The aroma of freshly baked Herb & Cheese Quick Bread wafts through the air, teasing your senses with its warm, cheesy allure. Picture a golden-brown crust giving way to a soft, fluffy interior that bursts with savory herbs and melted cheese. chicken ranch stromboli herb butter chicken recipe It’s the kind of bread that makes you want to dive in face-first, and trust me, no one would judge you for it. red velvet banana bread. For more inspiration, check out this Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe recipe.
This delightful quick bread is perfect for cozy family dinners or casual gatherings with friends. I recall the first time I made it; my friends couldn’t stop raving about it as they slathered it in butter. Italian lemon spread The anticipation of a warm slice straight from the oven paired with a hearty soup or a fresh salad is simply unbeatable.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Herb & Cheese Quick Bread is simple to prepare, perfect even for novice bakers
- Its rich flavor profile combines cheese and herbs superbly, creating a mouthwatering experience
- The inviting aroma fills your kitchen and makes it visually appealing on any dinner table
- Enjoy it as a side dish or snack—its versatility knows no bounds
I remember one rainy Sunday when my family gathered around the table; this bread was the star of our meal, leaving everyone smiling and satisfied.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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All-Purpose Flour: The foundation for this bread; choose unbleached flour for better flavor and texture.
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Baking Powder: Ensure it’s fresh for that perfect rise; check the expiration date before using.
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Salt: Enhances all flavors; consider sea salt for a more robust taste.
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Herbs (Dried): Use your favorites like thyme or oregano; they infuse great flavor throughout the bread.
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Shredded Cheese: Cheddar works wonders here; opt for sharp cheddar for an extra kick.
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Milk: Any milk will do; use whole milk for creaminess or low-fat if you’re feeling healthy.
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Eggs: Adds richness and helps bind everything together; use room temperature eggs for better mixing.
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Butter: Melted and brushed on top adds a delightful golden finish; don’t skip this step!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a loaf pan with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking. You want it nice and ready before starting.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and dried herbs until well combined. This creates the base of your flavorful quick bread.
Add Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix milk and eggs until smooth before gradually adding melted butter. Incorporate these wet ingredients into dry ones until just combined—don’t overmix!
Incorporate Cheese: Gently fold in shredded cheese into the batter until evenly distributed. The cheese should be visible throughout like little pockets of joy waiting to melt in your mouth.
Transfer & Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top gently. Bake in preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
Cool & Serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm with butter or enjoy plain—either way is heavenly!
You Must Know
- This Herb & Cheese Quick Bread is a game-changer for busy cooks
- With its delightful aroma and fluffy texture, it elevates any meal
- You’ll love how easy it is to make, yet impressive enough to wow your guests
- Perfect for pairing with soups or enjoying on its own!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven while you mix the dry ingredients. Then, combine the wet ingredients and fold them in gently, ensuring you don’t overwork the dough for a light and fluffy bread.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out herbs based on your mood. For extra flavor, consider adding sun-dried tomatoes or olives to give your quick bread a Mediterranean twist!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To reheat, pop slices in the toaster or warm them in the oven for that fresh-baked taste.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve a golden crust, brush the top with melted butter before baking
- Make sure not to overmix; a few lumps are totally okay!
- Adding cheese?
- Opt for sharp varieties for a flavor boost
Sometimes, I’ve had friends rave about this Herb & Cheese Quick Bread at gatherings and then ask if I bought it from a bakery! For more inspiration, check out this Shrimp and Broccoli Pasta recipe.
FAQ
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, but you might need to adjust liquid slightly for texture.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking.
What herbs work best in this quick bread?
Fresh rosemary, thyme, or chives add wonderful flavors and aromas.
Herb & Cheese Quick Bread
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves approximately 10 slices 1x
Description
Herb & Cheese Quick Bread is a warm, inviting addition to any meal, bursting with savory flavors that are sure to impress. This fluffy bread features a golden-brown crust and a rich interior filled with melted cheese and aromatic herbs. Perfect for family dinners, this quick bread pairs beautifully with soups or can be enjoyed on its own. Easy to make, it’s a delightful treat that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or your favorite herb)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 4 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and dried herbs.
- In another bowl, mix milk and eggs until smooth; gradually add melted butter.
- Combine wet ingredients with dry ingredients; mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in shredded cheese until evenly distributed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow to cool for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (70g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: For added flavor, try using fresh herbs like rosemary or chives. Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes or olives for a Mediterranean twist. To achieve a crispy crust, brush the top with extra melted butter before baking.
