Ultimate Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread :Easy, Cheesy, and Bursting with Bold Flavor

Name: Ultimate Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread :Easy, Cheesy, and Bursting with Bold Flavor
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour (240g); 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (100g); 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (50g); 1 1/4 cups buttermilk (300ml); 1/3 cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; Chopped fresh parsley; Sun-dried tomatoes; Roasted garlic; Chopped olives

June 8, 2025

BySophia

Bread

Difficulty

Prep time

Cooking time

Total time

Servings

This Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread is a rich, savory quick bread packed with bold flavors, making it the perfect companion to soups, pastas, or simply served warm with butter. Loaded with cheddar and parmesan, and flavored with classic Italian herbs, this bread comes together easily without yeast, rising time, or complicated steps.

Whether you’re an experienced home baker or just getting started, this foolproof recipe is one you’ll want to save and return to again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No yeast or kneading required
Cheesy, moist, and flavorful inside with a golden crust
Uses simple pantry-friendly ingredients
Freezer-friendly and great for meal prep
Perfect for holidays, family dinners, or casual brunches

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour (240g)
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (100g)
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (50g)
1 1/4 cups buttermilk (300ml)
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs

Optional Add-ins

Chopped fresh parsley
Sun-dried tomatoes
Roasted garlic
Chopped olives

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easier release after baking.

Step 2 – Mix dry ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, thyme, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.

Step 3 – Add the cheese

Stir in the cheddar and parmesan so that they are evenly distributed and lightly coated in the dry mixture.

Step 4 – Mix wet ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, vegetable oil, and eggs until smooth.

Step 5 – Combine wet and dry ingredients

Add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix to keep the bread tender and soft.

Step 6 – Transfer to loaf pan

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. You can sprinkle additional cheese or herbs over the top if desired.

Step 7 – Bake

Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top browns too fast, tent the loaf loosely with foil in the last 10–15 minutes.

Step 8 – Cool before slicing

Let the bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove and cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Flavor and Texture Tips

Use freshly grated cheese for better melt and flavor
Full-fat buttermilk gives the best texture and richness
Don’t skip the garlic powder—it adds depth to the flavor
Let the loaf cool fully before slicing to avoid crumbling
Avoid overmixing to keep the bread light and fluffy

Tools You’ll Need

Large mixing bowl
Medium mixing bowl
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
9×5-inch loaf pan
Cooling rack
Cheese grater

Serving Suggestions

Slice and serve warm with butter or olive oil
Toast and pair with creamy tomato soup
Make savory grilled cheese sandwiches
Cut into cubes and bake into croutons for salads
Serve with pasta, baked dishes, or roasted vegetables

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Room Temperature:
Wrap tightly and store for up to 2 days.

Refrigerator:
Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Freezer:
Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Toast slices or warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 8–10 minutes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the batter—this makes the bread dense
Using cold eggs or buttermilk—room temp ingredients mix better
Cutting the bread too soon—cooling allows the crumb to set
Baking at too high a temperature—350°F ensures even cooking
Skipping the cheese prep—grate fresh for best melt and taste

Variations and Substitutions

Replace cheddar with mozzarella, asiago, or pepper jack
Use fresh herbs—triple the amount when substituting dried
Swap buttermilk with 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar (rest 5 minutes)
Mix in cooked spinach, green onions, or roasted red peppers
Make muffins—divide into greased muffin tin, bake 18–20 mins

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking will work in this recipe.

What’s the best cheese to use?

Sharp cheddar and parmesan offer bold flavor, but you can use your favorite firm cheese.

Can I freeze this bread?

Absolutely! It freezes beautifully for up to two months. Just thaw and reheat.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! It holds well for several days, and even better after the first day.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Yes. Multiply the quantity by 3 when substituting fresh for dried herbs.

Final Thoughts

This Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread is the perfect go-to recipe when you want something savory, cheesy, and satisfying. It’s ideal for beginner bakers, a great addition to your weekly meal rotation, and the kind of recipe that gets requested again and again. Simple, flavorful, and dependable—this bread checks all the boxes.

If you enjoyed this recipe, make sure to share it, save it to Pinterest, and subscribe for more homemade bread recipes that everyone will love.

Save