Cheesy Herb Quick Bread – Perfect for Any Meal!

Few foods are as comforting and versatile as fresh-baked bread. The aroma alone is enough to make a kitchen feel like the warm heart of a home. But what if you could have homemade bread without waiting hours for yeast to rise or kneading dough endlessly? That’s exactly where quick breads come in.

Unlike yeast breads, quick breads use baking powder and baking soda as leavening agents. That means no waiting, no kneading, and no fuss. You mix, bake, and in less than an hour you’ve got a beautiful loaf on the table. Add in cheese and fresh herbs, and you’ve got something extraordinary: Cheesy Herb Quick Bread, a golden loaf bursting with flavor, perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner.

Whether you’re serving it with a cozy bowl of soup, a holiday meal, or simply enjoying it warm with butter, this bread is guaranteed to be a hit.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy – No yeast, no waiting, ready in under an hour.

• Flavor-Packed – The combination of cheese and herbs makes every bite irresistible.

• Versatile – Works as a side dish, a snack, or even the base of a sandwich.

• Customizable – Use your favorite cheeses and herbs to make it your own.

• Beginner-Friendly – Even if you’ve never baked bread before, this recipe is foolproof.

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Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Cheesy Herb Quick Bread:

• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour – Provides structure. You can also use half whole wheat for a nuttier flavor.

• 1 tablespoon baking powder – The main leavening agent.

• ½ teaspoon baking soda – Helps with lift, especially if you add buttermilk.

• 1 teaspoon salt – Enhances flavor.

• ½ teaspoon black pepper – For a subtle kick.

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional) – Adds savory depth.

• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or 2 teaspoons fresh chopped herbs like parsley, thyme, rosemary, or dill).

• 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheese – Cheddar, mozzarella, Gruyère, or a mix.

• 2 large eggs – Adds richness and structure.

• 1 cup (240 ml) milk or buttermilk – Buttermilk makes it extra tender.

• ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil or melted butter – Keeps the bread moist and flavorful.

Optional for topping:

• Extra shredded cheese

• Fresh herbs

• A sprinkle of coarse salt

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Equipment

• Mixing bowls

• Whisk and spatula

• Standard 9x5-inch loaf pan (or round cake pan)

• Parchment paper (optional)

• Cooling rack

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Grease your loaf pan lightly with butter or oil, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

• In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried herbs.

• Stir in ¾ cup of the shredded cheese, reserving the rest for topping.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

• In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk (or buttermilk), and olive oil (or melted butter) until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

• Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients.

• Stir gently with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix; the batter should be slightly lumpy.

Step 5: Bake the Bread

• Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.

• Smooth the top with a spatula and sprinkle with remaining cheese and extra herbs.

• Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

• Let bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes.

• Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely (if you can resist cutting into it immediately!).

• Slice and serve warm with butter.

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Tips for Success

1. Don’t Overmix – Overmixing will make the bread dense. Stir just until flour disappears.

2. Fresh vs. Dried Herbs – Dried herbs are more concentrated, so use half as much as fresh.

3. Cheese Choices – Sharp cheddar gives bold flavor, mozzarella melts beautifully, Gruyère adds sophistication. Mix them for a gourmet loaf.

4. Check Early – Every oven is different, so check the bread at 35 minutes.

5. Buttermilk Bonus – If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice into 1 cup milk and let sit 5 minutes.

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Variations

This recipe is incredibly flexible. Try these fun twists:

• Cheddar & Jalapeño Bread – Add chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.

• Garlic Parmesan Bread – Swap herbs for 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning and use Parmesan cheese.

• Bacon & Cheese Bread – Fold in ½ cup cooked crumbled bacon for extra indulgence.

• Mediterranean Bread – Add chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese.

• Breakfast Bread – Mix in diced ham, scallions, and Swiss cheese.

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Serving Ideas

• With Soups & Stews – Perfect for dunking into tomato soup, chili, or beef stew.

• As a Side Dish – Pair with roast chicken, grilled fish, or pasta dishes.

• For Breakfast – Toast slices and spread with cream cheese, butter, or avocado.

• Snack Time – Serve warm with a drizzle of olive oil or garlic butter.

• Holiday Meals – A show-stopper alongside turkey, ham, or festive spreads.

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Storage & Freezing

• Room Temperature: Wrap cooled bread in foil or plastic wrap; lasts 2–3 days.

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

• Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic and foil. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in fridge, then warm in oven before serving.

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Troubleshooting

• Bread too dense? Likely overmixed. Stir gently next time.

• Dry bread? Measure flour carefully and don’t overbake.

• Not rising enough? Make sure your baking powder and soda are fresh.

• Cheese sinking? Toss shredded cheese in a teaspoon of flour before adding.

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Why Quick Bread is Special

Quick breads have a long history of being “busy cook’s bread.” Unlike yeast breads that need hours to develop, quick breads became popular in the 19th century when baking soda and baking powder became common. They allow bakers to whip up delicious, homemade loaves in a fraction of the time.

This Cheesy Herb Quick Bread carries on that tradition—fast, reliable, and absolutely delicious.

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Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about pulling a golden, fragrant loaf of Cheesy Herb Quick Bread from the oven. It’s the kind of bread that feels homemade and heartfelt, even though it takes less than an hour to make. Every slice bursts with savory cheese, aromatic herbs, and tender crumb, making it the perfect companion for any meal.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying bread-making for the first time, this recipe is one you’ll return to again and again. It’s flexible, satisfying, and above all, unbelievably delicious.

Serve it warm, share it with loved ones, or keep it all for yourself—it’s that good.