Nora
If you’re in the mood for a savory bake that fills your kitchen with the aroma of melted cheese and fresh herbs, look no further than this Herb & Cheese Quick Bread. With a golden, crusty top and a tender, cheesy center, it’s the perfect side dish or afternoon snack.
This loaf is easy to prepare, requires no yeast or rising time, and is endlessly customizable with your favorite cheese and herb combos. Whether you’re pairing it with soup or serving it for brunch, this recipe delivers serious comfort in every slice.
What Is the Herb & Cheese Quick Bread?
Herb & Cheese Quick Bread is a no-yeast savory loaf that combines shredded cheese and chopped herbs into a soft, dense batter. It bakes up with a crackly, golden top and a moist interior, making it a great alternative to classic dinner rolls or cornbread.
Unlike traditional bread, this version relies on baking powder instead of yeast, meaning there’s no waiting around for dough to rise. It comes together in under 15 minutes and bakes to perfection in under an hour.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No Yeast Needed: Skip the proofing—this bread uses baking powder for rise.
- Customizable: Swap in different cheeses or fresh herbs based on what you have.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Tastes great warm or at room temperature.
- Pairs with Everything: Serve with soups, salads, or on a charcuterie board.
- Visually Appealing: The cracked top and golden flecks of cheese make for a stunning presentation.
Ingredients for Herb & Cheese Quick Bread
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 2 tsp dried herbs)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 large eggs
How To Make the Herb & Cheese Quick Bread
Step 1: Prep Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir in the shredded cheese and chopped herbs until evenly distributed.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk the milk, sour cream, melted butter, and eggs until smooth and well blended.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mix. Stir just until combined—do not overmix, or the bread may turn dense.
Step 5: Bake
Spoon the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
What to Serve with Herb & Cheese Quick Bread
This savory bread shines next to cozy bowls of soup like a hearty Tuscan Bean Soup or Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup. It also pairs well with roasted meats or fresh garden salads. For brunch, add a few slices to a breakfast spread with scrambled eggs, fruit, and crispy bacon.
Top Tips for Perfecting Herb & Cheese Quick Bread
- Don’t overmix the batter—stir just until moistened.
- Use sharp cheddar or a bold cheese for extra flavor.
- Fresh herbs will brighten the flavor, but dried work well too.
- Let it cool slightly before slicing for clean cuts.
- Store leftovers wrapped in foil to retain moisture.
Storage Instructions
Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm slices in the oven at 300°F for 8-10 minutes. You can also freeze the bread tightly wrapped in plastic and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
FAQs
Parsley, rosemary, thyme, and chives are great herbs to add to cheese bread. They enhance the flavor without overpowering the cheese.
The secret is not overmixing the batter and using ingredients like sour cream or yogurt. These keep the texture soft and moist.
Sharp cheeses, fresh herbs, and a touch of garlic or onion powder bring bold flavor. Also, use full-fat dairy and real butter.
Thyme, basil, oregano, and dill pair wonderfully with cheese. Their aromatic oils complement sharp or creamy cheeses well.
Store it tightly wrapped or in an airtight container. Avoid slicing it until ready to serve to lock in moisture.
Sour cream, yogurt, or buttermilk adds moisture. They also tenderize the crumb and give quick breads a richer texture.
Want More Appetizers Ideas?
You might also like the Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs, a fun and flavorful handheld bite. Or try the Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells for a more indulgent baked dish.
Looking for hearty classics? Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole brings creamy, meaty comfort to the table, while Taco Ranch Bites are perfect for game-day snacking. And don’t miss the fun of Deep Dish Pizza Cupcakes for a cheesy twist on a party favorite.
Save and Share This Herb & Cheese Quick Bread
You can pin this recipe for later or print it out for a cozy brunch or dinner party.
If you try this Herb & Cheese Quick Bread, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Share in the comments if you mixed in different cheeses or herbs—did you go for rosemary or thyme?
Your suggestions help others make this recipe their own too.
📌 Save this to your ‘Easy Homemade Breads’ board so it’s ready when you need it.
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Herb & Cheese Quick Bread
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- 9×5 loaf pan
- Oven
- Wire rack
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese preferably sharp
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or 2 tsp dried herbs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir in cheese and herbs.
- In a separate bowl, mix milk, sour cream, melted butter, and eggs until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring just until moistened.
- Transfer to loaf pan, smooth the top, and bake 45–50 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in pan 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack. Slice and serve.