Quick Overview
Herb & Cheese Quick Bread is the perfect solution for a tasty side dish or snack that you can whip up in no time. This savory treat combines aromatic herbs with melted cheese to create a moist and flavorful loaf. Whether you serve it alongside soup, enjoy it as a standalone snack, or toast it for breakfast, this recipe delivers delightful flavors without the need for yeast or lengthy rising times. In just under an hour, you can have a warm loaf of Herb & Cheese Quick Bread ready to impress your family and friends.
Ingredient Breakdown
Flour
For this recipe, you’ll need 2 cups of all-purpose flour. This forms the base of your bread, providing structure and texture.
Baking Powder
Use 1 tablespoon of baking powder to help your bread rise. It creates air pockets that give the bread a light and fluffy consistency.
Salt
Add 1 teaspoon of salt to enhance the flavor of your bread. Salt is crucial in balancing sweetness and bringing out the other ingredients’ flavors.
Herbs
Incorporate 2 tablespoons of fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. Chopped finely, these herbs infuse the bread with aromatic flavors that complement the cheese beautifully.
Cheese
Choose 1 cup of shredded cheese such as cheddar or mozzarella. The melted cheese adds richness and creaminess to the quick bread.
Milk
Use 1 cup of milk to hydrate the dry ingredients. Milk also contributes to a tender crumb and helps bind everything together.
Egg
Include 1 large egg to add moisture and structure to your quick bread. The egg helps achieve a golden crust and improves the overall texture.
Butter
Melted butter (about 4 tablespoons) adds a rich flavor and ensures a moist final product. It also contributes to browning during baking.
Step By Step Recipe: Herb & Cheese Quick Bread
Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is essential as it allows your bread to bake evenly from the moment it goes into the oven.
Prepare Your Baking Dish
Grease a loaf pan with cooking spray or butter. You can also line it with parchment paper for easier removal once baked. Make sure it’s evenly coated to prevent sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir well using a whisk until evenly blended; this ensures that all leavening agents are properly distributed throughout the flour.
Add Fresh Herbs and Cheese
Fold in 2 tablespoons of fresh herbs and 1 cup of shredded cheese into your dry mixture. Mixing these ingredients now allows their flavors to meld with the flour before adding wet ingredients.
Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of milk, 1 large egg, and melted butter (4 tablespoons). Ensure that these ingredients are well combined so that they mix seamlessly with dry components later on.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients gradually while stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing as this can lead to dense bread.
Pour Batter into Pan
Transfer your batter into the prepared loaf pan using a spatula to spread it evenly. Smooth out the top with the spatula if necessary; this helps ensure uniform baking throughout.
Bake Your Bread
Place your loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes or until golden brown on top. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean when it’s done baking.
Cool Before Serving
Once baked, remove your quick bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it onto a wire rack. Allowing it to cool slightly will help maintain its shape when slicing.
Serving and Storing Tips
Slicing Warm Bread
Slice your herb & cheese quick bread while it’s still warm but not hot enough to burn your fingers. This makes cutting easier while allowing you to enjoy its aroma fresh from the oven.
Pairing Suggestions
Serve slices alongside soups or salads for an excellent pairing option; its savory flavor complements various dishes wonderfully. Consider adding butter or olive oil on top for extra richness when serving.
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover quick bread, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze; it’ll keep well for up to three months!
Reheating Tips
When you’re ready to enjoy leftover slices again, reheat them gently in an oven set at low heat (around 300°F) until warmed through—this revives its lovely texture without drying it out.
Mistakes to avoid
One common mistake when making Herb & Cheese Quick Bread is not measuring ingredients accurately. Using too much or too little can change the texture and flavor of your bread significantly. Always use precise measurements for flour, cheese, and herbs to achieve the perfect balance.
Another mistake is overmixing the batter. While it might be tempting to ensure everything is well combined, overmixing can lead to a dense bread rather than a light and fluffy one. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for the best results.
Failing to preheat your oven is another error that can affect your baking. Starting with a hot oven ensures that your bread rises properly and develops a nice crust. Take time to preheat before placing your dough inside to bake.
Not allowing the bread to cool before slicing is also a mistake. Cutting into warm bread can cause it to become gummy and lose its structure. Letting it cool completely enhances flavor and texture, giving you the best possible experience.
Lastly, neglecting herb selection can detract from the overall taste. Using stale or dried herbs instead of fresh ones may result in a bland flavor profile. Always opt for fresh herbs when making Herb & Cheese Quick Bread for maximum aroma and taste.
Tips and tricks
To perfect your Herb & Cheese Quick Bread, consider using high-quality cheese. Varieties such as sharp cheddar or creamy goat cheese add depth of flavor that complements the herbs beautifully. Grate or crumble your cheese finely so that it melts evenly throughout the bread, ensuring every bite is packed with cheesy goodness.
Experiment with different herbs beyond the classic options. Fresh parsley, chives, or even dill can introduce unique flavors that enhance your quick bread experience. Try creating herb blends by combining various types; this can lead to exciting new tastes that surprise and delight your palate.
Pay attention to the temperature of your ingredients before mixing them into the batter. For instance, using room temperature eggs will help create a smoother dough mix compared to cold eggs straight from the fridge. Room temperature ingredients blend more easily, leading to better texture in your finished product.
Consider adding nuts or seeds for an extra crunch in your Herb & Cheese Quick Bread. Chopped walnuts or sunflower seeds not only provide additional nutrients but also add delightful texture contrasts that make each slice interesting to eat. Just be sure not to overdo it; a handful should suffice without overpowering other flavors.
Finally, don’t forget about proper storage after baking! To maintain freshness, wrap your cooled Herb & Cheese Quick Bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before storing it at room temperature or in the refrigerator. This helps preserve moisture while preventing it from becoming stale quickly.
Suggestions for Herb & Cheese Quick Bread
Pairing Herb & Cheese Quick Bread with soup makes for a comforting meal option during cooler months. The warm flavors complement simple vegetable soups well while providing satisfying texture alongside each spoonful of broth. Try serving slices alongside tomato basil soup for a delicious combination.
For an appetizer, slice up this quick bread and serve it with dips like hummus or olive tapenade at gatherings or parties. Its savory flavor profile enhances these spreads beautifully while offering guests something unique they won’t soon forget.
You might consider using this quick bread as a base for sandwiches as well! Layer thin slices of turkey, avocado, or even roasted vegetables between two pieces of Herb & Cheese Quick Bread for an easy yet flavorful lunch option that stands apart from traditional sandwich breads.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try making mini versions of this quick bread in muffin tins! These smaller bites are perfect for brunch events or as snacks on-the-go without losing any deliciousness found in larger loaves.
Lastly, remember that freezing leftover Herb & Cheese Quick Bread is always an option! After cooling down completely, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap before placing them into freezer bags. This ensures you have convenient portions ready whenever cravings strike!
FAQs
What type of cheese works best for Herb & Cheese Quick Bread?
When creating Herb & Cheese Quick Bread, sharp cheddar is often favored due to its rich flavor profile that melds beautifully with herbs like rosemary or thyme. However, feel free to experiment! Creamy goat cheese imparts tanginess while mozzarella offers mildness if you’re looking for alternatives. A mix can yield delightful results too!
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?
Yes! While fresh herbs provide vibrant flavor and aroma in Herb & Cheese Quick Bread, dried herbs can work as substitutes if necessary. Generally speaking, use one-third less dried herbs compared to fresh since they are more concentrated in taste; adjust according to personal preference for optimal results!
How long does Herb & Cheese Quick Bread last?
Properly stored at room temperature wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil should keep your Herb & Cheese Quick Bread fresh for up to three days—ideal for enjoying throughout the week ahead! If longer storage is needed, consider freezing individual slices instead which maintain quality up to three months when sealed appropriately.
Can I add vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes?
Absolutely! Adding vegetables such as sautéed spinach or chopped sun-dried tomatoes brings extra nutrition along with bold flavors into each slice of Herb & Cheese Quick Bread without compromising its integrity—a fantastic way to customize based on what you have on hand!
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Definitely! The simplicity behind making Herb & Cheese Quick Bread makes it approachable even for those just starting their baking journey—no yeast required here! With basic pantry staples involved alongside minimal steps needed during preparation—it’s sure not only satisfy but boost confidence levels amongst novice bakers alike!
What should I serve with my Herb & Cheese Quick Bread?
Herb & Cheese Quick Bread pairs wonderfully with various dishes such as hearty soups like tomato basil soup or creamy potato leek soup—enhancing meal enjoyment immensely! It also works great alongside salads served at gatherings providing guests something unique while remaining simple enough anyone could prepare effortlessly!
Summary
In summary, mastering Herb & Cheese Quick Bread involves avoiding common mistakes like improper measurements and overmixing while applying helpful tips such as using quality ingredients and experimenting with flavors. Remember suggestions like pairing it with soups or creating appetizers will elevate dining experiences further! Lastly, address common questions about ingredients’ shelf life and serving ideas so you feel confident making this deliciously versatile recipe anytime!
Print
Herb & Cheese Quick Bread
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This savory quick bread is packed with fresh herbs and cheese, making it a perfect accompaniment to soups and salads or enjoyed on its own. It’s easy to make and ready in no time!
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (parsley, chives, or thyme)
1 cup milk
1/4 cup olive oil
2 large eggs
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Stir in the shredded cheese and chopped herbs until evenly distributed.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, olive oil, and eggs.
5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined; do not overmix.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
This quick bread can be customized by adding different types of cheese or herbs based on your preference. Serve warm for best flavor!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 5g
Keywords: quick bread, herb bread, cheese bread, baking