Herb Cheese Quick Bread: The Ultimate Easy Recipe

Herb Cheese Quick Bread: Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, savory slice, the aroma of fresh herbs and melted cheese filling your senses. This isn’t just bread; it’s an experience! I’m thrilled to share this incredibly easy and satisfying recipe with you.

Quick bread, unlike its yeast-leavened counterparts, boasts a fascinating history rooted in American ingenuity. The development of chemical leaveners like baking powder in the mid-19th century revolutionized baking, allowing home cooks to create delicious bread without the time-consuming process of proofing yeast. This Herb Cheese Quick Bread is a modern take on that tradition, blending convenience with gourmet flavors.

What makes this bread so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of textures: a delightfully crisp crust giving way to a soft, tender interior. The herbaceous notes dance on your palate, complemented by the rich, creamy cheese. It’s a crowd-pleaser for brunch, a delightful accompaniment to soup, or simply a satisfying snack on its own. Plus, its simplicity makes it a winner for even the most novice baker. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this flavorful and fuss-free bread!

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
• 2 tablespoons melted butter, for brushing

Preparing the Dough:

1. First things first, let’s get our dry ingredients ready. In a large bowl, whisk together the 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder. Make sure everything is well combined so that the baking powder and soda are evenly distributed – this is key for a good rise!
2. Now, in a separate bowl, let’s tackle 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 nicely combined. Don’t over-whisk; just make sure everything is incorporated.
3. 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 the dough. A few streaks of flour are okay at this point. Overmixing will develop the gluten too much, resulting in a tough bread.
4. Now for the good stuff – the cheese and herbs! Add the 4 ounces of softened cream cheese, 4 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup of chopped fresh chives, 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley, and 1/4 cup of chopped fresh dill to the dough. Gently fold everything in until the cheese and herbs are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Again, be careful not to overmix.

Baking the Bread:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. This will prevent the bread from sticking and make it easy to remove after baking. You can also use baking spray with flour if you prefer.
2. Carefully pour the dough into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. The dough will be quite thick, so you might need to use a spatula to help spread it out.
3. Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake 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 loosely tent it with aluminum foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
4. Once the bread is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the loaf pan for about 10 minutes. This will help it to firm up slightly and make it easier to remove from the pan.
5. After 10 minutes, carefully invert the bread onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Finishing Touches:

1. While the bread is still warm, brush the top with the 2 tablespoons of melted butter. This will give it a beautiful golden color and a delicious buttery flavor.
2. Let the bread cool completely before slicing and serving. This is important because slicing it while it’s still warm can cause it to crumble.

Tips and Variations:

• Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese! Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack would be delicious in this bread.
• Herb Variations: Don’t be afraid to try different herbs as well. Rosemary, thyme, or oregano would all be great additions. You can also use dried herbs if you don’t have fresh on hand, but use about half the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
• Add-Ins: For extra flavor and texture, consider adding some chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, or some sun-dried tomatoes.
• Make it Gluten-Free: To make this bread gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure to use a blend that contains xanthan gum, as this will help to bind the ingredients together.
• Serving Suggestions: This herb cheese quick bread is delicious on its own, but it’s also great served with soup, salad, or as part of a cheese board. It’s also perfect for making sandwiches or toast.
• Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze it for longer storage. To freeze, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before slicing and serving.
• Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 1/2 cups of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes, and it will thicken and curdle slightly, resembling buttermilk.
• Don’t Overmix: I can’t stress this enough! Overmixing the dough will result in a tough bread. Gently stir until just combined.
• Softened Cream Cheese is Key: Make sure your cream cheese is softened before adding it to the dough. This will ensure that it mixes in evenly and doesn’t leave any lumps.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Herb Cheese Quick Bread! It’s perfect for any occasion and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Conclusion:

This Herb Cheese Quick Bread isn’t just another recipe; it’s a gateway to effortless baking and guaranteed deliciousness. Seriously, if you’re looking for a foolproof way to impress your friends and family (or just treat yourself!), this is it. The combination of savory herbs and melty cheese baked into a tender, moist loaf is simply irresistible. It’s the kind of bread that disappears in minutes, leaving everyone wanting more. But why is this particular recipe a must-try? It’s all about the simplicity and the incredible flavor payoff. Unlike many bread recipes that require hours of kneading and proofing, this quick bread comes together in a single bowl in under an hour. That’s right, from start to finish, you can have a warm, fragrant loaf of homemade bread on your table. And the best part? It tastes like you spent all day slaving away in the kitchen! The blend of herbs we’ve chosen creates a symphony of flavors that perfectly complements the richness of the cheese. It’s a savory delight that’s perfect for any occasion. Beyond its ease and flavor, this Herb Cheese Quick Bread is incredibly versatile. Serve it warm with a pat of butter for a simple yet satisfying snack. It’s also fantastic alongside a bowl of soup or chili, adding a comforting touch to any meal. For a more elegant presentation, slice it thinly and serve it as an appetizer with a selection of cheeses and charcuterie. Looking for variations? The possibilities are endless! Try adding sun-dried tomatoes or roasted garlic for an extra burst of flavor. Swap out the cheddar cheese for Gruyere or Parmesan for a different taste profile. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. You could even incorporate some crumbled bacon or sausage for a heartier, more substantial bread. Get creative and experiment with your favorite flavors! Serving Suggestions: * Warm with butter or olive oil. * Alongside soup, salad, or chili. * As an appetizer with cheese and charcuterie. * Toasted and topped with avocado and a fried egg. * As a base for mini pizzas or bruschetta. Variations: * Add sun-dried tomatoes or roasted garlic. * Use different types of cheese (Gruyere, Parmesan, Pepper Jack). * Incorporate crumbled bacon or sausage. * Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. * Substitute fresh herbs for dried herbs. I truly believe that everyone should have this Herb Cheese Quick Bread recipe in their repertoire. It’s a reliable, crowd-pleasing recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. So, what are you waiting for? Preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake! I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. And now, the most important part: I want to hear about your experience! Did you try the recipe? What variations did you make? How did it turn out? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear your feedback. Happy baking! Don’t forget to share this amazing Herb Cheese Quick Bread recipe with your friends and family!

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