Herb & Cheese Quick Bread is a delightful addition to any meal, combining rich flavors with a simple preparation process. This recipe is perfect for those who want to impress guests or enjoy a cozy night in with delicious homemade bread. In just under an hour, you can have a warm loaf ready to serve, making it a fantastic option for last-minute gatherings or weeknight dinners. The combination of fresh herbs and melting cheese creates a savory treat that complements soups, salads, or can be savored on its own. Roasted Broccoli Salad Whether you’re hosting a brunch or looking for an easy side dish, this quick bread promises satisfaction with every bite. The use of straightforward ingredients ensures that even novice bakers can achieve great results without feeling overwhelmed. Get ready to whip up this scrumptious Herb & Cheese Quick Bread and elevate your culinary repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Herb & Cheese Quick Bread
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
- Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners
Ingredients for Herb & Cheese Quick Bread
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for the bread’s structure; sift it before measuring for best results.
- Baking Powder: Acts as the leavening agent to help the bread rise; ensure it’s fresh for optimal effectiveness.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor; don’t skip this ingredient as it balances the richness of the cheese.
- Dried Herbs: Choose your favorites such as oregano or thyme to infuse the bread with aromatic flavors.
- Shredded Cheese: Any melting cheese like cheddar or mozzarella works well; select high-quality cheese for the best taste.
- Milk: Adds moisture to the dough; whole milk delivers richness while skim milk can be used for a lighter version.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Herb & Cheese Quick Bread
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a loaf pan by greasing it lightly with non-stick spray.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and dried herbs. Stir until evenly mixed.
Step 3: Add Cheese
Fold in the shredded cheese into the dry mixture ensuring it’s distributed evenly throughout.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix together milk and melted butter until well combined before pouring them into the dry ingredients.
Step 5: Blend Together
Stir all components gently until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the texture light and fluffy.
Step 6: Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until golden brown on top.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
- Ingredient Temperature: Ensure that your milk and butter are at room temperature for better mixing.
- Customize Flavors: Experiment with different cheeses or herbs based on your personal preference.
- Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.
How to Serve Herb & Cheese Quick Bread
This Herb & Cheese Quick Bread is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
- Rice or Potatoes: A hearty base that soaks up the delicious sauce.
- Fresh Salad: Adds a crisp and refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for enjoying every last drop of the flavorful sauce.
Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough for Herb & Cheese Quick Bread up to a day in advance. Simply mix the dry ingredients and store them in an airtight container. Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps When ready to bake, combine with wet ingredients and let it rise for about 30 minutes before baking. Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps.
- Storing: Store leftover quick bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, place it in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze it for up to three months, ensuring it’s well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
- Reheating: To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the quick bread in aluminum foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes. This method maintains its moisture while ensuring it warms evenly.
Suggestions for Herb & Cheese Quick Bread :
Use Fresh Herbs
Using fresh herbs is crucial for enhancing the flavor of your Herb & Cheese Quick Bread. Dried herbs can offer a hint of taste, but fresh herbs provide bright, vibrant flavors that elevate the dish. Choose herbs like basil, parsley, or chives, and chop them finely to release their essential oils. Incorporate these herbs directly into the batter. If you only have dried herbs on hand, remember to use them sparingly as they are more concentrated in flavor. Also, consider the balance of flavors; too many herbs can overpower the bread. Aim for a harmonious blend where each herb complements the cheese. For more inspiration, check out this cottage cheese mac and cheese recipe.
Don’t Overmix the Batter
Overmixing your Herb & Cheese Quick Bread batter can lead to a dense and tough texture that’s less enjoyable. When combining your dry ingredients with wet ingredients, mix until just combined. A few lumps in the batter are perfectly fine; they will bake out during cooking. The goal is to keep air pockets within the dough which help create a light and fluffy loaf. If you notice gluten developing while mixing, stop immediately. Proper mixing helps achieve that perfect rise and texture that makes this bread so delightful.
Choose the Right Cheese
Selecting the right cheese plays a significant role in the outcome of your Herb & Cheese Quick Bread. Opt for cheeses that melt well, such as cheddar or mozzarella, to ensure you get gooey pockets of cheese throughout your bread. Consider mixing different types of cheese to add depth to the flavor profile; for instance, pairing sharp cheddar with creamy goat cheese creates an irresistible combination. Avoid using pre-shredded cheese if possible, as it often contains anti-caking agents that can interfere with melting and flavor distribution.
Monitor Baking Time
Baking time is essential when crafting your Herb & Cheese Quick Bread. Every oven is unique; therefore, it’s wise to start checking for doneness a few minutes before the suggested baking time ends. Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached, your bread is ready! Be cautious not to overbake as this can lead to dryness—a common mistake that diminishes flavor and texture. For best results, allow your quick bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
FAQs :
What type of flour is best for Herb & Cheese Quick Bread?
When making Herb & Cheese Quick Bread, all-purpose flour is typically best due to its balanced protein content and ability to create a tender crumb. Some bakers prefer using whole wheat flour for added nutrition and flavor; however, this can alter texture and density slightly. High Protein Cottage Cheese Bake You might also consider combining all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for an interesting twist while still maintaining lightness in your bread. Ensure proper measurement when substituting any flour type—weight measurements yield better results than volume measures.
Can I add other ingredients into my quick bread?
Absolutely! Personalizing your Herb & Cheese Quick Bread allows you to experiment with various ingredients such as sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or even cooked bacon bits for extra flavor dimensions. Just be mindful not to overload your batter; too many additions can affect structure and moisture balance leading to undesirable outcomes like sogginess or heaviness in texture. Aim for moderation when adding extras—start small and gradually increase based on preference while ensuring primary herb and cheese flavors shine through.
How do I store leftover Herb & Cheese Quick Bread?
To keep left-over Herb & Cheese Quick Bread fresh after baking, allow it to cool completely at room temperature first. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in an airtight container or resealable bag. This will prevent moisture loss and maintain freshness for up to three days at room temperature or up to one week in refrigeration if necessary. For longer storage options, consider freezing individual slices wrapped tightly; they can last up to three months frozen without losing quality.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Making Herb & Cheese Quick Bread gluten-free is possible by using gluten-free all-purpose flour blends available in stores today designed specifically as substitutes for traditional flours like wheat-based all-purpose flour. Check labels carefully since some blends may require added binding agents such as xanthan gum or psyllium husk powder for optimal texture and rise when baking gluten-free items like quick breads—this ensures successful results without compromising flavor! For more inspiration, check out this ham and cheese sliders recipe.
Conclusion for Herb & Cheese Quick Bread :
In conclusion, crafting a delicious Herb & Cheese Quick Bread involves careful attention to detail from ingredient selection to mixing techniques and baking time management. Using fresh herbs enhances flavor significantly while avoiding overmixing preserves desired textures within your loaf. Choosing suitable cheeses contributes richness—experimenting with additional ingredients allows personalization without compromising integrity! Storing leftovers properly helps extend freshness after enjoying this delightful treat! Follow these tips closely next time you bake your quick bread masterpiece—it will surely impress friends and family alike!
Herb & Cheese Quick Bread
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: About 10 servings 1x
Description
Herb & Cheese Quick Bread is a savory delight that brings together the fresh taste of herbs and the gooey goodness of melted cheese. Perfect for any occasion, this warm loaf can be made in under an hour, making it an ideal side for soups or a standalone treat during brunch or dinner gatherings. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, impress your family and friends with this deliciously flavorful bread.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp dried herbs (e.g., oregano, thyme)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (e.g., cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1 cup milk
- 4 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, and dried herbs until combined.
- Fold in the shredded cheese.
- In another bowl, whisk together milk and melted butter; then combine with dry ingredients.
- Stir gently until just mixed; avoid overmixing.
- Pour the batter into the greased pan and bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
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