Name: Savory Cheddar and Herb Quick Bread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tbsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives (or 1 tsp dried); 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried); 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 cup milk; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 large eggs

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 42 reviews

If you are on the lookout for a comforting and flavorful homemade bread, you will absolutely fall in love with this Savory Cheddar and Herb Quick Bread Recipe. It’s wonderfully moist, packed with sharp cheddar cheese that melts into every bite, and accented by fresh herbs that lift the flavor to something truly special. Best of all, this no-yeast quick bread is incredibly easy to whip up in under an hour, making it perfect for last-minute dinners or cozy weekend baking sessions. It pairs beautifully with soups, stews, or simply spread warm with butter for an irresistible treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top view shows several bowls and ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. In the top left, a white bowl with brown edges is filled with a mound of white flour. On the top right, there is a glass bowl with white milk. Below the flour bowl, another white bowl with brown edges holds bright orange shredded cheese. Near the center are two brown eggs side by side. To the right of the eggs is a white bowl with brown edges filled with a light beige liquid, likely batter. Near the bottom left is a small white bowl with brown edges containing white powder, possibly baking powder or salt. To the right of that is a small bowl with olive oil. Finally, near the bottom right corner are fresh green herbs, including sprigs of thyme and oregano. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple but essential ingredients is the key to nailing this delicious bread. Each component plays a significant role in creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and aroma—whether it’s the sharp cheddar for richness or the fresh herbs for that fragrant lift.

2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure and helps the bread rise nicely.
1 tbsp baking powder: Acts as the leavening agent to make the bread light and fluffy without yeast.
1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors in the bread, preventing it from tasting flat.
1/2 tsp black pepper: Adds a mild heat and a subtle kick that complements the cheese.
1 tsp garlic powder: Infuses a gentle savory note that pairs beautifully with cheddar.
1 tbsp chopped fresh chives: Offers a mild oniony flavor and a fresh green color; dried works too in a pinch.
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley: Brings herbaceous brightness and a bit of earthiness.
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: The real star that delivers that unmistakable cheesy goodness.
1 cup milk: Adds the needed moisture to the batter while keeping the bread tender.
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Enriches the bread with buttery flavor and a soft crumb.
2 large eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to the bread’s moisture and texture.

How to Make Savory Cheddar and Herb Quick Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s important to have it fully heated so your bread bakes evenly. Meanwhile, grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure your bread releases easily after baking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, chopped chives, and parsley until everything is evenly combined. This step ensures that the herbs and spices are distributed throughout your bread, giving you flavorful bites every time.

Step 3: Add the Cheddar Cheese

Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the dry mixture. Tossing the cheese with the flour mixture helps it coat the shreds and prevents them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf during baking, maintaining that beautiful cheesy texture throughout.

Step 4: Whisk Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the milk, melted butter, and eggs, whisking them well until smooth and homogenous. This step brings together moisture and richness, setting the stage for a tender crumb in your quick bread.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet mixture into your dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage—the batter should be a little lumpy but all the flour should be moistened. Overmixing can result in a denser bread, and we want it light and fluffy.

Step 6: Bake the Bread

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth out the surface with a spatula. Bake in the oven for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma of baking cheese and herbs will fill your kitchen and make it impossible to wait!

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting period helps the flavors mellow and makes slicing a breeze. Once cooled, slice and enjoy the warm, savory goodness.

How to Serve Savory Cheddar and Herb Quick Bread Recipe

A loaf of golden brown bread sits on a wooden board, with two thick slices lying flat in front, showing a soft, light yellow inside speckled with green herbs. The top crust is bubbly and textured with melted cheese and scattered herbs. A block of butter rests on a small gray plate in the bottom left corner, near a butter knife with some butter on it. In the background, there is a small wooden bowl filled with salt and a silver knife with a wooden handle on a folded green cloth. The surface beneath everything is white marble. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped chives or parsley on top of warm slices adds a fresh, vibrant touch that enhances both the visual appeal and flavor. You might also drizzle a little melted butter or even a generous pat of herb-infused butter to elevate every bite.

Side Dishes

This quick bread is a perfect companion for hearty soups like tomato bisque, chicken noodle, or classic vegetable stew. It also pairs beautifully alongside salads, roasted vegetables, or a charcuterie board for a delightful snack spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For brunch, consider slicing the bread into thick slabs and serving it with a fried egg on top or layer it with slices of smoked turkey and arugula for an open-faced sandwich. Toasting leftover slices and spreading with cream cheese or avocado can turn it into an exciting snack too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your leftover Savory Cheddar and Herb Quick Bread Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keeping it sealed will maintain freshness and prevent it from drying out.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this bread later, it freezes beautifully. Slice it beforehand and wrap individual slices or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep well for up to three months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

To bring back the bread’s fresh-baked texture, gently warm slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at low heat until heated through and slightly crisp on the edges. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the bread chewy instead of tender and flaky.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese instead of cheddar?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar gives this bread its signature flavor, you can experiment with cheeses like mozzarella for a milder taste, gouda for a smoky hint, or even feta for a tangy twist. Just adjust the salt accordingly.

Can I substitute dried herbs for fresh in this recipe?

Yes, dried herbs work just fine but use about one-third of the amount since they are more concentrated than fresh. The herbs will still provide wonderful flavor, making the bread deliciously aromatic.

Is this bread suitable for vegetarians?

Yes! This Savory Cheddar and Herb Quick Bread Recipe contains no meat or animal-derived rennet if you use vegetarian-friendly cheddar, making it a great option for most vegetarians.

How should I prevent the cheese from sinking to the bottom?

Coating the shredded cheese with flour before mixing it into the batter helps prevent sinking. This little trick distributes the cheese evenly throughout every slice, so you get cheesy pockets from top to bottom.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that can substitute cup-for-cup for regular flour. Just make sure your baking powder is gluten-free as well, and the bread will turn out just as tasty.

Final Thoughts

Making this Savory Cheddar and Herb Quick Bread Recipe is like inviting warmth and deliciousness to your kitchen in under an hour. Its cheesy, herby goodness is hard to resist, and the simplicity of the ingredients makes it accessible for cooks of all levels. Whether you’re sharing it alongside a comforting bowl of soup or enjoying it warm with butter on its own, this quick bread is sure to become a beloved staple in your recipe arsenal. Give it a try and watch how it brings smiles at every meal!