Name: Savory Cranberry Bread with Herbs and Cheddar Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries; 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, or parsley), chopped; 1 cup milk; 2 large eggs; 1/4 cup olive oil

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 82 reviews

If you’re looking to delight your taste buds with something that perfectly balances tartness, cheesy richness, and fresh herbal notes, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Savory Cranberry Bread with Herbs and Cheddar Recipe. It’s a wonderful quick bread that shines on holiday tables, complements cheese boards like a charm, and pairs beautifully with hearty bowls of soup. Every bite bursts with a combination of flavors and textures that feels both comforting and exciting—a truly special loaf that is sure to become a beloved favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A round braided bread ring with a golden brown crust is placed on a white plate set on a white marbled surface. The bread is topped with white icing drizzled in thin lines and scattered with sliced almonds. In the background, there are some oranges and a sprig of pine with small red berries, adding a festive touch. The texture of the bread looks soft and fluffy inside with a shiny crust on the outside. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is key to capturing the unique flavor profile and perfect texture of this bread. Each ingredient plays an essential role, from the sharpness of cheddar cheese to the bright tang of cranberries, as well as the fragrant herbs that bring it all together.

All-purpose flour: The perfect base that gives structure and crumb to the bread.
Baking powder: Your secret to a light and fluffy texture as the bread rises beautifully.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the tart and savory notes.
Black pepper: Adds a subtle kick that lifts the overall taste.
Fresh or dried cranberries: Provide the signature tart bursts of flavor and pretty pops of color.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Melts into pockets of savory goodness and gives richness.
Fresh herbs: Like rosemary, thyme, or sage to brighten the bread and add a lovely aroma.
Milk: Moisturizes the batter for a tender crumb.
Eggs: Bind everything together while contributing richness.
Olive oil: Adds moistness and a subtle fruity note, enhancing softness.

How to Make Savory Cranberry Bread with Herbs and Cheddar Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F) and greasing a standard loaf pan well. This ensures your beautiful bread won’t stick and will come out with a golden crust that’s nice and inviting.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. This mixture forms the canvas for the rest of your vibrant flavors.

Step 3: Add the Flavor Powerhouses

Fold in the cranberries, sharp cheddar cheese, and freshly chopped herbs into your dry mix. Each piece of cranberry and cheddar is like mini explosions of flavor waiting to shine within each slice.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and olive oil until smooth. This liquid blend will bring moisture and balance to the dough, making it wonderfully tender.

Step 5: Unite Wet and Dry

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry, gently folding just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—the goal is a batter that’s well incorporated but still tender, with the cranberries and cheese nestled throughout.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the batter to your prepared loaf pan and bake for about 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Let it cool slightly before slicing, so those flavors can fully settle.

How to Serve Savory Cranberry Bread with Herbs and Cheddar Recipe

Savory Cranberry Bread with Herbs and Cheddar Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A light spread of softened butter or a drizzle of honey complements the tangy cranberries and sharp cheddar beautifully. Sprinkle a few fresh herb leaves on top to make every slice look as delightful as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This bread is a natural alongside warm bowls of your favorite soups—particularly creamy tomato, butternut squash, or classic chicken soup. It’s also fantastic with charcuterie or a fresh salad for a light yet satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the bread thickly and toast it for breakfast topped with avocado and a pinch of chili flakes, or cube it for a savory bread pudding. Incorporating it into a cheese fondue night or serving it with a flight of wines can turn your casual meal into a fun, flavorful experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Stored at room temperature, it lasts well for about two days. For longer storage, the fridge works but might alter the texture slightly.

Freezing

You can freeze this bread for up to three months. Wrap it carefully in foil or plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results, then warm it up gently before serving.

Reheating

To revive the bread’s warmth and softness, reheat slices in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 160°C (325°F) for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crust crisp and the texture pleasant.

FAQs

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Dried cranberries are a convenient alternative and still provide that wonderful tart flavor. Just keep in mind they won’t add as much moisture, but the bread will still be delicious.

What herbs work best in this recipe?

Fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage are excellent choices because they complement the cheese and cranberry beautifully. Feel free to experiment with any herbs you love to make it your own.

Is this bread suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat or animal-derived gelatin. All ingredients are plant or dairy-based, perfect for a meat-free diet.

Can I substitute cheddar cheese with another type?

Sharp cheddar is ideal for its strong flavor, but you can try gouda, fontina, or even a pepper jack for a bit of spice. Each cheese will bring its own unique twist.

How can I make this bread gluten-free?

You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum or another binding agent to maintain the bread’s structure.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Savory Cranberry Bread with Herbs and Cheddar Recipe a try soon. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for sharing with friends and family during cozy gatherings or quiet moments alike. The combination of tart cranberries, melty cheddar, and fresh herbs creates a bread you’ll want to keep coming back to, slice after delicious slice.