If you’re on the lookout for a comforting, flavorful bread that comes together quickly, this Cheesy Herb Quick Bread Recipe is the one you’ll want to bookmark and make again and again. Packed with sharp cheddar, fragrant herbs, and a touch of Parmesan, this bread strikes the perfect balance between savory richness and tender crumb. It’s a warm, inviting loaf that transforms any meal or snack into a special moment, all without demanding hours of waiting or fussing in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, whether it’s building the texture, adding layers of flavor, or achieving that perfect golden crust. The simplicity of these ingredients makes this bread approachable but still incredibly delicious.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy structure while keeping the crumb tender and light.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Essential for helping the bread rise and get fluffy without yeast.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside baking powder to ensure a tender, soft texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, preventing the bread from tasting flat.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and a little bit of a kick.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional): Infuses the bread with a gentle, savory aroma that complements the cheese perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or mixed herbs: Brings layers of earthy, fragrant notes to every slice.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The star ingredient that delivers a bold, melty cheesiness throughout.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth that makes the flavor unmistakably rich.
- 1 1/4 cups buttermilk: Makes the bread tender and moist while lending a slight tang.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Keeps the bread soft and adds richness without overpowering.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together and helps with the bread’s lovely golden crust.
How to Make Cheesy Herb Quick Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Before diving into the batter, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure your quick bread won’t stick and will pop right out after baking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, black pepper, optional garlic powder, and dried herbs. Stir in the sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, making sure each cheese shred is coated in the flour mixture. This step is key to preventing the cheese from sinking to the bottom during baking.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, melted butter, and egg until well combined. The buttermilk adds a mild tang and keeps the bread moist, while the melted butter ensures richness in every bite.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Stir gently until just combined—this keeps the bread tender and prevents it from turning dense or tough. Be careful not to overmix, as a few lumps are perfectly fine.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
Transfer the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing out the top evenly. Feel free to sprinkle extra cheese or herbs on top for a visually irresistible finish. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the top is beautifully golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. You can serve it warm or at room temperature—both ways are equally delightful!
How to Serve Cheesy Herb Quick Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh herbs like chopped parsley, chives, or basil on top for a pop of color and freshness. A light drizzle of olive oil or a slather of garlic butter right out of the oven makes it even more indulgent and aromatic.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with creamy soups such as tomato basil, broccoli cheddar, or classic chicken noodle. It also complements fresh salads or can be enjoyed as a savory snack on its own.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this quick bread into delightful individual servings by slicing it into cubes and toasting them to make crunchy croutons for soups and salads. Or sandwich slices with deli meats and greens for a rustic, homemade lunch option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps it soft and flavorful for your next snack or meal.
Freezing
This Cheesy Herb Quick Bread Recipe freezes beautifully. Slice the bread first, then wrap individual slices or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to two months, ready to thaw whenever you want a quick cheesy treat.
Reheating
Reheat slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp on the edges. A short microwave session works too but may soften the crust. Adding a dab of butter on top before reheating perks up the flavors even more.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar and Parmesan are fantastic together, feel free to experiment with gruyère, mozzarella, or even a spicy pepper jack to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar with 1 1/4 cups of milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This mimics the tanginess and acidity of buttermilk perfectly for this recipe.
Is this bread suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe uses no meat or animal-based rennet, making it suitable for vegetarians who consume dairy and eggs.
Can I add fresh herbs instead of dried?
Definitely! Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil can bring a vibrant, fresh flavor to the bread. Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs as dried, and finely chop them before adding.
How long does this bread stay fresh?
When stored properly at room temperature in an airtight container, the bread stays fresh for about two days. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet to keep it tasting fresh and delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Herb Quick Bread Recipe is one of those easy, satisfying dishes that never fails to impress. Whether you’re whipping up a cozy dinner or just craving something savory and warm, this bread fits right in. Don’t hesitate to try it—your kitchen will fill with incredible aromas, and you’ll find yourself reaching for another slice before you know it!
Print
Cheesy Herb Quick Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8–10 slices)
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Herb Quick Bread is a deliciously savory and moist loaf perfect for pairing with soups, salads, or enjoying on its own. Made with sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and a blend of Italian herbs, it offers a flavorful twist on traditional quick bread. The recipe is simple and quick to prepare, using buttermilk and baking powder for a tender crumb and a golden crust.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or mixed herbs
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Wet Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups buttermilk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, black pepper, garlic powder (if using), and dried Italian herbs. Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and grated Parmesan cheeses, coating them evenly with the flour mixture.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, melted unsalted butter, and the large egg until well combined.
- Mix Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the bread tender.
- Transfer and Bake: Spoon the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top. Optionally sprinkle extra shredded cheese or fresh herbs on top for added flavor and appearance.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing it to a wire rack to cool completely or serve warm.
Notes
- This bread pairs excellently with soups or salads, or can be enjoyed on its own as a savory snack.
- Feel free to substitute cheeses such as gruyère or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
- Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a fresh twist.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, create a substitute by mixing 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar with 1 1/4 cups of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes before using.
