This Herb & Cheese Quick Bread is as delightful to the nose as it is to the taste buds. With golden, fluffy textures on the outside, every slice reveals the gooey cheese and fragrant herbs that make this bread irresistibly good.
It’s the ideal accompaniment to any meal. Serve it alongside a warm bowl of soup, chili, or enjoy it as a savory breakfast with a bit of butter. Plus, it’s versatile enough to experiment with different cheeses and herbs based on your preferences. Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a casual dinner, this bread will certainly steal the spotlight.
Full Recipe:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Stir in the cheddar cheese, parsley, thyme, and rosemary until evenly distributed.
- In another bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, and eggs until well blended.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes | Total Time: 55-60 minutes
Kcal: Approx. 220 kcal per serving | Servings: 8 slices
Herb & Cheese Quick Bread: A Delicious and Easy Homemade Delight
Herb & Cheese Quick Bread is a comforting and flavorful addition to any meal. Its golden crust, fragrant herbs, and melted cheese create an irresistible aroma as it bakes, making it the perfect choice for both beginners and seasoned bakers alike. This bread doesn’t require any kneading, long rising times, or complex techniques, making it incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you serve it with soup, as part of a larger dinner spread, or simply enjoy it on its own, Herb & Cheese Quick Bread is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
A Perfect Bread for Any Occasion
One of the main reasons Herb & Cheese Quick Bread is so beloved is its versatility. This bread can be enjoyed as a side dish, snack, or even a standalone meal. Whether you’re preparing a cozy dinner for yourself or hosting a gathering with friends and family, this bread fits seamlessly into any meal. The rich and savory flavors from the herbs and cheese make it a crowd-pleaser, and its simplicity allows you to focus on other aspects of your meal while the bread bakes away in the oven.
This bread is ideal for pairing with a wide variety of dishes. It complements the hearty, robust flavors of soups and stews perfectly, providing a contrast of textures and flavors that elevate the entire meal. It also pairs wonderfully with fresh salads, providing a satisfying crunch and burst of flavor. For breakfast, serve it toasted with a bit of butter or as the base for a savory sandwich filled with eggs, avocado, and bacon.
The Simplicity of Quick Bread
Unlike traditional yeast-based breads, which require time for the dough to rise, quick bread recipes like this one are much more accessible for busy bakers. The absence of yeast means you don’t need to wait for dough to rise, and you don’t have to knead the dough to develop the gluten. Instead, you simply mix the ingredients, pour them into a pan, and bake. The ease of preparation makes quick breads a fantastic choice for anyone new to baking or those looking for a quick and simple recipe to add to their collection.
While traditional bread recipes can feel intimidating with all the steps involved, quick bread recipes like Herb & Cheese Quick Bread allow you to experience the joy of homemade baking without the pressure of perfecting your technique. This recipe is perfect for making on a busy weeknight when you want something warm and comforting with minimal effort.
Choosing the Right Cheese for Herb & Cheese Quick Bread
One of the standout features of Herb & Cheese Quick Bread is the use of cheese. The cheese adds not only flavor but also moisture to the bread, creating a tender and satisfying texture. While cheddar cheese is the most commonly used option in this recipe, the possibilities are endless when it comes to selecting the right cheese for your bread.
If you prefer a sharp, tangy flavor, you can opt for aged cheddar or even blue cheese for a more pungent taste. For a milder flavor, try mozzarella or fontina cheese, both of which melt beautifully into the bread and provide a creamy texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with a mix of different cheeses to create your own signature version of the bread. Gruyère, Parmesan, and goat cheese are also fantastic choices that will add complexity and richness to your final product.
Herb Variations to Enhance Your Quick Bread
Another reason Herb & Cheese Quick Bread is so adaptable is the wide range of herbs you can use to flavor the bread. Traditional recipes often call for parsley, thyme, and rosemary, but you can easily swap these out for other fresh herbs depending on your preferences.
Basil and oregano provide a fresh and aromatic profile, making them excellent choices for Mediterranean-inspired versions of this bread. Dill and chives bring a bright, oniony flavor that pairs well with lighter cheeses like goat cheese or feta. For a more earthy and savory flavor, consider adding sage or tarragon to your bread.
Herbs are an easy way to adjust the flavor profile of your bread to match the season, your mood, or the meal you’re serving it with. Don’t be afraid to experiment with new combinations until you find the one that works best for you.
Making Herb & Cheese Quick Bread Your Own
While this bread is delicious as written, there are plenty of ways to customize it to suit your tastes. Adding ingredients like roasted garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, or olives can bring an additional layer of flavor to the bread. If you prefer a bit of heat, consider mixing in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
You can also experiment with different flours to change the texture of your bread. For a denser and more hearty loaf, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. You could also try gluten-free flour blends to make the bread suitable for those with dietary restrictions. Keep in mind that if you make substitutions, the baking time may vary slightly, so be sure to check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the bread.
Baking Tips for Perfect Herb & Cheese Quick Bread
To ensure your Herb & Cheese Quick Bread turns out perfectly every time, there are a few tips to keep in mind. First, be sure to measure your ingredients accurately. Baking is a science, and even small discrepancies in ingredient measurements can affect the outcome of your bread. For the best results, spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife to avoid packing too much flour into the cup.
Another tip is to be cautious not to overmix the batter. Once the wet and dry ingredients are combined, stir until just incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense bread, which you want to avoid for a light and fluffy texture.
Also, remember that every oven is different. While the recipe suggests a baking time of 45-50 minutes, your oven may run hotter or cooler. Keep an eye on the bread as it bakes, and check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your bread is ready to come out of the oven.
Conclusion: A Bread You’ll Make Again and Again
Herb & Cheese Quick Bread is an absolute winner in the kitchen. Its ease of preparation, delicious flavor, and versatility make it a fantastic recipe to have on hand for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it with soup, making it for a savory breakfast, or enjoying it as a snack, this bread will undoubtedly become a favorite in your home.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the ability to customize it with your favorite cheeses and herbs. You can experiment with different flavor combinations and make it your own, ensuring that it will always suit your tastes. And because it’s so easy to make, you’ll find yourself baking it again and again.
So next time you’re looking for a quick, comforting addition to your meal, give Herb & Cheese Quick Bread a try. Its savory goodness and golden crust will have your kitchen smelling divine, and the flavor will keep you coming back for more. Happy baking!