Herb & Cheese Quick Bread
A Savory, Aromatic, Foolproof Homemade Loaf
There’s something magical about the smell of freshly baked bread drifting through your kitchen. While traditional yeast breads require time, patience, and careful proofing, quick breads offer a wonderfully simple alternative. Herb & Cheese Quick Bread is savory, moist, fragrant, and deeply satisfying—perfect alongside soups, salads, roasted meats, or enjoyed warm with a pat of butter.
This recipe requires no yeast and no rise time. Instead, baking powder provides lift, while fresh herbs and cheese bring bold flavor and a tender crumb. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this guide will walk you step-by-step through creating a bakery-worthy loaf at home.
Why You’ll Love This Bread
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No yeast required
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No kneading or rising
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Ready in about one hour
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Customizable with your favorite herbs and cheeses
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Perfect for beginners
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 tablespoon baking powder
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½ teaspoon baking soda
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
Fresh Flavor Boost
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1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
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1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
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1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
(If using dried herbs, reduce quantities by half.)
Wet Ingredients
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2 large eggs
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1 cup whole milk (or buttermilk for tang)
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⅓ cup olive oil or melted unsalted butter
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1 tablespoon honey (optional, balances savory notes)
Equipment Needed
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9x5-inch loaf pan
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Mixing bowls (large and medium)
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Whisk
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Rubber spatula
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Cooling rack
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your loaf pan lightly with butter or nonstick spray. For easy removal, line with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang on the sides.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together:
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Flour
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Baking powder
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Baking soda
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Salt
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Black pepper
Whisking evenly distributes the leavening agents, ensuring consistent rise and texture throughout the loaf.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Herbs
Fold in:
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Cheddar
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Parmesan
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Fresh herbs
Coating the cheese in flour prevents it from sinking to the bottom during baking. This helps create an even distribution of cheesy goodness throughout the bread.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together:
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Eggs
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Milk
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Olive oil (or melted butter)
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Honey (if using)
Whisk until fully combined but not frothy.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold until just combined.
Important:
Do not overmix. Overmixing develops gluten and makes the bread dense. A few small streaks of flour are fine.
The batter should be thick but spoonable.
Step 6: Transfer and Smooth
Spoon batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. For visual appeal, sprinkle extra cheese and a pinch of herbs over the surface.
Step 7: Bake
Place in the center rack and bake for 45–55 minutes.
The bread is done when:
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The top is golden brown
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A toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean
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The loaf sounds hollow when tapped
If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil during the last 15 minutes.
Step 8: Cool Properly
Allow bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer to a cooling rack. Let cool at least 20 more minutes before slicing.
Cooling helps the crumb set and prevents crumbling.
Texture & Flavor Profile
This bread is:
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Tender yet sturdy
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Moist without being dense
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Rich with cheese
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Fragrant with herbs
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Slightly crisp on the edges
The cheddar provides sharpness, Parmesan adds depth, and the herbs bring freshness that lifts the entire loaf.
Flavor Variations
One of the best parts about Herb & Cheese Quick Bread is how adaptable it is.
Mediterranean Style
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Replace cheddar with feta
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Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes
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Include oregano and basil
Spicy Jalapeño Version
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Add 1 diced jalapeño
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Substitute pepper jack cheese
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Add a pinch of cayenne
Garlic Lover’s Bread
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Add 2 cloves minced garlic
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Use garlic powder in dry mix
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Brush top with garlic butter after baking
Italian Inspired
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Add diced olives
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Use mozzarella and Parmesan
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Add Italian seasoning blend
Make It Healthier
If you’d like a more wholesome version:
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Substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour
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Use Greek yogurt instead of some oil
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Reduce cheese slightly
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Add grated zucchini (squeeze moisture first)
Serving Ideas
Herb & Cheese Quick Bread is incredibly versatile.
Serve With:
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Tomato soup
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Creamy potato soup
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Chili
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Roasted chicken
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Garden salad
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Scrambled eggs
For Entertaining:
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Slice and toast lightly
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Serve with whipped herb butter
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Pair with charcuterie board
For Breakfast:
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Toast slices
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Top with avocado and poached egg
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Drizzle with hot honey
Storage Instructions
Room Temperature:
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Store wrapped tightly for 2–3 days
Refrigerator:
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Up to 5 days
Freezer:
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Slice and freeze individually
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Wrap in plastic and foil
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Store up to 3 months
To reheat, warm in oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes or toast slices individually.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Overmixing the Batter
This leads to tough bread. Mix gently.
2. Using Cold Ingredients
Room temperature eggs and milk blend better.
3. Skipping Proper Measuring
Spoon and level flour for accuracy.
4. Opening Oven Too Early
Sudden temperature drop can cause sinking.
Troubleshooting
Dense Texture?
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Check baking powder freshness
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Avoid overmixing
Dry Bread?
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Reduce baking time slightly
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Add 2 tablespoons sour cream next time
Soggy Bottom?
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Make sure bread cools on rack
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Avoid slicing too soon
Elevating the Presentation
For a bakery-style look:
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Brush top with melted butter immediately after baking
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Sprinkle flaky sea salt
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Garnish with fresh herbs
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Serve on wooden board
Why Quick Bread Works
Quick breads rely on chemical leavening (baking powder/soda) rather than yeast. When wet and dry ingredients combine, a reaction produces carbon dioxide bubbles that expand during baking.
This creates lift without fermentation.
The result:
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Faster
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Easier
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Reliable
Herb Selection Guide
Fresh herbs make a difference.
Best Choices:
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Parsley (mild freshness)
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Thyme (earthy depth)
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Chives (light onion flavor)
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Rosemary (strong, use sparingly)
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Dill (bright and grassy)
Avoid overusing strong herbs; balance is key.
Cheese Selection Guide
Choose cheese that melts well and has flavor.
Top Options:
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Sharp cheddar
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Gruyère
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Monterey Jack
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Parmesan
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Fontina
Avoid overly soft cheeses unless balanced with firmer varieties.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can prepare the dry mix in advance and store it in an airtight container. When ready to bake, simply mix wet ingredients and combine.
This makes it perfect for:
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Busy weeknights
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Holiday gatherings
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Potlucks
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Meal prep
Turning It Into Muffins
Scoop batter into greased muffin tin.
Bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes.
Perfect for grab-and-go servings.
Adding Extra Texture
Consider mixing in:
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Toasted walnuts
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Pumpkin seeds
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Crispy bacon bits
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Caramelized onions
Each addition creates depth and contrast.
Final Thoughts
Herb & Cheese Quick Bread is comfort baking at its best. It’s approachable, forgiving, and endlessly adaptable. With simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can produce a warm, aromatic loaf that tastes like it came from an artisan bakery.
The beauty of this bread lies in its balance:
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Savory but not heavy
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Moist but not dense
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Flavorful but not overwhelming
Whether served alongside dinner, enjoyed as a snack, or presented at a gathering, it brings warmth and satisfaction with every slice.
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