There’s something magical about easy, homemade breads: the aroma that fills your kitchen, the first warm slice straight from the oven, and that irresistible, golden crust. This Herb & Cheese Quick Bread is truly a marvel—a moist, flavorful loaf brimming with fresh herbs and gooey cheddar, ready to accompany your favorite meals or shine all on its own. It’s the kind of recipe you end up making again and again, not just because it’s so incredibly simple, but because everyone who tastes it immediately wants a second slice!

Herb & Cheese Quick Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of humble, pantry-friendly ingredients (plus a few garden-fresh herbs and some vibrant cheddar), you’ll be amazed at the depth of flavor and satisfying texture you can achieve. Every component has a purpose, from the tender crumb you achieve with milk to the punchy, aromatic notes from the thyme and rosemary.

All-purpose flour: The base of our bread, giving it structure and a classic, soft crumb.
Sugar: Just a tablespoon adds subtle sweetness and promotes a golden brown crust.
Baking powder: Our leavening hero, ensuring your quick bread rises beautifully without yeast.
Salt: Essential for balancing flavors and enhancing the cheesy, herby notes throughout the loaf.
Shredded cheddar cheese: The cheddar melts into savory pockets, adding richness and beautiful color.
Chopped fresh parsley: Brings a bright, fresh flavor and an eye-catching pop of green to every slice.
Chopped fresh thyme: Adds delicate herbal notes that pair wonderfully with cheese.
Chopped fresh rosemary: Infuses the bread with a woody, aromatic fragrance that feels so homey.
Whole milk: Provides moisture and richness for a tender crumb every time.
Unsalted butter, melted: Lends a luxurious mouthfeel and that unmistakable homemade flavor.
Large eggs: Bind everything together while adding fluffiness and structure to the loaf.

How to Make Herb & Cheese Quick Bread

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Oven

Start by greasing a 9×5 inch loaf pan, ensuring every corner is coated so your Herb & Cheese Quick Bread slips out effortlessly later. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)—getting this step out of the way keeps everything smooth and stress-free.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Grab a large bowl and whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This evenly distributes your leaveners and flavorings, which is your secret weapon for a perfect, consistent loaf.

Step 3: Add Cheese and Herbs

To your dry mix, stir in the shredded cheddar, parsley, thyme, and rosemary. Tossing the cheese and herbs with the flour mixture helps them suspend beautifully throughout your bread, so every bite is infused with color and flavor.

Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a second bowl, whisk together the whole milk, melted butter, and eggs. Whisk until everything looks smooth and unified. This step is key for moist, melt-in-your-mouth slices!

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Pour the wet ingredients into your dry mixture. Stir gently and patiently—just until you see no more pockets of flour. Being careful not to overmix guarantees that your Herb & Cheese Quick Bread comes out light, rather than dense or tough.

Step 6: Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top. Slide it into the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. You’re watching for a beautifully browned top and a toothpick that comes out clean when inserted into the center.

Step 7: Cool and Unmold

Let your bread rest in the pan for about 10 minutes—this helps set the structure and makes it easier to remove. Then, gently transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely (if you can resist!). The aroma alone is enough to have everyone circling the kitchen.

How to Serve Herb & Cheese Quick Bread

Garnishes

A little flourish goes a long way! Try a sprinkle of extra fresh herbs or a few shavings of cheddar on top of your warm slices. A tiny drizzle of melted butter right before serving will make the flavors pop and catch the eye.

Side Dishes

Herb & Cheese Quick Bread pairs perfectly with so many dishes. Serve it with hearty soups, fresh salads, or alongside a vibrant frittata for brunch. It makes a wonderful stand-in for dinner rolls during any celebratory meal, or with a simple smear of butter for an everyday treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider slicing your Herb & Cheese Quick Bread and turning them into crostini—toast under the broiler, then top with smoked salmon or your favorite spread! For parties, cut into cubes and offer on a charcuterie board. This loaf also makes a showstopping edible gift; just wrap in parchment, tie with twine, and add a sprig of fresh rosemary for a charming homemade touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or slip them into an airtight container. Kept at room temperature, your bread stays moist and flavorful for up to two days. If you want to extend its life longer, pop it in the fridge and enjoy within a week.

Freezing

Herb & Cheese Quick Bread is freezer-friendly! For best results, slice the loaf first and wrap individual pieces in parchment, then store in a freezer bag or container. This way, you can grab as many slices as you need for quick lunches or breakfasts on the go—just thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the oven.

Reheating

To refresh your Herb & Cheese Quick Bread, heat slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at a low temperature (about 300°F) for a few minutes until warmed through and just a bit crispy on the edges. This returns that just-baked aroma and revives the delicate crumb beautifully.

FAQs

Can I substitute the cheese or herbs?

Absolutely! Feel free to use other cheeses like Gruyère, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a twist, and swap or combine different fresh herbs based on what you have or like best—the bread is very forgiving and endlessly customizable.

Do I need to use fresh herbs, or can I use dried?

Fresh herbs deliver the most vibrant flavor and aroma, but if you only have dried, use about a third of the amount specified. The result will still be delicious, just a touch earthier and perhaps a little less green in color.

My bread turned out dense. What went wrong?

Overmixing is often the culprit. Once you combine wet and dry ingredients, stir just until the flour is incorporated—overmixing develops gluten and can make the loaf tough or dense. Also, be sure your baking powder is fresh!

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

Yes, simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. You might need to check for doneness a few minutes earlier or later, but the loaf should still rise and bake beautifully.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

Look for a golden brown top and test with a toothpick inserted in the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the bread is done. Avoid overbaking so your Herb & Cheese Quick Bread stays moist!

Final Thoughts

You’ll be amazed at how this simple Herb & Cheese Quick Bread recipe delivers such crave-worthy slices with so little effort. Whether you serve it alongside a cozy soup or sneak a nibble straight from the cooling rack, it’s sure to become a new staple in your kitchen. Don’t be surprised when family and friends ask for the recipe—so go ahead, bake a loaf soon, and enjoy every herb-flecked, cheesy bite!