Herb & Cheese Quick Bread is your new go-to for a flavorful, fluffy, and foolproof loaf ready in under an hour with no yeast or kneading required. Hi, I’m Jack recipe developer, food enthusiast, and the heart behind Cooks Foody. This recipe captures everything I love about home baking: it’s aromatic, rustic, and comforting with every bite.
Back when I first started cooking, the idea of baking bread felt intimidating especially the waiting, the rising, the fear of it not puffing up. So I experimented with quick bread formulas until I landed on this savory version loaded with herbs and sharp cheddar. It’s now a fan favorite in my kitchen and beyond.
In this post, you’ll learn:
- Why this cheesy quick bread works so well
- Tips for choosing and prepping ingredients
- A beginner-friendly step-by-step baking guide
- Custom flavor twists and FAQs to elevate your loaf
Why This Herb & Cheese Quick Bread Recipe Works
- ✅ Uses pantry staples and everyday dairy & herbs
- ⏱️ No yeast or kneading means ready in under an hour
- 🧀 Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy dinner side
- 🌟 Soft inside, golden crust outside
- 🫖 Customizable with your favorite herbs and cheeses
Choosing the Right Ingredients for Herb & Cheese Quick Bread
Best Cuts for This Recipe (A Twist for Bread Lovers)
While this isn’t a meat dish, selecting the best dairy and herbs is still crucial:
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and adds savory depth.
- Herbs: Fresh rosemary, thyme, and parsley offer a woodsy, aromatic profile.
Buying Tips
- Use block cheese and shred it yourself for better texture.
- Look for fresh herbs with no dark spots and crisp leaves.
Substitutions
- Cheese: Swap cheddar for Swiss, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère.
- Herbs: Basil, chives, or dill can be added or swapped.
- Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter and cheese alternatives.
Ingredients & Prep for Herb & Cheese Quick Bread

Baking Prep Essentials
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a standard loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
- Shred the cheese and finely chop all herbs.
Flavor Beams (Savory, Creamy, Herby)
Flavor Breakdown:
- Creamy: Whole milk, butter, cheddar
- Savory: Salt, cheese, baking powder
- Herby: Fresh parsley, rosemary, thyme
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp parsley, 1 tbsp rosemary, 1 tbsp thyme (all chopped)
Pantry Staples
- Salt
- Sugar
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
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I’d love to see your twist on it feel free to post your photos on Pinterest and tag me!
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Herb & Cheese Quick Bread

Pre-Cooking Prep for Herb & Cheese Quick Bread
- Preheat your oven and prep the loaf pan.
- Shred cheese and chop fresh herbs.
- Melt butter and allow it to cool slightly.
Cooking Method for Herb & Cheese Quick Bread
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
- Stir in shredded cheese and herbs.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then add milk and melted butter.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients. Mix until just combined don’t overmix.
- Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
Doneness Check for Herb & Cheese Quick Bread
- Insert a toothpick into the center it should come out clean.
- The top should be golden brown and slightly cracked.
Resting for Herb & Cheese Quick Bread
- Let bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool for at least another 10 minutes before slicing.
Pro Tips for Perfect Herb & Cheese Quick Bread
Avoiding Tough/Dense Loaf
- Do not overmix the batter it leads to a rubbery texture.
- Measure flour correctly using the spoon-and-level method.
Tool Recommendations
- Silicone spatula for mixing
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Cooling rack for airflow
Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Wrap tightly and store at room temp for 2 days or refrigerate up to 5.
- Freezing: Slice and freeze with parchment between slices.
- Reheating: Toast slices in a skillet or toaster oven for fresh flavor.
Flavor Variations for Herb & Cheese Quick Brea
Spicy Twist
- Add ¼ tsp cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the batter.
Keto/Paleo
- Use almond flour and omit sugar for a low-carb version (texture will differ).
Global Flavors
Style | Ingredient Swaps |
---|---|
Italian | Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes + parmesan |
French | Use Gruyère and herbes de Provence |
Mexican | Add chili powder, cilantro, and pepper jack |
Serving Suggestions for Herb & Cheese Quick Bread
- With Meals: Serve alongside soups, stews, or eggs.
- As a Snack: Toasted with butter or cream cheese.
- Drink Pairings:
- Wine: Chardonnay or a light Pinot Noir
- Beer: Belgian ale or pale lager
- Non-alcoholic: Herbal tea or lemon-infused sparkling water
FAQs for Herb & Cheese Quick Bread
Can I use dried herbs?
Yes, use 1 tsp dried for every 1 tbsp fresh.
Can I make muffins with this batter?
Yes! Divide into muffin tins and bake for 18–22 minutes.
Is it okay to add cooked bacon or ham?
Absolutely! Fold in 1/3 cup finely chopped cooked meat.
Conclusion
Craving something warm, cheesy, and herby? Herb & Cheese Quick Bread is the cozy solution you didn’t know you needed.
Print
Herb & Cheese Quick Bread Easy, Savory, and Ready Fast 2025
- Total Time: 65 Minutes
Ingredients
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Stir in the cheddar cheese, parsley, thyme, and rosemary until evenly distributed.
In another bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, and eggs until well blended.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Be careful not to overmix the batter to ensure a tender texture.
- You can experiment with different herbs or cheeses for variation in flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 Minutes