey, tangy punch inside and on top.
- 1 cup milk (any kind): Moistens the batter and keeps the bread soft and tender.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together and contributes to the bread’s structure.
- ¼ cup melted butter: Richness that enhances the bread’s crumb and adds a golden color.
- 2 tablespoons honey (optional): A subtle sweetness that balances the savory herbs and cheese beautifully.
How to Make Cheesy Herb Quick Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and generously greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan. This step ensures your bread will bake evenly and slide out of the pan smoothly when it’s ready.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder until everything is well blended. This creates an even base where the herbs and cheese can shine without clumping or sinking to the bottom.
Step 3: Add the Fresh Herbs and Cheese
Fold in the chopped rosemary and thyme along with one cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, saving the remaining ¼ cup for topping. Mixing the herbs and cheese into the dry ingredients helps distribute those flavors evenly throughout every slice.
Step 4: Whisk the Wet Ingredients Separately
In another bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and honey if you’re using it. These wet ingredients bring moisture and richness, combining perfectly with the dry mix to form a soft batter.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour your wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently just until everything is combined. Avoid overmixing here; a few lumps are okay as this keeps your bread tender and fluffy rather than tough.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the batter into your greased pan and sprinkle the reserved cheddar cheese on top for an extra cheesy crust. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the loaf turns a gorgeous golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Allow your Cheesy Herb Quick Bread to cool for about 10 minutes in the pan before slicing. This resting time lets the bread set so your slices hold together beautifully and the cheese finishes melting into perfection.
How to Serve Cheesy Herb Quick Bread Recipe
Garnishes
For an inviting touch, sprinkle a few fresh herb leaves on top just before serving, or drizzle with a little melted butter to add shine and richness. A few cracked black peppercorns also make a wonderful finishing touch, giving each bite a gentle kick.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with a cozy bowl of soup or chili. Its cheesy, herby goodness complements creamy tomato soup or hearty vegetable stew beautifully. You can also serve it alongside charcuterie or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this quick bread into a showstopper by toasting thick slices and layering with ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and a smear of soft goat cheese for a light snack. Or cube it to make savory bread pudding or croutons that burst with cheesy, herbal flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, wrap your Cheesy Herb Quick Bread Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or foil to keep it moist. Store it at room temperature for up to two days; beyond that, refrigeration is best to maintain freshness.
Freezing
If you want to save your bread for later, slice it first and wrap single slices or the entire loaf tightly in freezer-safe wrap or bags. Frozen bread will maintain its flavor and texture for up to three months.
Reheating
To enjoy your bread warm again, reheat slices in a toaster oven for a few minutes or pop them briefly in the microwave. For a crispier crust, warming wrapped bread at 350°F in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes works wonders.
FAQs
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh in this Cheesy Herb Quick Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! If fresh herbs aren’t on hand, substitute about one-third the amount with dried rosemary and thyme. Just keep in mind that fresh herbs offer brighter, more vibrant flavors that really elevate the bread.
What kind of cheese works best besides sharp cheddar?
Sharp cheddar is ideal for its bold flavor, but you can experiment with gouda, gruyere, or even a pepper jack for a bit of heat. Just make sure the cheese melts well to get that perfect gooey texture.
Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Yes, with some adjustments! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum to mimic the texture. Baking times might vary slightly, so keep an eye on your bread as it bakes.
Is this bread good cold or should it always be served warm?
While it’s fantastic warm for that melty cheese goodness, this bread tastes great cold too. It’s perfect for sandwiches or a quick snack on the go.
How do I prevent the cheese from sinking to the bottom?
Mixing the cheese with some of the flour before folding it into the batter helps it stay distributed. Also, folding the cheese into the dry ingredients ensures it stays suspended rather than sinking to the bottom.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about whipping up a loaf of this Cheesy Herb Quick Bread Recipe – it’s fast, flavorful, and endlessly versatile. I can’t recommend it enough for cozy nights in or whenever you crave warm, cheesy goodness. Trust me, once you try this bread, it’ll become a staple you’ll go back to time and time again!
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Cheesy Herb Quick Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Herb Quick Bread is a flavorful and moist loaf perfect for any occasion. Infused with fresh rosemary and thyme, sharp cheddar cheese, and a subtle blend of garlic and onion powder, it comes together quickly with simple ingredients. Baked to a golden brown, this bread offers a wonderful aroma and a tasty cheesy crust that makes it ideal for pairing with soups, salads, or enjoying on its own.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
Herbs & Cheese
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
- 1¼ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided: 1 cup for batter, ¼ cup for topping)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup milk (any kind)
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 2 tbsp honey (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Dry Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder until evenly combined.
- Add Herbs and Cheese: Stir in the chopped fresh rosemary and thyme along with 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the dry mixture. Reserve ¼ cup of cheese for topping later.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, large egg, melted butter, and honey if using, until smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix just until combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the bread tender.
- Prepare and Bake: Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan, sprinkle the reserved ¼ cup of cheddar cheese evenly on top, and bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it set and makes slicing easier.
Notes
- Honey is optional but adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory flavors.
- Use sharp cheddar for the best cheesy flavor; mild cheddar can be substituted but will be less intense.
- Fresh herbs give the best aroma and flavor, but you can substitute with 1 teaspoon each of dried rosemary and thyme if unavailable.
- Do not overmix the batter to avoid a dense or tough bread.
- This bread is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
