If you’re searching for a comforting, cheesy baked treat that’s as effortless as it is irresistible, this Savory Quick Bread will absolutely win your heart. No need to fuss with yeast or wait for hours—the batter comes together in minutes using pantry staples, bold cheddar, salty Parmesan, and bright fresh chives. Each slice is soft, tender, and brimming with flavor, making it a wonderful companion to soups, salads, or simply toasted with a pat of butter. Whether you’re new to baking breads or a seasoned pro, this recipe is about to become your go-to for a quick, hearty homemade loaf.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how just a handful of kitchen basics and a couple of flavorful extras can create something so delightful. Every ingredient in this Savory Quick Bread plays a purpose, from structure and lift to pops of flavor and color.
- All-purpose flour: Acts as the backbone of your loaf, providing structure and a soft crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Just a touch for balance—this won’t make your bread sweet, but it enhances the cheeses.
- Baking powder: The key leavening agent, giving your bread its signature rise and lightness.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out the savory flavors of the cheese and butter.
- Ground black pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and zing throughout the loaf.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Delivers cheesy pockets and bold flavor in every bite.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a salty, nutty punch and beautiful golden color.
- Chopped fresh chives or green onions: Bring a burst of freshness and a vivid pop of green.
- Whole milk: Keeps the crumb moist and tender—don’t swap in skim!
- Large eggs (room temperature): Bind the ingredients and add richness for a cohesive bread.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Provides decadent flavor and a moist, bakery-style texture.
- Extra butter for greasing: Ensures your loaf slides right out of the pan every time.
How to Make Savory Quick Bread
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C)—this gives your bread the perfect environment to rise and bake evenly. While the oven is heating, generously grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter. The extra butter doesn’t just keep things from sticking; it adds a little extra flavor and a beautifully golden exterior to your loaf.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Take a moment here to ensure everything looks uniformly combined—lumps of baking powder can create uneven pockets in the bread. This dry mix sets the structure for your Savory Quick Bread and evenly disperses the seasonings.
Step 3: Add the Cheeses and Chives
Next, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan, and chopped chives. Tossing these into the flour mixture first helps the cheese and herbs stay suspended throughout the bread (instead of sinking to the bottom), so every slice comes out flavorful and colorful.
Step 4: Whisk Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole milk, room temperature eggs, and melted butter until perfectly smooth. This mixture brings everything together and creates a rich, tender crumb. If your eggs or milk are cold, they could re-solidify the butter, so room temperature is your friend!
Step 5: Combine and Make the Batter
Pour the wet ingredients over the dry mixture and gently fold with a spatula or a wooden spoon. Be sure to mix until just combined—the batter will be thick and a bit lumpy. Overmixing at this stage can lead to a tougher loaf, so stop as soon as you no longer see dry flour.
Step 6: Fill the Pan and Bake
Scrape the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Slide it into your preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. The aroma will tell you you’re getting close!
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Let your Savory Quick Bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes—this makes it easier to remove without breaking. Transfer it to a wire rack to cool a bit more (if you can wait!). Serve it slightly warm for maximum coziness, or let it cool completely for easier slicing.
How to Serve Savory Quick Bread
Garnishes
A little flourish goes a long way! Sprinkle extra chopped chives or green onions over each slice for a burst of color and freshness. A light brush of melted butter across the top as the bread cools adds irresistible sheen and helps flavors pop even more.
Side Dishes
Savory Quick Bread is happiest alongside your favorite soups—think tomato basil, creamy potato, or herby chicken soup. It also pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad for a simple lunch, or try it as an accompaniment to a cheese and charcuterie board for a more indulgent spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice and toast the bread, then top with smashed avocado or a fried egg for a hearty breakfast. Cut thick slices into cubes, lightly toast, and transform them into crunchy croutons for your favorite salad or soup. For gatherings, serve the bread warm, cut into small squares as an elegant finger food.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap cooled Savory Quick Bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and store it at room temperature for up to 2 days. The flavors meld beautifully as it sits, and it stays moist and tender. After a couple of days, pop it in the fridge to extend its life a bit longer.
Freezing
This bread freezes like a dream! Once fully cooled, wrap the loaf (or individual slices) in plastic wrap and place inside a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature whenever you crave a quick, homemade treat.
Reheating
To reheat, pop slices in the toaster or oven until just warmed through. If the loaf is frozen, let it thaw before reheating. Warmed Savory Quick Bread regains its cheesy melty goodness and tastes just-baked again—so worth those few extra minutes!
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese in this Savory Quick Bread?
Absolutely! Gouda, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack are all fantastic alternatives to cheddar. Feel free to experiment and make the bread your own with your favorite blend.
Can I add extra mix-ins like bacon or sun-dried tomatoes?
Yes, adding 1/4 cup of cooked and crumbled bacon or chopped sun-dried tomatoes adds a lovely twist. These extras blend in seamlessly without altering the bread’s texture—just fold them in with the cheeses and chives.
Is this recipe suitable for making muffins instead of a loaf?
Definitely! Pour the batter into a greased muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full. Bake at the same temperature for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the tops are golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
The top should be golden, and a toothpick or skewer inserted into the center should come out clean. If you notice a gooey or wet batter, pop the loaf back in for a few more minutes and check again.
Can I make Savory Quick Bread gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute your favorite gluten-free 1:1 all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour. Double-check that your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free, and proceed as directed.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about freshly baked cheese bread, especially when it’s as simple and satisfying as this Savory Quick Bread. Warm, golden, and bursting with flavor, it’s bound to become a hit at every table. Give it a try—your kitchen will smell amazing, and your tastebuds will thank you!
Print
Savory Quick Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This savory quick bread is a delightful treat packed with cheesy goodness and fresh herbs. It’s easy to make and perfect for serving alongside soups or salads.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives or green onions
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 cups whole milk
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Extra butter for greasing the pan
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, black pepper, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and chives.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and melted butter until smooth.
- Combine Batter: Pour wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and fold gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Bake: Pour batter into the loaf pan, smooth the top, and bake for 45-50 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- This bread pairs well with soups or salads.
- For added flavor, consider mixing in cooked and crumbled bacon or chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
