If you’re looking for a savory showstopper that’s both easy to whip up and impossible to resist, Cheesy Herb Quick Bread is your golden ticket. This no-yeast bread bursts with sharp cheddar, savory Parmesan, and a fragrant blend of herbs, baked into a soft, moist loaf with a perfectly tender crumb. Each slice delivers a comforting mix of cheesy richness and herby freshness, making it a staple you’ll turn to whether you’re pairing it with soup, building the perfect brunch plate, or just sneaking a warm piece straight from the baking rack.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of pantry and fridge staples, you’ll be amazed how each ingredient in Cheesy Herb Quick Bread plays a pivotal role. From the tang of sharp cheddar to the lift from baking powder, every item works together to create a loaf that’s flavorful, fluffy, and downright irresistible.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that gives your bread structure without weighing it down.
- Baking powder: Essential for lift and a tender crumb, since there’s no yeast in this quick bread.
- Salt: Brightens and balances the mix, letting the cheese and herbs shine.
- Black pepper: Adds the perfect touch of warmth and subtle bite.
- Garlic powder: Delivers mellow, savory depth in every slice.
- Dried Italian herbs: A blend of thyme, oregano, and basil infuses classic aromatic flavor.
- Fresh parsley or chives: Offers pops of freshness and a pretty burst of green.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The star of the show—robust, melty, and just the right level of tang.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a salty, nutty punch that compliments the cheddar beautifully.
- Whole milk: Gives your loaf moisture and a subtle richness.
- Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt: Adds tenderness and a gentle tang, making the crumb extra soft.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Lends rich flavor and keeps every bite melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and create that classic bread structure we all crave.
How to Make Cheesy Herb Quick Bread
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s perfectly hot for baking. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set it aside—this ensures your Cheesy Herb Quick Bread will release without a fuss and the crust will have just the right amount of golden crunch.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, dried Italian herbs, and your fresh parsley or chives. Don’t rush this step—the even distribution of the leavening and spices sets the stage for a loaf that’s seasoned through and through.
Step 3: Add the Cheeses
Gently stir the shredded sharp cheddar and grated Parmesan right into the bowl of dry ingredients. Tossing the cheese into the flour mixture helps it spread evenly throughout the bread, so you get melty bite after melty bite in every slice.
Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the whole milk, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), melted butter, and eggs until you have a smooth, creamy mixture. Bringing these together beforehand ensures your Cheesy Herb Quick Bread batter comes together quickly and easily.
Step 5: Mix It All Together
Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and gently fold together, mixing just until you don’t see any dry flour streaks left. This is key—overmixing can toughen the loaf, so a light hand promises that tender crumb you’re aiming for.
Step 6: Fill the Pan and Bake
Spoon the thick batter into your prepared loaf pan, then smooth the top with a spatula. Pop it in the oven and bake for 45–50 minutes, until the top is a deep golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly!
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Let the loaf cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then gently transfer it to a wire rack to finish cooling. This rest time makes slicing a breeze and helps the Cheesy Herb Quick Bread set up perfectly. Slice and serve however you please—warm is always a treat, but room temperature is just as delicious.
How to Serve Cheesy Herb Quick Bread
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped herbs (like more chives, parsley, or a touch of thyme) over the top adds a gourmet finish and a pop of color. If you’re feeling decadent, an extra dusting of Parmesan just before serving makes the cheesy-ness even more irresistible.
Side Dishes
Cheesy Herb Quick Bread absolutely loves company! Pair it with a hearty tomato soup, a crisp green salad, or alongside a rustic pasta dinner to sop up every last drop of sauce. Honestly, it fits in anywhere you’d want a comforting, flavorful bread side.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the bread into cubes and toast for out-of-this-world croutons, or slice and layer with your favorite sandwich fillings for an upgraded lunch. For a party, serve thin slices with a cheese board, and watch guests keep coming back for “just one more piece.”
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover Cheesy Herb Quick Bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The flavor actually deepens after a day, making those leftovers extra tempting with your morning coffee or as a late-night snack.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap the cooled loaf (or individual slices) tightly in plastic and then foil, or pop into a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before serving. It’s a lifesaver to have Cheesy Herb Quick Bread ready for last-minute guests!
Reheating
Gently warm slices in a toaster oven or wrapped in foil in a regular oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes. This brings back the soft, just-baked texture and really perks up the cheesy aroma. Microwaving works in a pinch, but a light toast is always best.
FAQs
Can I use different cheeses in Cheesy Herb Quick Bread?
Absolutely! Try swapping the cheddar for Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a pepper jack for heat. Mix and match to suit your taste or use what’s in your fridge—the bread is flexible and always tasty.
Why does my quick bread sometimes turn out dense?
Dense bread usually means the batter was overmixed or the leavening agents weren’t fresh. Be sure to mix until just combined and check that your baking powder is still active for the fluffiest Cheesy Herb Quick Bread.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a high-quality 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may be a bit different, but you’ll still get the same great cheesy-herb flavor.
Is it okay to skip the fresh herbs?
While the fresh parsley or chives add a lovely brightness and color, you can omit them or replace with more dried herbs in a pinch. The bread will still be loaded with flavor from the cheese and seasonings.
Can I double the recipe?
You sure can! Bake in two separate pans for best results, as doubling in a single loaf pan can cause uneven baking. It’s perfect if you want extra Cheesy Herb Quick Bread for a crowd or to freeze a loaf for later.
Final Thoughts
I can’t tell you how many times Cheesy Herb Quick Bread has come to my rescue—whether I needed a last-minute side, a cozy brunch treat, or just the answer to a cheese craving. I hope you give this recipe a try, because there’s nothing quite as satisfying as pulling a fragrant loaf from your oven and sharing warm slices with people you love. Enjoy every cheesy, herby bite!
Print
Cheesy Herb Quick Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Herb Quick Bread is a savory delight, packed with flavorful herbs, sharp cheddar, and Parmesan cheese. It’s easy to make and perfect for serving alongside soups or salads.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (or a mix of thyme, oregano, and basil)
Additional Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or chives
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/3 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, dried herbs, and fresh herbs. Add cheeses and mix.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk milk, sour cream, melted butter, and eggs.
- Combine: Pour wet ingredients into dry, mix until just combined.
- Bake: Transfer batter to pan, bake 45–50 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Cool in pan for 10 mins, then transfer to a wire rack to cool. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- This bread pairs well with soups or salads.
- Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack.
- Store leftovers wrapped for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
