Mediterranean Cheesy Herb Quick Bread
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.
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.
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.