Herb & Cheese Quick Bread

Imagine biting into a warm, savory loaf, the aroma of fresh herbs and melted cheese swirling around you like a comforting hug. This Herb & Cheese Quick Bread is not just food; it’s an experience, a symphony of flavors that will dance on your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

This delightful bread is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy night in, a potluck with friends, or a sophisticated brunch. Its simplicity and incredible taste will make it an instant favorite, creating memories with every slice.

• Effortlessly simple, ready in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
• A harmonious blend of fragrant herbs and savory cheese delivers an explosion of flavor in every bite.
• The golden crust and vibrant green herbs create a stunning visual appeal that enhances any table.
• Enjoy it as a side dish, appetizer, or even as a base for sandwiches; this quick bread adapts to all your culinary needs.

Ingredients for Herb & Cheese Quick Bread

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

All-Purpose Flour Provides the structure for the bread. Use unbleached for a slightly nutty flavor.

Baking Powder The leavening agent that makes the bread rise. Ensure it’s fresh for the best results.

Salt Enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients. A fine sea salt works wonderfully.

Sugar Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory elements. Granulated sugar is perfect.

Eggs Bind the ingredients together and add richness. Use large eggs for consistent results.

Milk Adds moisture and helps create a soft crumb. Whole milk will give the bread a richer flavor, but lower fat options work too.

Olive Oil Adds moisture and a subtle fruity flavor. Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for the best taste.

Fresh Rosemary Provides a fragrant, piney flavor. Chop finely for even distribution.

Fresh Thyme Adds an earthy, slightly lemony flavor. Remove the leaves from the stems before chopping.

Cheddar Cheese Offers a sharp, savory flavor that complements the herbs. Use a sharp cheddar for the most flavor impact.

Parmesan Cheese Adds a salty, nutty flavor and a slightly firm texture. Freshly grated Parmesan is ideal.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Herb & Cheese Quick Bread

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan to prevent sticking. You can also line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Make sure everything is evenly distributed to ensure proper leavening.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and olive oil until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and slightly frothy.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can result in a tough bread.

Step 5: Add Herbs and Cheese

Gently fold in the chopped fresh rosemary, fresh thyme, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 6: Bake the Bread

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the loaf with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve warm, or at room temperature.

This Herb & Cheese Quick Bread is fantastic on its own, or served alongside a hearty soup or salad. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve the best results with this quick bread, combine the dry ingredients thoroughly before adding the wet. Don’t overmix! A few streaks of flour are fine. This prevents a tough bread. Bake until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to experiment with different cheese and herb combinations! Sun-dried tomatoes or olives would also be fantastic additions. For a sweeter version, consider adding a touch of honey or maple syrup. Adjust seasonings to your personal taste preferences.

Storing & Reheating

Store your herb & cheese quick bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To reheat, simply slice and toast or warm in the oven at a low temperature. You can also freeze the loaf for longer storage.

Here are a few tips for the perfect loaf:

• Ensure your baking powder is fresh! This is critical for a good rise and fluffy texture in your herb & cheese quick bread.

• Don’t overmix the batter. Overmixing develops gluten, leading to a dense, less tender loaf. Mix until just combined.

• Let the quick bread cool completely before slicing. This prevents it from crumbling and allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

(Personal anecdote formated as paragraph subheading)

I remember the first time I made this bread for a picnic. It was devoured in minutes, and everyone wanted the recipe! Now, it’s a staple at all our outdoor gatherings.

The Alluring Aroma of Homemade Bread

There’s something undeniably comforting about the smell of bread baking in the oven. It fills the house with warmth and anticipation, promising a delicious treat to come. And while some bread recipes require hours of kneading and proofing, this herb & cheese quick bread is a game-changer. It delivers that same delightful aroma and satisfying taste without all the fuss. Forget spending your entire afternoon chained to the kitchen counter; this recipe is all about speed and simplicity.

Why Quick Bread is the Answer to Your Baking Prayers

Let’s be honest, sometimes the thought of baking bread feels like climbing Mount Everest in flip-flops. The kneading, the proving, the endless waiting – it can be a real commitment. That’s where quick bread swoops in to save the day. Unlike its yeasted counterparts, quick bread relies on baking powder or baking soda for its rise, meaning you can skip the whole fermentation process and get straight to the good stuff. This herb & cheese quick bread is a perfect example. It’s ready from start to finish in under an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous weekend brunches.

The Magic of Herbs and Cheese

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. While the basic recipe is delicious on its own, it’s also a fantastic canvas for your culinary creativity. The combination of fresh herbs and savory cheese adds a burst of flavor that elevates this simple bread to something truly special. Imagine biting into a slice of warm, fragrant bread, studded with fragrant rosemary, thyme, and sharp cheddar cheese. It’s a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and cheeses to create your own signature blend.

Choosing Your Herbs: A Gardener’s Delight

When it comes to herbs, fresh is always best. The vibrant flavors of freshly picked herbs will make a world of difference in your quick bread. Rosemary, thyme, chives, and parsley are all excellent choices. If you’re lucky enough to have your own herb garden, you’re in for a treat. Simply snip a handful of your favorite herbs, give them a good wash, and chop them finely before adding them to the batter. If fresh herbs aren’t available, dried herbs will work in a pinch. Just remember to use about half the amount of dried herbs as you would fresh herbs, as their flavor is more concentrated.

Selecting Your Cheese: A Cheesy Adventure

The cheese you choose will also have a significant impact on the flavor of your quick bread. Cheddar, Gruyere, Parmesan, and Monterey Jack are all great options. For a bolder flavor, try using a sharp cheddar or a tangy Gruyere. If you prefer a milder flavor, Monterey Jack is a good choice. You can also use a combination of cheeses for a more complex flavor profile. Just make sure to shred the cheese before adding it to the batter, so it distributes evenly throughout the bread. A good tip: pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose and might not melt as well.

Ingredients: The Building Blocks of Deliciousness

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need. Don’t worry, the list is short and sweet, and you probably already have most of these items in your pantry.

• All-purpose flour: This forms the base of our quick bread.

• Baking powder: This is what gives our quick bread its rise.

• Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.

• Sugar: A touch of sugar adds a hint of sweetness.

• Eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients together and add richness.

• Milk: Milk adds moisture and helps create a smooth batter.

• Vegetable oil: Oil adds moisture and tenderness.

• Fresh herbs: Rosemary, thyme, chives, and parsley are all excellent choices.

• Shredded cheese: Cheddar, Gruyere, Parmesan, and Monterey Jack are all great options.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Baking Made Easy

Now that we’ve covered the ingredients, let’s get to the fun part: baking! This recipe is incredibly simple and straightforward, even for novice bakers. Just follow these step-by-step instructions, and you’ll have a delicious loaf of herb & cheese quick bread in no time.

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vegetable oil.

4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!

5. Gently fold in the fresh herbs and shredded cheese.

6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.

7. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

9. Slice and serve. Enjoy!

Troubleshooting Tips: Baking Blunders Be Gone!

Even with the simplest recipes, things can sometimes go awry. Here are a few common problems and how to fix them:

• My quick bread is too dense: This is usually caused by overmixing the batter. Remember to mix until just combined.
• My quick bread is too dry: This could be due to overbaking. Check the bread for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time.
• My quick bread didn’t rise: Make sure your baking powder is fresh. Old baking powder loses its potency.
• My quick bread is browning too quickly: Tent the loaf pan with aluminum foil to prevent the top from burning.

Serving Suggestions: From Breakfast to Dinner

This herb & cheese quick bread is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• For breakfast: Toast a slice and spread it with butter or cream cheese.
• For lunch: Make a sandwich with your favorite fillings.
• For dinner: Serve it as a side dish with soup, salad, or grilled chicken, beef, lamb, or turkey.
• As an appetizer: Slice it into small pieces and serve it with dips or spreads.

It’s the perfect partner for your morning coffee, a welcome addition to a lunchbox, or a sophisticated side for a cozy dinner. Seriously, try it with a bowl of tomato soup on a chilly evening – pure comfort food heaven!

Beyond the Slice: Creative Culinary Applications

Don’t limit yourself to just slicing and serving! Get creative with your herb & cheese quick bread. Cut it into cubes and use it to make croutons for your favorite salad. Use it as a base for mini pizzas. Or, crumble it up and use it as a topping for baked pasta dishes. The possibilities are endless!

Herb & Cheese Quick Bread: A Recipe for Every Occasion

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a complete novice, this herb & cheese quick bread recipe is a winner. It’s easy to make, delicious, and incredibly versatile. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a loaf of homemade goodness. Your taste buds (and your family and friends) will thank you!

Share Your Creations!

I’d love to see your herb & cheese quick bread creations! Share your photos on social media and tag me. Happy baking!

Conclusion for Herb & Cheese Quick Bread

This Herb & Cheese Quick Bread is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to make, customizable to your tastes, and perfect for any occasion, from casual brunches to sophisticated dinner parties. With its aromatic herbs and gooey, melted cheese, it’s a simple yet satisfying treat that will warm your heart and fill your stomach. So go ahead, bake up a loaf, and enjoy the simple pleasures of homemade goodness. Don’t be surprised if it disappears in minutes!

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FAQs

Can I substitute the herbs in this Herb & Cheese Quick Bread recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to get creative. If you’re not a fan of rosemary, try thyme or oregano. Or, if you want a bit of a kick, add some finely chopped chives. The beauty of this herb and cheese bread is that it’s super adaptable to your own preferences. Just make sure the total amount of herbs stays roughly the same to maintain the balance of flavors. This quick bread is all about making it your own, so experiment and have fun with it!

What kind of cheese works best in this cheese bread?

I find that a sharp cheddar or a Gruyère works wonders, but honestly, whatever cheese you have on hand will likely be delicious. Monterey Jack is fantastic for a milder flavor. If you are looking for something a little more unique, you can try adding feta for a tangier flavour. Pre-shredded cheese is fine, but freshly grated cheese will melt more evenly and provide a better texture for your quick bread. Don’t be shy about mixing different kinds of cheeses for an even more complex flavor profile!

How do I keep my Herb & Cheese Quick Bread moist?

The key to a moist quick bread is to avoid overbaking it. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it, it’s ready. Overbaking will dry it out. Once cooled, store it in an airtight container, or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. You can even freeze it for longer storage! Just be sure to thaw it completely before enjoying. A little pat of butter never hurts either to enjoy this herb and cheese bread!

Can I make this Quick Bread ahead of time?

Definitely! In fact, the flavors of the herbs and cheese often meld together even more beautifully if you make it a day in advance. Just let it cool completely, wrap it well, and store it at room temperature. If you want to get a head start, you can also mix the dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately and store them until you’re ready to bake. Just remember to combine them gently when you’re ready to bake to avoid overmixing. This makes it a perfect option when you are short on time.