Herb Cheese Quick Bread: Easy Recipe & Baking Tips

Herb cheese quick bread: the very words conjure up images of cozy kitchens, the aroma of freshly baked goodness, and the satisfying crunch of a perfectly golden crust. Have you ever craved a simple yet sophisticated bread that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor? Then you’ve come to the right place! This recipe is about to become your new go-to for everything from impromptu gatherings to comforting weeknight dinners.

Quick breads, unlike their yeast-leavened counterparts, have a fascinating history rooted in practicality. They emerged as a culinary solution for busy households, offering a faster and easier way to enjoy homemade bread. The addition of herbs and cheese elevates this humble loaf into something truly special, a testament to the power of simple ingredients combined with care.

What makes this herb cheese quick bread so irresistible? It’s the delightful combination of savory herbs, the creamy richness of cheese, and the soft, tender crumb. It’s incredibly versatile, pairing beautifully with soups, salads, or simply enjoyed on its own with a smear of butter. Plus, the ease of preparation means you can have a warm, delicious loaf on the table in under an hour. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade bread without the fuss!

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 4 ounces herb and garlic cheese spread (such as Boursin), softened
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, for topping

Preparing the Dough:

1. First, let’s get our dry ingredients ready. In a large bowl, whisk together the 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 4 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Make sure everything is well combined so that the baking powder and soda are evenly distributed throughout the flour. This will ensure a nice, even rise for our quick bread.
2. Now, in a separate, medium-sized bowl, we’ll combine the wet ingredients. Pour in the 1 1/2 cups of buttermilk, 1/4 cup of vegetable oil, and the 1 lightly beaten egg. Whisk these together until they are well incorporated. The buttermilk adds a lovely tang and helps to tenderize the bread, while the oil keeps it moist.
3. Next, it’s time to bring the wet and dry ingredients together. Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a wooden spoon or a rubber spatula, gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough bread. A few streaks of flour are perfectly fine at this stage.
4. Now for the star of the show – the cheese! Add the 4 ounces of softened cream cheese and the 4 ounces of softened herb and garlic cheese spread to the bowl. Gently fold these into the dough until they are mostly incorporated. Don’t worry about getting them perfectly smooth; having little pockets of cheese throughout the bread is what makes it so delicious.
5. Finally, stir in the fresh herbs. Add the 1/4 cup of chopped fresh chives, 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley, and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh dill to the dough. Gently fold them in until they are evenly distributed. The fresh herbs add a wonderful aroma and flavor to the bread.

Baking the Quick Bread:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, prepare your loaf pan. Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray. Then, lightly dust it with flour, tapping out any excess. This will prevent the bread from sticking to the pan and ensure easy removal after baking.
2. Pour the dough into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. The dough will be quite thick, which is perfectly normal.
3. Sprinkle the top of the loaf with the 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. This will create a lovely golden-brown crust and add a salty, savory flavor.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so start checking for doneness around 50 minutes. If the top of the bread is browning too quickly, you can tent it with aluminum foil to prevent it from burning.
5. Once the bread is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This will prevent the bread from sticking to the pan and allow it to cool evenly.

Serving and Storage:

1. Once the bread is completely cool, slice it with a serrated knife. This will help to prevent the bread from tearing.
2. Serve the herb cheese quick bread warm or at room temperature. It’s delicious on its own, or you can spread it with butter, cream cheese, or your favorite cheese spread. It also pairs well with soups, salads, and sandwiches.
3. To store any leftover bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will keep at room temperature for 2-3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze the bread for longer storage. To freeze, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw the bread completely before slicing and serving.

Tips and Variations:

• Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese in this recipe. You can use other flavored cream cheeses, such as vegetable or olive, or substitute the herb and garlic cheese spread with a different type of soft cheese, such as goat cheese or feta.
• Herb Variations: You can also customize the herbs to your liking. Try adding other fresh herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano. You can also use dried herbs in a pinch, but be sure to use less, as dried herbs are more potent than fresh herbs.
• Add-Ins: For extra flavor and texture, you can add other ingredients to the dough, such as chopped sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or roasted red peppers.
• Gluten-Free Option: To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to use a blend that contains xanthan gum, as this will help to bind the ingredients together.
• Make it Ahead: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove the dough from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before pouring it into the loaf pan and baking.
• Serving Suggestions: This herb cheese quick bread is a great addition to any brunch or lunch spread. It’s also delicious served with a bowl of soup or chili. For a special occasion, you can slice the bread and use it to make mini sandwiches or appetizers.

Enjoy your homemade Herb Cheese Quick Bread! It’s a simple yet satisfying recipe that’s sure to impress your family and friends.

Conclusion:

This Herb Cheese Quick Bread is truly a must-try, and I’m not just saying that! It’s the perfect combination of savory flavors, a delightfully soft crumb, and the sheer ease of preparation makes it a winner in my book. Forget kneading and rising times; this bread comes together in minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you need a last-minute contribution to a potluck. The aromatic herbs infuse every bite with a freshness that complements the rich, cheesy goodness perfectly. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and I’m confident it will become a staple in your baking repertoire.

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! While I’ve shared my favorite herb and cheese combination, feel free to experiment and customize it to your liking.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Breakfast Bliss: Slice it up and toast it for a delicious breakfast treat. Spread with a little butter or cream cheese for an extra indulgent start to your day.
* Soup’s Best Friend: Serve warm slices alongside your favorite soup or stew. The savory bread is perfect for dipping and soaking up all those delicious flavors.
* Sandwich Superstar: Use it to create gourmet sandwiches. Imagine a grilled cheese with this bread – pure heaven! Or try it with sliced turkey, ham, or roast beef for a truly satisfying lunch.
* Appetizer Ace: Cut it into cubes and serve as an appetizer with a selection of cheeses, olives, and dips. It’s a sophisticated and flavorful addition to any party spread.
* Herb Swaps: Not a fan of dill? Try rosemary, thyme, or oregano instead. Each herb will impart a unique flavor profile to the bread.
* Cheese Please: Experiment with different cheeses! Gruyere, cheddar, or even a little crumbled feta would be fantastic additions.
* Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
* Garlic Goodness: Incorporate some roasted garlic into the batter for an extra layer of flavor.

I truly believe that this Herb Cheese Quick Bread will become a family favorite. It’s simple enough for beginner bakers, yet sophisticated enough to impress even the most discerning palates. The aroma alone, as it bakes, is enough to make your mouth water!

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a loaf of pure deliciousness. I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the joy of homemade bread without all the fuss.

Once you’ve had a chance to bake it, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you make any variations? What herbs and cheeses did you use? What did you serve it with? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. Your feedback is invaluable, and I can’t wait to see what culinary creations you come up with. Happy baking!

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July 4, 2025 by Melissa