Herb & Cheese Quick Bread – TopLush Recipes

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Herb & Cheese Quick Bread: The Cozy, Savory Loaf That’s Faster Than Takeout 🍞✨

Picture this: It’s a lazy Sunday afternoon. Golden sunlight spills across your kitchen counter, and your oven hums like a contented cat. Suddenly, the air fills with the smell of toasty cheddar, earthy rosemary, and warm bread that makes your stomach growl on cue. That’s the magic of this Herb & Cheese Quick Bread—my go-to recipe when I want to feel like a kitchen wizard without the hassle of yeast or endless kneading.

I’ve baked this loaf for potlucks, last-minute dinner parties, and even as a “sorry your cat hates me” peace offering for neighbors. Every time, it disappears faster than a TikTok food trend. Why? Because it’s crusty on the outside, tender inside, and packed with enough cheesy-herb goodness to make even salad-haters ask for seconds. Best of all? You’re 10 minutes of prep and one bowl away from carb heaven. Let’s get baking!

The Bread That Stole My Heart (And My Grandma’s Cheese Drawer) 💘

This recipe takes me straight back to Grandma’s farmhouse kitchen, where her apron pockets always smelled like thyme and mischief. She’d whip up this bread during haying season, declaring, “Hungry farmers don’t wait for fancy yeast!” Her secret? A handful of shredded cheddar “borrowed” from the cheese block meant for Friday’s macaroni.

One summer, I “helped” by adding dill instead of rosemary—turns out, 8-year-old me accidentally invented the best pickle-adjacent bread ever. Grandma just winked and said, “Cooking’s an adventure, kiddo. Now hide the evidence before Grandpa notices the cheese’s gone.” Twenty years later, I still add a sprig of dill to my loaf… and keep extra cheese on standby.

Grocery List for Cheesy Bliss 🛒

2 cups all-purpose flour – The trusty base! Swap 1 cup with whole wheat for nutty depth.
1 tbsp sugar – Not for sweetness—it balances flavors. Honey works too!
1 tbsp baking powder – Our rising hero. Check the expiry date—old BP = sad flat bread.
1 tsp salt – Flavor booster. Kosher salt? Use 1¼ tsp.
1 cup shredded cheddar – Sharp cheddar = bold flavor. Gruyère or pepper jack? Yes please!
2 tbsp fresh parsley + 1 tbsp each thyme & rosemary – Fresh herbs shine here! No thyme? Use ½ tsp dried.
1 cup whole milk – Adds richness. Dairy-free? Almond milk + 1 tsp vinegar works.
¼ cup melted butter – For that golden crust. Olive oil in a pinch!
2 large eggs – Binds it all. Vegan? Try flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flax + 5 tbsp water).

Bake It Like You Mean It 👩‍🍳🔥

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5” loaf pan like you’re buttering up your favorite relative—get into those corners! Pro tip: Line the bottom with parchment for easy release.

Step 2: Whisk dry ingredients in a big bowl. Imagine you’re a mad scientist combining flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Then, toss in cheese and herbs—massage them into the flour so every bite is flavorful.

Step 3: In another bowl, whisk milk, melted butter, and eggs until smoother than a jazz playlist. Pour this into the dry mix and stir with a wooden spoon—just until combined! Overmixing = tough bread. Lumps are totally fine.

Step 4: Scrape batter into the pan. It’ll be thick—spread it evenly like you’re frosting a cake. Sprinkle extra cheese on top if you’re feeling fancy (you are).

Step 5: Bake 45-50 minutes. Rotate pan halfway for even browning. When the top looks like a golden sunset and a toothpick comes out clean, it’s done! Cool 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a rack. Resist slicing immediately—it’s still cooking inside!

How to Serve This Carb Masterpiece 🎨

Slice it warm with honey butter melting into the crumb. Pair with tomato soup for dunking, or crumble over a fall salad. For brunch, toast slices and top with avocado and chili flakes. Feeling extra? Make grilled cheese sandwiches using this bread—cheeseception!

Mix It Up! 5 Delicious Twists 🌈

Everything Bagel Style: Add 2 tbsp everything seasoning + ½ cup cream cheese chunks
Mediterranean: Swap cheddar for feta + add sun-dried tomatoes & Kalamata olives
Spicy Southwest: Mix in 1 diced jalapeño + ½ cup corn + 1 tsp smoked paprika
Gluten-Free: Use 2 cups 1:1 GF flour + 1 tsp xanthan gum
Breakfast Bread: Add cooked bacon bits + maple syrup instead of sugar

Bread Crumbs of Wisdom 🧑‍🍳📝

Over the years, I’ve learned: 1) Grate your own cheese—pre-shredded has anti-caking agents that dull the flavor. 2) Herbs can party hard! Once added lavender by accident… let’s just say it tasted like bread potpourri. 3) This bread freezes beautifully—wrap slices in foil and reheat at 300°F for 15 minutes. Pro tip: Bake a double batch and gift one loaf. You’ll make friends faster than you can say “extra cheese.”

Your Questions, Answered 🕵️‍♀️

Q: Why is my bread dense?
A: Overmixing is the usual culprit! Stir until JUST combined—it should look shaggy.

Q: Can I use dried herbs?
A: Absolutely! Use ⅓ the amount (1 tsp dried = 1 tbsp fresh). Rub them between your palms to wake up the oils.

Q: My bread sunk in the middle—help!
A: Likely underbaked. Next time, test doneness with a thermometer—internal temp should be 190-200°F.

Q: How long does it keep?
A: 3 days at room temp in foil. Refresh slices in a toaster oven!

Nutritional Snapshot (Per Slice) 📸

Save This Recipe For Later! 📌

Pin Title: Herb & Cheese Quick Bread Recipe 🧀🌿 | Easy No-Yeast Savory Loaf in 1 Hour!

Pin Description: Craving warm, cheesy bread but short on time? This Herb & Cheese Quick Bread is your new best friend—no yeast, no kneading, just 10 minutes of prep! Perfect with soups, salads, or solo as a snack. Discover expert tips for fluffy texture, cheesy variations (Gruyère! Feta! Jalapeño!), and how to adapt it to gluten-free or vegan diets. Bake now, thank yourself later. #QuickBreadRecipe #CheeseBread #EasyBaking #ComfortFood #NoYeastBread #HerbRecipes

SEO Meta Description: Fluffy herb & cheese quick bread—no yeast needed! Easy 1-hour recipe with savory variations. Perfect for soups, gifts, or cheesy snacking.

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