If you are looking for a savory baking project that requires zero kneading and no rise time, this Herb & Cheese Quick Bread is a perfect choice. It yields a fragrant, tender, and deeply cheesy loaf that comes together in under an hour.
Packed with sharp cheddar and fresh herbs, this versatile bread will make your entire kitchen smell incredible. It is the ultimate companion to a warm bowl of soup, a crisp salad, or simply toasted with a little butter for breakfast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No Yeast, No Waiting: Simply mix the wet and dry ingredients, pour into the pan, and bake.
- Highly Versatile: Serve it alongside chili, use it for savory sandwiches, or toast a slice for a quick snack.
- Forgiving to Make: Quick breads are meant to be slightly undermixed. A lumpy batter is exactly what you want!
- Amazing Leftovers: Day-old slices toast up beautifully in a hot skillet with a little butter.
Recipe at a Glance
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Yield |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 Minutes | 45–50 Minutes | 1 hr 5 mins | 1 Loaf (10 slices) |
Ingredients
The Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (For a denser, heartier loaf, you can swap in 1 cup of whole wheat flour)
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded (plus a little extra for the top crust)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped (chop this fine so no one gets a tough bite of rosemary)
The Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk (2% or half-and-half work in a pinch)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly (do not add piping hot butter, or it will cook the eggs)
- 2 large eggs
How to Make Herb & Cheese Quick Bread
- Prep the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Coat the Mix-Ins: Add the shredded cheese and chopped herbs to the flour mixture. Stir well so the cheese and herbs are completely coated in flour. Pro Tip: This prevents the cheese and herbs from sinking to the bottom of the pan while baking.
- Whisk the Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl (or a large liquid measuring cup), whisk together the milk, slightly cooled melted butter, and eggs until cohesive and smooth.
- Combine (But Do Not Overmix): Pour the wet ingredients into the dry flour mixture. Stir gently with a spatula and stop before you think you are done. There should still be visible streaks of flour and the batter will look lumpy. Overmixing will result in a tough, dense loaf.
- Top and Bake: Scrape the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Scatter a handful of extra shredded cheddar over the top for a crispy, golden cheese crust.
- Bake: Bake for 45 to 50 minutes. The top should be deeply golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for exactly 10 minutes before carefully turning it out onto a wire rack. Rushing this step can cause the hot bread to stick or fall apart.
Delicious Flavor Variations
- Make it Spicy: Add a healthy pinch of red pepper flakes to the dry ingredients, or fold in 1 tablespoon of finely diced fresh jalapeños.
- Mediterranean Twist: Swap the cheddar for crumbled feta cheese, and replace the rosemary with fresh dill.
- Savory Depth: Whisk 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard into the wet ingredients for a sharp, savory undertone that pairs beautifully with the cheddar.
Storage & Freezing Instructions
- Room Temperature: Wrap the completely cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap or place it in a large zip-top bag. It will keep on the counter for 2 to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: You can store the bread in the fridge to extend its shelf life, but the cold will cause the texture to stiffen. Simply toast the slices before eating.
- Freezing: This quick bread freezes beautifully. Slice the cooled loaf, wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap, and store them all in a large freezer-safe bag. Pull out individual slices as needed!
