Cheesy Herb Bread Recipe
The Cheesy Herb Bread Recipe is a delightful, savory treat that combines the richness of three cheeses with the fragrant touch of dried herbs, creating an irresistible loaf perfect for any occasion. This bread is wonderfully soft inside with a golden crust, making it a fantastic companion to soups, salads, or simply enjoyed on its own while still warm. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe delivers an easy yet impressive way to fill your kitchen with the comforting aroma of fresh, homemade bread.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Cheesy Herb Bread Recipe just right relies on a handful of simple, quality ingredients that work harmoniously to build flavor and texture. Each component plays a special role, from the fluffy structure provided by the flour and leavening agents to the melty cheeses and aromatic herbs that bring this bread to life.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the bread, providing structure and a tender crumb.
- Baking powder: Helps the bread rise, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.
- Baking soda: Boosts leavening and balances acidity for perfect rise and crumb.
- Salt: Enhances flavors and balances the sweetness of the cheeses.
- Garlic powder: Adds savory depth to complement the herbs.
- Dried oregano: Infuses an earthy, slightly bitter herbal note.
- Dried thyme: Provides a subtle floral freshness that elevates the bread’s aroma.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Offers sharpness and meltiness, creating pockets of gooey goodness.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Brings stringy, stretchy texture and mild flavor.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, savory finish with a crisp crust contribution.
- Buttermilk: Tenderizes the crumb and adds a gentle tanginess that brightens the bread.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Enriches the bread with moisture and a silky mouthfeel.
- Large eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to richness and structure.
How to Make Cheesy Herb Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan ensures your bread won’t stick and will slide out easily once baked. This setup is key to a smooth baking experience and a perfectly shaped loaf.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, garlic powder, dried oregano, and dried thyme until evenly combined. This step ensures an even distribution of leavening agents and herbs throughout the bread, giving each slice consistent flavor and texture.
Step 3: Incorporate the Cheeses
Gently stir in the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheeses into your dry mix. Combining these three cheeses creates a rich and multi-dimensional cheesy flavor that defines this recipe, while also ensuring pockets of gooey melted cheese in every bite.
Step 4: Blend Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, and eggs until the mixture is smooth and uniform. The buttermilk adds moisture and a subtle tang, while butter adds luscious richness, and eggs provide structure.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can create a dense bread rather than the tender, fluffy texture you want from this Cheesy Herb Bread Recipe.
Step 6: Transfer Batter and Bake
Pour the batter into your greased loaf pan and spread it evenly. Place it in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack. This cooling time helps the loaf set, making slicing easier and cleaner. Serve warm or at room temperature to enjoy the wonderful flavors at their best.
How to Serve Cheesy Herb Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Top your slices with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives to add a burst of color and fresh flavor that complements the dried herbs baked into the bread. A light drizzle of olive oil or a smear of herb butter can also take this bread to the next level.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs beautifully with comforting soups like tomato basil or potato leek, where its cheesy, herby notes enhance the meal. It is equally perfect alongside crisp salads or charcuterie boards, offering a savory contrast to fresh or cured ingredients.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping appetizer, slice the bread thickly, toast lightly, and top with roasted garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, or even a dollop of pesto. For brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs or an omelet to add a warm, cheesy touch to the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Herb Bread Recipe can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep it fresh longer, place it in the refrigerator where it will stay good for about 5 days without drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze this bread either whole or sliced for convenience. Wrap the loaf or individual slices well in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Frozen bread can last up to 3 months, making it easy to enjoy this cheesy treat anytime.
Reheating
To enjoy the bread warm after storing, toast slices in a toaster oven or bake wrapped in foil at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes. This brings back the fresh-baked experience, melting the cheese again and softening the crumb.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese for this recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan are classic choices here, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère, fontina, or even pepper jack for a twist on the flavors. Just be mindful of saltiness and melting qualities.
Do I have to use buttermilk?
Buttermilk provides a slight tang and tender crumb, but you can substitute it with regular milk plus a splash of lemon juice or vinegar as a quick homemade buttermilk alternative. This keeps the recipe accessible without sacrificing texture.
Can this bread be made gluten-free?
To make this Cheesy Herb Bread Recipe gluten-free, use a trusted gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. Keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different, but it can still be delicious.
What can I do if I don’t have dried herbs?
If fresh herbs are available, use about three times the amount of dried herbs called for in the recipe, as fresh herbs are less concentrated. If you have neither, a small pinch of Italian seasoning can provide a similar flavor profile.
Is this bread suitable for freezing after baking?
Yes! This bread freezes very well. Just make sure it has completely cooled before wrapping to preserve its moisture and avoid condensation. Thaw at room temperature and reheat for the best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Herb Bread Recipe is truly a treasure to have in your repertoire. It’s simple to make, wonderfully versatile, and deeply satisfying. I encourage you to bake a loaf soon, filling your home with its enticing aroma and treating your loved ones to a warm slice of cheesy, herby heaven.
Print
Cheesy Herb Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This cheese bread recipe is a deliciously savory quick bread packed with a blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, infused with aromatic herbs and a touch of garlic. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or alongside soups and salads, it boasts a tender crumb with a golden crust baked to perfection in under an hour.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Wet Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups buttermilk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly to prevent sticking during baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, garlic powder, dried oregano, and dried thyme until well combined for an even distribution of leavening agents and seasoning.
- Add Cheeses: Stir in the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheeses into the dry mixture, ensuring the cheese is evenly scattered throughout.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, melted butter, and eggs together until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients bowl and gently fold them together until just combined; be careful not to overmix to maintain a tender crumb.
- Transfer to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly using a spatula to create a smooth surface.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bread is fully cooked.
- Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes to set before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve: Slice the cheese bread and serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to avoid a dense, tough bread texture.
- Use freshly grated cheeses for better melting and flavor absorption.
- Allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing for cleaner cuts.
- This bread can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Feel free to substitute herbs with your favorites such as rosemary or basil for a different flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
