There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread—especially when you don’t need any yeast or kneading! This Herb & Cheese Quick Bread is the ultimate savory loaf: soft and moist with pockets of gooey cheese, an herby fragrance, and a touch of golden crust. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started, this recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a sliceable delight that pairs with nearly any meal, bringing a warm, cheesy flair to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient for Herb & Cheese Quick Bread plays a starring role, from the flour’s tender crumb to the melty cheddar and hints of garlic throughout. Don’t skip any—each one builds the flavor, texture, or inviting color that makes this bread irresistible!
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure and the soft bite that makes this loaf perfect for slicing.
- Baking powder: Gives your bread its lovely lift and fluffy crumb without needing yeast.
- Baking soda: Helps to brown the crust and react with buttermilk for tenderness.
- Salt: Balances the flavors and enhances those savory notes.
- Garlic powder: Adds aromatic warmth that infuses the loaf all the way through.
- Dried Italian seasoning (or mixed herbs): Brings classic herby flavor—oregano, basil, and more—for depth and color.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey pockets for sharp, tangy bursts inside every slice.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings umami and a subtle nutty edge that makes each bite more complex.
- Buttermilk: Ensures a moist, tender crumb and gently tangy flavor.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and keeps the loaf soft without overpowering the herbs and cheese.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together, providing structure so the loaf slices beautifully.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): For a pop of color and a fresh herbal finish—especially as a final garnish!
How to Make Herb & Cheese Quick Bread
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan. This ensures your Herb & Cheese Quick Bread doesn’t stick and bakes up evenly with that signature golden crust.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Mixing the dry ingredients first makes sure your leaveners and seasonings are dispersed, so every bite of bread is well-balanced.
Step 3: Add Cheeses
Stir the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan directly into your seasoned flour mixture. Tossing the cheeses with flour helps them distribute nicely, keeping them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf as it bakes.
Step 4: Whisk Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, and eggs. This creates a smooth, creamy base that will moisten your batter and help everything come together without overworking the flour.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Stir gently until just combined—no overmixing! The trick to tender Herb & Cheese Quick Bread is stopping as soon as you see no more dry streaks. It’s fine if there are a few lumps.
Step 6: Transfer and Bake
Spread the batter evenly in your prepared loaf pan—it will be thick, but that’s exactly what gives the bread its rustic rise. Slide it into the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Garnish
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack. Sprinkle the top with fresh parsley while it’s still just a bit warm. Slice, serve, and watch it disappear!
How to Serve Herb & Cheese Quick Bread
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley wakes up the color and flavor of each slice. For extra flair, add a dusting of Parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil just before serving. This little touch will make your Herb & Cheese Quick Bread look as inviting as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This bread is a chameleon on the table. Set it next to creamy soups, fresh salads, or a hearty pasta for the perfect companion. It also makes a fabulous base for open-faced sandwiches or Italian antipasto platters.
Creative Ways to Present
For brunch, slice the quick bread and toast individual pieces to golden perfection—serve with poached eggs or avocado for a unique twist. Or cube it for a savory bread pudding, or even use it as a bold base for bruschetta appetizers!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Herb & Cheese Quick Bread in foil or plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, pop it in the fridge for up to a week; just be sure to bring it back to room temp (or give it a quick warm-up) before enjoying.
Freezing
This bread freezes beautifully! Once completely cooled, wrap the loaf tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. You can also slice before freezing, separating slices with parchment for easy grab-and-go portions any time.
Reheating
To reheat, simply toast individual slices or warm the whole loaf in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. This brings back the soft crumb and makes the cheese just a little melty again—the best way to revive that just-baked magic.
FAQs
Can I use different cheeses in Herb & Cheese Quick Bread?
Absolutely! This recipe is super flexible. Swap the cheddar for Swiss, Gruyère, or even pepper jack for a fun twist—the foundation handles plenty of variations without losing its delicious character.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
Stick a toothpick or thin skewer into the thickest part of the bread; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs (but no wet batter), your Herb & Cheese Quick Bread is ready to come out of the oven.
Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Yes, just use a quality 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and make sure your baking powder is gluten-free as well. The texture might be a touch different, but it’s still fluffy and satisfying.
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar, let it sit for 5 minutes, and use in place of the buttermilk for that same tangy tenderness.
Is this bread best warm or at room temperature?
It’s hard to beat Herb & Cheese Quick Bread fresh and slightly warm from the oven, but it tastes fantastic at room temperature too! If it’s a day old, a quick reheat works wonders.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself to a cozy weekday lunch, Herb & Cheese Quick Bread adds a flavorful, effortless upgrade to any meal. I hope you love sharing this savory star as much as I do—don’t be surprised if it disappears in record time!
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Herb & Cheese Quick Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Herb & Cheese Quick Bread is a savory delight, perfect for serving warm with butter or as a side to soups and salads. With a blend of cheddar, Parmesan, and aromatic herbs, this easy homemade bread is sure to impress.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or mixed herbs)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 cups buttermilk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Add cheddar and Parmesan cheese.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, melted butter, and eggs. Pour into dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Bake: Spread batter in the loaf pan and bake for 40–45 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Sprinkle with parsley before slicing and serving.
Notes
- This bread pairs well with butter, soups, and salads.
- Try swapping cheddar for Swiss, Gruyère, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Bread, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
