A golden, savory loaf packed with melted cheese, fragrant herbs, and a tender, moist crumb — all without yeast, kneading, or rising time.
This Herb & Cheese Quick Bread is the perfect homemade bread when you want something warm and flavorful without waiting hours for dough to rise. Made with simple pantry staples, shredded cheese, milk, eggs, and dried herbs, it comes together quickly and bakes into a beautifully golden loaf with cheesy bites throughout.
Serve thick slices alongside soup, stew, pasta, or salad, or enjoy them warm with a little butter. It’s also delicious toasted the next morning for a savory breakfast. With its easy preparation and comforting flavor, this no-yeast bread is a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No yeast required: Baking powder gives the bread its rise without proofing or kneading.
- Cheesy in every bite: Shredded cheddar or Gruyère adds a rich, savory flavor.
- Quick and easy: Mix the ingredients, transfer the batter to a loaf pan, and bake.
- Versatile side dish: Perfect with soups, salads, pasta, and roasted meats.
- Easy to customize: Change the herbs and cheese to create your favorite combination.
Ingredients
Prep time: 10 minutes · Bake time: 45–50 minutes · Makes: 1 loaf, about 8–10 slices
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs, or a mixture of thyme and rosemary
- 1½ cups (about 170 g) shredded cheddar, Gruyère, or a cheddar-mozzarella blend
- 1 cup (240 ml) milk
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil or melted butter
Optional additions:
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or parsley
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- A pinch of red pepper flakes
- Extra shredded cheese for the top
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the oven and loaf pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9 × 5-inch loaf pan with butter or nonstick cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper.
Preparing the pan before mixing the batter makes it easier to transfer the bread directly into the oven.
Step 2: Combine the dry ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried Italian herbs.
Add the shredded cheese and toss it gently through the flour mixture. This helps distribute the cheese throughout the loaf.
Step 3: Mix the wet ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and olive oil or melted butter until smooth and well combined.
If you’re using melted butter, let it cool slightly before adding it to the eggs so the mixture combines evenly.
Step 4: Make the batter
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until the flour is just incorporated.
The batter should be thick and slightly lumpy. Avoid overmixing, as excessive stirring can make the bread dense instead of tender.
Fold in the optional fresh herbs or other additions if desired.
Step 5: Fill the loaf pan
Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle a little extra shredded cheese over the top for a golden, cheesy crust.
Step 6: Bake until golden
Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few dry crumbs.
If the top browns too quickly before the center is cooked, loosely cover it with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time.
Step 7: Cool and slice
Remove the loaf from the oven and let it rest in the pan for about 10 minutes. Carefully transfer it to a wire rack and allow it to cool slightly before slicing.
Serve warm with butter or alongside your favorite meal.
Tips for the Best Herb & Cheese Quick Bread
- Measure the flour carefully: Too much flour can make the loaf dry and heavy. Spoon it into the measuring cup and level the top.
- Use freshly shredded cheese: It generally melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
- Don’t overmix: Stir only until the ingredients come together to help maintain a tender crumb.
- Choose flavorful herbs: Thyme, rosemary, oregano, and chives all work beautifully.
- Check the center: A golden crust doesn’t always mean the middle is fully baked. Use a toothpick to check for doneness.
- Let it rest before slicing: A short cooling period helps the bread set and prevents it from crumbling.
Delicious Variations
Garlic Parmesan Bread: Replace part of the cheddar with grated Parmesan and add an extra pinch of garlic powder.
Cheddar and Chive Bread: Use sharp cheddar and fresh chopped chives for a classic savory combination.
Rosemary Gruyère Bread: Combine Gruyère cheese with finely chopped rosemary for a fragrant, rich loaf.
Spicy Cheese Bread: Add red pepper flakes or a little diced jalapeño for a gentle kick.
Mediterranean Herb Bread: Mix in dried oregano, basil, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and a little Parmesan.
Extra-Cheesy Bread: Sprinkle additional cheddar over the top during the final 10 minutes of baking for a more pronounced cheese crust.
What to Serve with Herb & Cheese Quick Bread
- Tomato soup: The cheesy bread is perfect for dipping into a warm bowl of tomato soup.
- Creamy potato soup: A hearty pairing for a cozy lunch or dinner.
- Pasta dishes: Serve alongside spaghetti, lasagna, or creamy Alfredo pasta.
- Fresh garden salad: A crisp salad balances the rich cheese and savory herbs.
- Roasted chicken: Add a thick slice of bread to a simple chicken dinner.
- Scrambled eggs: Toast leftover slices and serve them with eggs for a savory breakfast.
Make-Ahead and Storage
Make ahead: Measure the dry ingredients and store them in an airtight container. For the best texture, mix in the wet ingredients shortly before baking.
Room-temperature storage: Once completely cooled, wrap the loaf or place it in an airtight container. Keep it at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Refrigeration: Store the bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Slice the cooled loaf and freeze the slices in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Separate slices with parchment paper so you can remove only what you need.
Reheating: Warm slices in a toaster oven or regular oven until heated through. A little butter makes leftover slices especially delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this bread without yeast?
Yes. This is a quick bread that uses baking powder instead of yeast, so there is no kneading or rising time.
Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely. Cheddar, Gruyère, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, and Parmesan can all work. Cheddar and Gruyère provide particularly good flavor, while mozzarella creates a milder, stretchier texture.
Why did my quick bread turn out dense?
Overmixing, too much flour, or expired baking powder can prevent the loaf from rising properly. Mix only until combined and check that your baking powder is fresh.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs?
Yes. Fresh parsley, chives, rosemary, and thyme work well. Finely chop them before adding them to the batter. You may need a little more fresh herb than dried herb to achieve a similar flavor.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
The top should be golden, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few dry crumbs. If wet batter remains on the toothpick, bake for a few more minutes and check again.
Recipe at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Prep time | 10 minutes |
| Bake time | 45–50 minutes |
| Total time | About 55–60 minutes |
| Yield | 1 loaf, 8–10 slices |
| Oven temperature | 350°F (175°C) |
| Main ingredients | Flour, cheese, milk, eggs, herbs |
| Cooking method | Oven-baked |
| Difficulty | Easy |
Final Thoughts
Herb & Cheese Quick Bread is a simple, satisfying way to enjoy homemade bread without the extra work of yeast or kneading. Its tender interior, melted cheese, and fragrant herbs make it a wonderful addition to everyday meals.
Serve it warm with soup, enjoy it toasted for breakfast, or pair it with a fresh salad for a quick lunch. Once you try this easy savory loaf, you’ll have plenty of reasons to bake it again.
