If you’re craving something warm, savory, and downright comforting, this Herb & Cheese Quick Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. It blends the richness of melty cheese with fragrant herbs and a tender quick bread base that comes together faster than you’d expect. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend gathering, this recipe will make your kitchen smell irresistible while delivering a slice of pure deliciousness that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Herb & Cheese Quick Bread Recipe lies in its simplicity, with straightforward ingredients that work in harmony to create a beautifully balanced loaf. Each component adds its own unique texture, flavor, and color that makes every bite a delight.
- 2 cups shredded cheese: Choose cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite blend for gooey, melty goodness.
- 1 cup cooked chicken: Adds hearty protein and a savory depth to the bread.
- 2 cups cooked pasta: Penne or rotini are perfect, providing tender bites throughout.
- 1/2 cup milk: Keeps the bread moist and tender.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds richness and helps bind everything together.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential to enhance all the flavors and bring everything alive.
How to Make Herb & Cheese Quick Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s at the perfect temperature to cook your quick bread evenly, creating a beautiful golden crust while keeping the inside moist and tender.
Step 2: Combine the Main Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl and toss together the cooked pasta, chicken, and shredded cheese. This combination forms the hearty base of the bread, where every bite is packed with texture and flavor.
Step 3: Add the Milk, Butter, and Seasonings
Stir in the milk and melted butter carefully, allowing the flavors to mingle and the mixture to become creamy. Season well with salt and pepper to taste—this is where your bread truly comes alive.
Step 4: Prepare for Baking
Pour the mixture into a baking dish, spreading it evenly to ensure it bakes uniformly. Sprinkle extra cheese on top for that coveted bubbly, golden finish that’ll make your quick bread irresistible.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the bread is hot, bubbly, and golden brown on top. The aroma alone will have everyone eager to dig in.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve immediately while it’s warm and gooey. This Herb & Cheese Quick Bread Recipe is best savored fresh from the oven, ensuring the perfect melt of cheese and tender bread in every bite.
How to Serve Herb & Cheese Quick Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your bread by sprinkling fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or basil on top right before serving. This adds a pop of color and a fresh, vibrant flavor that balances beautifully with the richness.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside crisp green salads, creamy soups, or roasted vegetables to round out the meal. The bread’s hearty nature complements lighter sides perfectly, creating a satisfying and well-rounded plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice into thick wedges and serve with a spread of herbed butter or a tangy dipping sauce like marinara or garlic aioli. You can also cut into bite-sized squares for parties, making it an irresistible finger food.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Herb & Cheese Quick Bread Recipe leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making for an easy grab-and-go snack or quick addition to your meals.
Freezing
If you want to keep the bread longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing that wonderful flavor and texture.
Reheating
Reheat slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid the microwave if you want to retain the bread’s crispy edges and fresh-baked feel.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match cheeses like gouda, pepper jack, or even a bit of Parmesan to add your own twist on this Herb & Cheese Quick Bread Recipe’s flavor profile.
Is it possible to make this bread vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the chicken and add more veggies like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms. The herbs and cheese will still carry plenty of flavor and make it wonderfully satisfying.
Can I prepare this bread ahead of time and bake later?
Yes! Prepare the mixture and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Make sure to cover it well to keep it fresh and bake it just before serving.
What herbs work best in this quick bread?
Classic choices are thyme, rosemary, parsley, and chives. These fresh or dried herbs enhance the bread’s flavor and aroma without overpowering the cheese and chicken.
How can I make this bread gluten-free?
This recipe is a bit unconventional without traditional flour, but if you want a classic quick bread with herbs and cheese that’s gluten-free, substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend. For this particular recipe, since the base is pasta and cheese, ensure your pasta is gluten-free to keep it safe.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Herb & Cheese Quick Bread Recipe—a truly comforting, flavorful dish that’s simple enough for any day but special enough for entertaining. I hope you give this recipe a try and discover just how quickly it becomes a favorite go-to in your kitchen.
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Herb & Cheese Quick Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Bread Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A quick and hearty herb and cheese bread casserole combining tender cooked pasta, shredded cheese, and savory chicken baked to golden perfection. Ideal for a comforting meal ready in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
- 1 cup cooked chicken
- 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini works best)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the bread casserole.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked pasta, cooked chicken, and shredded cheese. Mix well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Add Milk and Butter: Stir in the milk and melted butter to the mixture. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences, ensuring the mixture is well blended.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Pour the combined mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle extra shredded cheese on top for a golden crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and serve immediately while hot and flavorful.
Notes
- You can customize the cheese by mixing different types like cheddar and mozzarella for more depth of flavor.
- If desired, add fresh or dried herbs such as parsley, thyme, or basil to enhance the herbal notes.
- For a richer texture, substitute some milk with cream or add a beaten egg to the mixture before baking.
- Ensure pasta is well drained and cooled before mixing to avoid sogginess.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking for convenience.
