Herb & Cheese Quick Bread Delight

This herb & cheese quick bread has revolutionized my weeknight dinner routine, offering a bakery-quality loaf without the fuss of yeast or kneading. The savory combination of fresh herbs and melted cheese creates an irresistible aroma that fills the kitchen and makes everyone gather around the table faster than usual.

I discovered this recipe during a particularly hectic holiday season when I needed something impressive but effortless for unexpected guests. The look of delight on their faces when they bit into the warm, herb-infused slices convinced me this would become a permanent fixture in my cooking repertoire.

Ingredients

• All purpose flour: forms the foundation of our quick bread providing the perfect structure and tender crumb
• Sugar: balances the savory elements with just a touch of sweetness
• Baking powder: gives this bread its lift without needing yeast or proofing time
• Salt: enhances all the flavors especially bringing out the herbs
• Shredded cheddar cheese: creates pockets of melty goodness throughout each slice look for a sharp variety for more pronounced flavor
• Fresh parsley: adds a bright grassy note that lightens the richness
• Fresh thyme: contributes an earthy aromatic quality that pairs beautifully with the cheese
• Fresh rosemary: delivers piney fragrance and distinctive flavor use sparingly as it can be potent
• Whole milk: provides richness and moisture crucial for the tender texture
• Unsalted butter: adds richness and helps create the golden crust
• Large eggs: bind everything together while adding structure and richness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Oven and Pan:

Preheat your oven to 350°F ensuring it reaches full temperature before baking. Thoroughly grease your 9x5 inch loaf pan making sure to get into all corners to prevent sticking. A light dusting of flour after greasing gives extra insurance against sticking.

Combine Dry Ingredients:

Whisk the flour sugar baking powder and salt in a large bowl until evenly distributed. This thorough mixing ensures no one gets a bite with too much baking powder or salt. Use a whisk rather than a spoon for the most even distribution.

Add the Flavor Boosters:

Gently fold in the shredded cheese and chopped herbs distributing them throughout the dry mixture. Tossing the cheese in the flour mixture first helps prevent it from clumping together when the wet ingredients are added. Break apart any cheese clusters with your fingers for even distribution.

Prepare the Wet Mixture:

In a separate bowl whisk together milk melted butter and eggs until completely incorporated. Make sure your melted butter has cooled slightly before adding to prevent cooking the eggs. The mixture should look smooth and uniform with a pale yellow color.

Create Your Batter:

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients using a gentle folding motion with a spatula. Mix just until no dry flour remains visible about 10 to 12 strokes. Overmixing will develop gluten making your bread tough so resist the urge to stir vigorously.

Bake to Golden Perfection:

Transfer the batter to your prepared loaf pan smoothing the top gently with your spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes until the top develops a rich golden crust and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Cool and Serve:

Allow the bread to rest in the pan for 10 minutes which helps it set up and release more easily. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely which prevents the bottom from becoming soggy. Though waiting is difficult the flavor actually improves as it cools.

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The rosemary in this bread brings back memories of my grandmother's garden where I would help her snip fresh herbs for Sunday dinners. She taught me that herbs should be added with restraint, allowing each to shine without overwhelming the others. This bread always reminds me of her wisdom in the kitchen.

Storage Solutions

This quick bread stays fresh at room temperature for up to two days when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week, though the texture becomes slightly more dense. To revive refrigerated bread, toast slices lightly or warm briefly in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes.

For freezing, wrap the completely cooled loaf in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and place in a freezer bag with the air squeezed out. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for several hours before serving. Refreshing frozen bread in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes restores much of its original texture and aroma.

Clever Substitutions

This forgiving recipe welcomes creative variations based on what you have available. Substitute buttermilk for whole milk to add tanginess, just remember to reduce the baking powder to 2 teaspoons and add 1/2 teaspoon baking soda. Any hard cheese works beautifully—try Gruyère for nuttiness, Parmesan for sharpness, or smoked Gouda for depth.

Dried herbs can replace fresh in a pinch, using one teaspoon dried for each tablespoon fresh. For gluten-sensitive guests, a quality cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend works surprisingly well, though the texture will be slightly different. Whole wheat flour can replace up to half the all-purpose for a heartier, more nutritious loaf.

Serving Inspirations

Transform this versatile bread into a complete meal by serving warm slices alongside tomato soup for the ultimate comfort food pairing. For brunch, top toasted slices with poached eggs and a light hollandaise for an elevated eggs Benedict variation. Cut the bread into cubes, toast lightly, and use as flavorful croutons for soups and salads.

For entertaining, slice thinly and toast to create elegant crostini topped with ricotta and honey or olive tapenade. When serving with dinner, wrap the loaf in foil and warm in a low oven just before mealtime to release the aromatic herbs and melt the cheese slightly, creating an irresistible companion to any main course.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can substitute dried herbs for fresh ones. Use half the amount of dried herbs as they are more concentrated in flavor.

→ What other cheeses can I use?

You can try Gruyere, feta, or even a mix of cheeses for a unique flavor twist. Feel free to experiment with your favorites!

→ How can I store the bread?

Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate it for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.

→ Can I make the bread spicier?

Definitely! Add finely chopped jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick to the bread.

→ Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a more rustic texture and flavor.