If you love the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread filled with cheesy goodness and fragrant herbs, then this Cheesy Herb Bread Recipe is going to become your new favorite treat. Perfectly moist and tender with a golden crust, every bite bursts with layers of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, combined with the subtle warmth of oregano and thyme. Whether you’re serving it at a cozy family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this bread strikes just the right balance of savory, cheesy, and herby flavors that’s simply irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but essential to creating that perfect Cheesy Herb Bread Recipe, each playing its role to boost flavor, texture, or aroma. From the blend of cheeses adding gooey, melty goodness to the aromatic herbs giving a rustic touch, every component enhances the experience.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives structure and tenderness to the bread.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Helps the bread rise and become fluffy without heaviness.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Assists in leavening and contributes to a light crumb.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances flavors and enhances the savory notes.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle savory depth that complements the cheese.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings a fragrant herbal freshness that pairs beautifully with cheese.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Lends an earthy, slightly minty aroma for complexity.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Provides a sharp, tangy bite and bright color.
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Contributes a melty, creamy texture that binds the bread.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a nutty, salty punch packed with umami.
- 1 1/4 cups buttermilk: Creates moisture for softness and a gentle tang.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and a tender crumb.
- 2 large eggs: Help bind ingredients while enriching flavor and texture.
How to Make Cheesy Herb Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking. Give your 9 by 5-inch loaf pan a good grease with butter or cooking spray, which will make removing the bread a breeze once it’s baked.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, garlic powder, oregano, and thyme. This ensures the herbs and leavening agents are evenly mixed, guaranteeing a uniform rise and flavor throughout the bread.
Step 3: Add the Cheeses
Now, fold in the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. Distributing these cheeses evenly in the dry mix means every slice will be loaded with cheesy pockets that will melt into perfection.
Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, and eggs. This creates a smooth, velvety mixture that will bring richness and moisture to the bread.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry bowl and gently fold everything together just until combined. Be careful not to overmix — gentle folding helps keep the crumb light and tender, which is key for the perfect Cheesy Herb Bread Recipe.
Step 6: Transfer Batter to Pan and Bake
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Then slide it into the oven to bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the bread’s surface has turned a beautiful golden brown.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slicing it warm reveals the melty cheese and invites you to dive right in, but it’s equally delicious at room temperature.
How to Serve Cheesy Herb Bread Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the appearance and flavor, sprinkle fresh chopped herbs like parsley or chives on top just before serving. A light spread of softened butter or garlic herb butter can also highlight the cheese’s richness wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This Cheesy Herb Bread Recipe pairs delightsomely with soups like creamy tomato bisque or hearty vegetable stew. It also makes a fantastic companion to salads, roasted meats, or a brunch spread featuring eggs and fresh fruit.
Creative Ways to Present
Throw a twist on tradition by slicing the bread into cubes and using it for flavorful croutons or bread pudding. Alternatively, slice thicker pieces, toast them, and top with avocado, a poached egg, or your favorite bruschetta for a savory snack or appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any extra bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This will keep the bread moist and fresh enough for snacking or meals the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save your delicious Cheesy Herb Bread Recipe for longer, wrap it well in foil and then plastic wrap before popping it into the freezer. It will keep beautifully for up to 3 months without losing its moist, cheesy texture.
Reheating
To revive the bread’s freshness after refrigeration or freezing, reheat slices in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes. This brings back the warmth and soft melty cheeses like it was freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese in this Cheesy Herb Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan offer a beautiful balance of flavors and textures, feel free to experiment with cheeses like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a bit of blue cheese for a unique flair.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
You can easily substitute buttermilk by mixing 1 1/4 cups of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using it in the recipe to mimic the tang and acidity.
Is this bread gluten-free friendly?
This particular recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. For a gluten-free version, you would need to use a gluten-free flour blend and consider additional binding agents since the texture can differ significantly.
How can I make the bread more herb-forward?
If you want a stronger herb flavor, increase the dried oregano and thyme slightly or add fresh minced herbs like rosemary or basil. Just be cautious with quantities to keep the balance with the cheese harmonious.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Yes, doubling the ingredients works well, just make sure to use a larger loaf pan or divide the batter into two pans. Also, adjust baking time accordingly, checking for doneness with the toothpick test.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Herb Bread Recipe brings warmth, comfort, and irresistible flavor to your kitchen with every slice. It’s a versatile crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly simple to make, so don’t hesitate to give it a try. I guarantee you’ll find yourself reaching for seconds and maybe even thirds – your family and friends will thank you for it!
Print
Cheesy Herb Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: 55-60 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheese Bread recipe combines a blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses with aromatic herbs to create a flavorful and moist loaf. Perfect as a savory snack or a side to your favorite meals, this bread is easy to make and bakes to golden 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
Cheeses
- 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 to prevent sticking during baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, garlic powder, dried oregano, and dried thyme until evenly combined.
- Add cheeses: Stir in the shredded cheddar, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese into the dry mixture until the cheeses are evenly distributed throughout.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted unsalted butter, and eggs until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold together just until combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the bread tender.
- Transfer batter to pan: Pour the batter into the prepared greased loaf pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake the bread: 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.
- Cool the bread: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve: Slice the bread into 8 slices and serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to ensure a tender texture.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and texture.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 1/4 cups of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- This bread can be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw at room temperature before slicing.
