Mediterranean Cheesy Herb Quick Bread.

Mediterranean Cheesy Herb Quick Bread

Table of Contents

This Mediterranean-inspired cheesy herb quick bread is soft, savory, and full of flavor. Made without yeast, it comes together quickly with pantry staples and bakes into a golden loaf perfect for pairing with soups, salads, or simply enjoying warm with butter. The combination of herbs, olive oil, and cheese gives it a rustic Mediterranean character, making it an easy yet impressive addition to any meal.

Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Bake Time: 40–45 minutes

Total Time: ~1 hour

Servings: 8–10 slices

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

Wet Ingredients

2 large eggs

1 cup milk (whole or 2%)

¼ cup olive oil

Cheese & Herbs

1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a Mediterranean blend)

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley, basil, oregano, dill, or a mix), chopped

1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional)

Topping (optional)

Extra shredded cheese and fresh herbs for sprinkling

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.

Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using).

Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, and olive oil until smooth.

Combine wet & dry: Pour wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined (do not overmix).

Add cheese and herbs: Fold in shredded cheese, Parmesan, and fresh herbs until evenly distributed. Batter will be thick.

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Transfer to pan: Spoon batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top. Sprinkle with extra cheese and herbs if desired.

Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool & serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips

Don’t overmix: Stir the batter just until combined. Overmixing makes the bread dense instead of tender.

Check doneness: Insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean (a few crumbs are okay), the bread is ready.

Cool slightly before slicing: Letting it rest 10–15 minutes helps the loaf set and slice cleanly.

Storage: Keep at room temperature for 2 days, refrigerate up to 5 days, or freeze slices for quick use later.

Variations

Mediterranean boost: Add ¼ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or roasted red peppers to the batter.

Cheese swaps: Try crumbled feta, goat cheese, or a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan for a tangier flavor.

Herb blends: Use fresh dill and parsley for a lighter taste, or oregano and thyme for a deeper, earthy flavor.

Spicy version: Mix in ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for gentle heat.

Nutty finish: Sprinkle sesame seeds or pine nuts on top before baking for extra crunch.

Mini loaves or muffins: Bake the batter in mini loaf pans or muffin tins (20–25 minutes bake time) for individual servings.

Q&A 

Q: Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?
A: Yes, you can replace up to half the flour with whole wheat. The bread will be denser but more hearty.

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Q: What cheeses work best?
A: Parmesan and cheddar give a sharp, savory flavor, while mozzarella makes it melty. For a Mediterranean twist, try feta or goat cheese.

Q: Can I make this bread ahead of time?
A: Definitely. Bake, cool completely, and store tightly wrapped at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days. Reheat slices in the oven or toaster before serving.

Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Yes. Slice the bread, wrap individual pieces, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or toast straight from the freezer.

Q: Is this bread gluten-free friendly?
A: It can be if you substitute an all-purpose gluten-free flour blend. The texture may be slightly different, but it still works well.

Nutrition

(per slice, based on 10 slices)

Calories: ~210

Protein: 8 g

Fat: 11 g

Carbohydrates: 20 g

Fiber: 1 g

Sugars: 2 g

Sodium: 380 mg

(Values will vary depending on cheese type and add-ins like olives or sun-dried tomatoes.)

Conclusion

Mediterranean Cheesy Herb Quick Bread is an easy, no-yeast recipe that delivers big flavor in under an hour. With its golden crust, soft interior, and savory mix of herbs and cheese, it’s a perfect companion to soups, salads, or a Mediterranean mezze platter. Customizable with different cheeses, herbs, or add-ins, this bread is both versatile and crowd-pleasing. Whether you bake it as a full loaf or in muffin form, it’s a comforting recipe to keep in your kitchen rotation.