Name: Savory Cranberry Herb Bread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups flour; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries; 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary or thyme, chopped; 1 cup milk; 1 egg; 1/4 cup oil

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you are looking for a bread that beautifully balances a light sweetness with fresh herbal notes, then this Savory Cranberry Herb Bread Recipe is exactly what you need in your kitchen. It’s a unique loaf that elevates traditional cranberry bread by adding aromatic herbs, resulting in a comforting, fragrant treat perfect for holiday tables or a cozy afternoon snack alongside soups and salads. The combination of tart cranberries and savory herbs creates a delightful flavor profile that feels both festive and fresh every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A round braided bread wreath is placed on a black wire rack over a wooden board. The bread is golden brown with swirls of cinnamon and is topped with sliced almonds and white icing drizzle. Around the bread, there are small decorative pine branches and a couple of oranges in the background on a white marbled surface. In the background, there are white plates stacked on the white marbled surface. The scene looks cozy and festive. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for this recipe are wonderfully simple but pack a punch in flavor and texture. Each element plays its part in making the bread moist, flavorful, and visually inviting—from the tartness of cranberries to the herbal brightness and subtle sweetness.

2 cups flour: Provides the perfect structure for a tender but sturdy loaf that holds all the ingredients together beautifully.
1 tablespoon sugar: Adds a subtle touch of sweetness to complement the cranberries without overpowering the savory elements.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness and bringing out the herbs’ aroma perfectly.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Gives the bread the right lift for a soft and airy crumb.
1 cup fresh or dried cranberries: Bursts of tartness that make each bite exciting and colorful.
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary or thyme, chopped: Infuses the bread with an earthy herbal note that truly defines the savory side of this loaf.
1 cup milk: Keeps the bread moist and tender, ensuring a wonderful crumb.
1 egg: Helps bind everything together and contributes to the rich texture.
1/4 cup oil: Adds moisture and a slight richness so the bread doesn’t dry out.

How to Make Savory Cranberry Herb Bread Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures a consistent baking environment so your bread rises evenly. While the oven warms up, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, cranberries, and herbs in a large mixing bowl. This dry mixture lays the flavorful foundation for your bread with every ingredient distributed evenly.

Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the milk, egg, and oil together until well mixed. The milk and egg add moisture and structure, while the oil keeps the crumb soft. Combining wet ingredients separately helps achieve a smooth batter once mixed.

Step 3: Bring it All Together

Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Gently stir until everything is just combined—overmixing can toughen the bread, so take care to fold everything together with a light hand. The batter will be thick and studded with vibrant cranberries and flecks of herbs.

Step 4: Bake Your Loaf

Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan, smoothing the top. Place it carefully in the preheated oven and bake for about 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The kitchen will fill with a magical aroma as the cranberries soften and the herbs release their fragrance.

How to Serve Savory Cranberry Herb Bread Recipe

A round braided wreath-shaped bread with several layers of twisted dough forming a thick ring. The outer layers are golden brown with darker brown spots where the dough is twisted tightly. The bread is studded with dark raisins and lighter nuts, and drizzled with white icing in thin uneven lines across the top. It sits on a piece of crinkled parchment paper on a surface with a white marbled texture, with a few dried orange slices and some pine tree branches nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of fresh rosemary or thyme on top just before serving can amplify the herbaceous notes and add a pretty visual touch. For a bit of indulgence, a light smear of butter or a drizzle of olive oil brings out the bread’s moistness wonderfully.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs beautifully with cream-based soups like butternut squash or mushroom, as well as fresh garden salads. Additionally, it works wonderfully alongside a cheese board, especially with goat cheese, brie, or sharp cheddar to complement both the sweetness and herb flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the loaf sliced with a spread of tangy cream cheese mixed with a bit of fresh herbs. Another fun idea is to turn slices into savory crostini topped with ricotta and a drizzle of honey—or pair with smoked salmon and capers for a delightful appetizer. The Savory Cranberry Herb Bread Recipe is truly versatile and invites you to get creative!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, wrap your bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keeping it sealed helps maintain its moisture and keeps those cranberries plump and flavorful.

Freezing

You can freeze the bread for up to three months by wrapping it well in plastic wrap and then placing it in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature to enjoy later without compromising texture or taste.

Reheating

To revive any stored loaf, slice and warm it gently in a toaster oven or regular oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–10 minutes. This heating method refreshes the bread’s crumb and awakens the cranberries’ tartness alongside the fresh herbs.

FAQs

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Dried cranberries work wonderfully in this bread and add a bit more chewiness along with concentrated sweetness. If using dried, make sure they are unsweetened or lightly sweetened to balance the savory flavors.

What herbs work best in this recipe?

Fresh rosemary and thyme are fantastic options; their earthy aromas perfectly balance the tart cranberries. You can also experiment with sage or oregano if you want a slightly different herbal note.

Is this bread gluten-free?

This recipe uses regular all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free. However, you can try substituting with a gluten-free all-purpose blend, though textures may vary slightly.

Can I add nuts or seeds to the bread?

Yes! Adding chopped walnuts or pecans will give a lovely crunch and complement the flavors. Sunflower or pumpkin seeds also work well sprinkled on top before baking for extra texture.

How long does this bread stay fresh once baked?

If stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, the bread stays fresh for about 2 days. Beyond that, refrigeration or freezing is recommended to maintain its quality.

Final Thoughts

This Savory Cranberry Herb Bread Recipe has quickly become a beloved staple in my kitchen for its cozy, festive flavor that works for so many occasions. It’s simple to make but offers such a unique combination of bright cranberries and fragrant herbs that it always surprises and delights. I hope you enjoy baking (and sharing) this special loaf as much as I do!

Alice

Savory Cranberry Herb Bread Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

How to Make Savory Cranberry Herb Bread Recipe