If you love the irresistible aroma of herbs mingled with the comforting richness of melted cheese, you are in for a real treat with this Cheesy Herb Quick Bread Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of savory flavors, tender crumb, and golden crust that comes together in under an hour. Whether you’re serving it alongside a cozy soup or just craving a warm snack, this quick bread feels like a little homemade hug baked right into every slice. The balance of fresh rosemary and thyme with sharp cheddar makes this recipe an instant favorite that you’ll want to share again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cheesy Herb Quick Bread Recipe is surprisingly simple to pull together, with each ingredient playing a crucial role in building layers of flavor and giving the bread its perfect texture and color.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of your bread, providing just the right amount of structure and softness.
- 1 tbsp baking powder: This helps your bread rise quickly and stay light.
- 1 tsp salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the herbs and cheese.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Adds a subtle, savory depth without overpowering.
- 1 tsp onion powder: Complements the garlic and herbs with gentle sweetness.
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary: Brings a fragrant, piney herbal note that wakes up the palate.
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme: Adds earthy warmth and bright green freshness.
- 1¼ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The star player that melts into pockets of cheesy goodness.
- 1 cup milk (any kind): Moisturizes the bread, keeping it tender and soft inside.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together and adds richness.
- ¼ cup melted butter: Infuses the bread with buttery flavor and helps with a golden crust.
- 2 tbsp honey (optional): Just a touch of sweetness to balance savory notes perfectly.
How to Make Cheesy Herb Quick Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This sets a perfect hot environment for your bread to rise evenly and develop that beautiful crust. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan well so your bread can effortlessly slide out when it’s baked.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. This ensures that all your dry seasonings are evenly distributed, creating an even flavor throughout each bite.
Step 3: Add Fresh Herbs and Cheese
Stir in the freshly chopped rosemary and thyme, and fold in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Fresh herbs add a bright pop of flavor and the cheese will melt into gooey deliciousness during baking. Save a quarter-cup of cheese for sprinkling on top before baking to get a golden, cheesy crust.
Step 4: Whisk Together Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and honey if you’re using it. This combination will add moisture, richness, and a faint sweetness that balances the savory elements beautifully.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry bowl and gently mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as overworking the batter can make the bread dense instead of delightfully tender and light.
Step 6: Bake Your Bread
Transfer the batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle the reserved cheese on top. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the bread is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The top should have a bubbly, crispy cheese crust that’s so satisfying.
Step 7: Rest and Slice
Allow your bread to rest for about 10 minutes in the pan before slicing. This resting time lets the interior finish setting so each slice holds together perfectly while still being soft and chewy inside.
How to Serve Cheesy Herb Quick Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A fresh sprinkle of chopped herbs like parsley or extra thyme on top just before serving adds color and a fresh burst of herbal aroma. For a little indulgence, spread warm butter or a smear of herbed cream cheese for a creamy contrast.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with hearty soups, creamy stews, or a fresh garden salad. It’s also fantastic alongside a platter of cheeses and cured meats for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or light lunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the bread and making mini sandwiches filled with roasted vegetables, slices of turkey, or a dollop of your favorite spread. You can also toast slices lightly and use them as a base for bruschetta topped with tomatoes and basil for a delightful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your Cheesy Herb Quick Bread Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh on the counter for up to two days or in the refrigerator for about a week without losing moisture.
Freezing
You can freeze the bread by wrapping it carefully in foil and then placing it in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw overnight at room temperature before reheating.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, reheat slices of bread in a toaster or a warm oven (350°F/175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This revives the crispy cheese topping while keeping the inside soft and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh for this Cheesy Herb Quick Bread Recipe?
Yes, you can! Use about one-third of the amount of dried herbs since they are more concentrated in flavor. The bread might be slightly less vibrant, but it will still taste wonderful.
Is it possible to make this bread dairy-free?
Absolutely. Substitute the milk with any plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and use a dairy-free cheese alternative and vegan butter or oil to keep it moist and flavorful.
Can I add other types of cheese to this recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with cheeses like mozzarella for a gooey texture, Parmesan for a sharper bite, or even pepper jack for added spice.
How long does this bread stay fresh once baked?
Stored properly, the bread will keep well for about 4 to 7 days in the refrigerator. Always keep it wrapped tightly to retain moisture and prevent it from drying out.
Can I double this recipe to make a larger loaf?
Yes! Simply double all ingredients and use a larger loaf pan or two standard-sized loaf pans. Just keep an eye on baking time as it may need a few extra minutes to cook through.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Herb Quick Bread Recipe has all the comforts and flavors you want from homemade bread without the fuss of yeast or long rising times. It’s so easy to make, wildly delicious, and wonderfully versatile. I encourage you to give it a try soon — it’s one of those recipes that feels like a special secret to brighten up any meal. Once you experience its warm, cheesy, herb-infused goodness, it might just become your go-to quick bread for every season.
Print
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 easy-to-make savory bread featuring sharp cheddar cheese and fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme. Perfect as a snack or a side, this quick bread combines aromatic herbs with the richness of cheese for a moist, golden loaf baked in under an hour.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
- 1¼ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (1 cup mixed in, ¼ cup reserved for topping)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup milk (any kind)
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 2 tbsp honey (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prepare for baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder ensuring they are well combined.
- Add Herbs and Cheese: Stir in the chopped fresh rosemary, chopped fresh thyme, and 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the dry mixture evenly.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, large egg, melted butter, and honey if using, until smooth.
- Mix Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix just until combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the bread tender.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the batter into the greased loaf pan and sprinkle the reserved ¼ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes until the bread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Rest and Serve: Let the bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes before slicing to allow it to set and cool slightly for best texture.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to prevent the bread from becoming dense or tough.
- Fresh herbs can be substituted with dried herbs at about one-third the quantity if fresh are unavailable.
- Honey is optional but adds a slight sweetness that balances the savory flavors.
- Use sharp cheddar for a more pronounced cheesy flavor; mild cheddar works if preferred.
- This bread is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
