There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked Herb & Cheese Quick Bread filling your kitchen—it’s a savory quick bread that’s as easy to make as it is satisfying to eat! With every bite, you get the melty richness of cheddar, the vibrant notes of fresh herbs, and a beautifully golden crust that’s impossibly tempting. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started, this recipe promises delicious results without any fuss. It’s truly a crowd-pleasing favorite that works as a snack, side, or even the star of your weekend brunch.

Herb & Cheese Quick Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Herb & Cheese Quick Bread is its simplicity. Each ingredient pulls its weight, bringing either texture, flavor, or that gorgeous golden crumb, so try not to skip a single one!

All-purpose flour: Provides the essential structure for the bread and gives it a soft, tender bite.
Sugar: Just a touch to balance the savory flavors and help with browning.
Baking powder: Gives the loaf its lift, making it light and fluffy without yeast.
Salt: Enhances every flavor, from the cheese to the herbs.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Offers gooey pockets of flavor and a beautiful golden top.
Chopped fresh parsley: Adds a pop of freshness and a lovely green fleck throughout the bread.
Chopped fresh thyme: Brings a subtle earthy, lemony note that pairs beautifully with cheese.
Chopped fresh rosemary: Delivers aromatic, woodsy depth for a truly irresistible scent and flavor.
Whole milk: Ensures the bread is moist and rich—don’t substitute with water!
Unsalted butter, melted: Makes every bite tender and adds a hint of buttery decadence.
Large eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to a soft, cohesive crumb.

How to Make Herb & Cheese Quick Bread

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly—this ensures your Herb & Cheese Quick Bread pops right out when it’s done and gives you those gorgeous, clean slices for serving.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This quick mix guarantees your bread will rise evenly and gives you that classic quick bread texture everyone loves.

Step 3: Add Cheese and Fresh Herbs

Now for the best part: stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, parsley, thyme, and rosemary. Toss everything until the cheese and herbs are evenly distributed—this way, you get a burst of flavor and color in every single bite.

Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Grab a separate bowl and whisk together the whole milk, cooled melted butter, and eggs until smooth. This mixture is the secret to a rich, moist loaf, so make sure everything is well combined for the best Herb & Cheese Quick Bread texture.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour your wet mixture over the dry ingredients and gently stir with a spatula or wooden spoon. You want to mix just until everything is combined—over-mixing is the enemy of tender quick bread! A few lumps at this stage are absolutely okay.

Step 6: Pour and Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly to ensure a smooth top. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. The top should be golden, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 7: Cool the Bread

Let the loaf cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully remove it and transfer to a wire rack—this helps prevent a soggy bottom. Let it cool completely before slicing so you get beautiful, clean pieces of Herb & Cheese Quick Bread.

How to Serve Herb & Cheese Quick Bread

Garnishes

Herb & Cheese Quick Bread is stunning on its own, but a little garnish makes it extra inviting! Try sprinkling a handful of extra chopped fresh herbs or a dusting of grated cheese on top before serving for vibrant color and aroma. You can also brush the crust with a bit of melted butter and a pinch of flaky sea salt for that bakery-style finish.

Side Dishes

This bread is endlessly versatile—use it to soak up hearty soups and stews, or serve alongside a crisp green salad for a delicious lunch. It’s fantastic with eggs for brunch, alongside roasted veggies, or paired with a bowl of tomato soup for the ultimate comfort meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice your Herb & Cheese Quick Bread thickly and toast it for sandwiches or crostini. Try cutting the loaf into cubes for savory bread puddings or stuffing, or serve mini slices on a cheese board for a show-stopping appetizer. It’s a real crowd-pleaser however you present it!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover Herb & Cheese Quick Bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It stays fresh at room temperature for up to two days, and you can refrigerate it for up to five days if you want it to last a bit longer.

Freezing

Want to make a loaf or two ahead of time? No problem! Let your bread cool completely, then wrap it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will keep its flavor and texture in the freezer for up to three months—just thaw overnight at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

To refresh leftover slices, simply pop them in a toaster or oven at 325°F (165°C) for 5-10 minutes. This brings back the bread’s irresistible aroma and warmth. If you like, brush the top with a bit of butter just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Absolutely! If you don’t have fresh parsley, thyme, or rosemary on hand, substitute with one-third the amount of dried herbs. The flavors will be a bit more concentrated, so you may want to use a light hand.

What kind of cheese works best besides cheddar?

Cheddar gives a classic flavor, but this Herb & Cheese Quick Bread welcomes all kinds of melting cheeses like Gruyère, pepper jack, Swiss, or a combination for extra richness and a unique twist.

How do I know when the bread is done baking?

The easiest way is to insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the loaf—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. A golden brown top also means your bread is perfectly baked.

Can I make Herb & Cheese Quick Bread gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free all-purpose flour for the regular flour, and make sure your baking powder is gluten-free as well. The texture will be slightly different, but just as delicious.

Can I add other ingredients to the dough?

Definitely! This recipe is a wonderful base—feel free to mix in cooked bacon, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, or even a handful of toasted nuts for added flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a reliable, downright delicious bread that’s quick, full of flavor, and universally loved, this Herb & Cheese Quick Bread is the one to try. I have a feeling it’ll find a permanent spot in your baking rotation—don’t be surprised if everyone asks for the recipe!