| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 45 mins – 60 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 454 | 24g | 14g | 50g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 18g | 3g | 12g | 0.37g |
Mexican Oregano and Cheese Bread. Just hearing those words takes me back to my childhood, sitting in grandma’s kitchen with the smell of fresh bread wafting through the air. It’s a hearty and homely flavor that I’m pleased to share with each and every one of you. This is no ordinary bread, this bread is a celebration of simple ingredients, including fruits, which are melded together to create something special. For those who grew up in the heartland like me, the importance of food as a lynchpin of family, friendship, and community is not lost on you. It’s this connecting thread that Mexican Oregano and Cheese bread embodies.
The health benefits
This remarkable recipe does more than just satiate your taste buds. Jam-packed with fruits like dried figs, apricots, and dates, this bread offers a bounty of health benefits to keep the doctor at bay. These fruits are rich in dietary fiber, antioxidants, and essential minerals. They help in regulating blood pressure, improving digestion, and boosting overall heart health – a stark reminder that delicious can also mean healthy. And let’s not forget the pistachios; they are a good source of healthy fats and protein. The inclusion of Mexican oregano is just the icing on the cake, renowned for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, it’s an herb with significant health benefits.
A heartland twist on a classic
If you’re familiar with the corn casseroles and beef stews that are a staple of Midwestern comfort food, you’ll also appreciate the comforting yet complex flavors found in Mexican Oregano and Cheese Bread, and the similar principle of farm-to-table freshness. The cheese adds a creamy, decadent touch. The Mexican oregano offers a unique, robust flavor. The dried figs, apricots, and dates provide a touch of sweetness and texture, while the orange zest gives it a subtle tang. Lastly, the optional pistachios add an extra crunch to make every bite memorable. If you’re hosting a brunch or gathering, this can be a delightful addition to your offerings.
Pair it with fruit compote for a delicious breakfast or serve alongside roasted chicken for a wholesome dinner. However you choose to serve this bread recipe, it’s a surefire crowd-pleaser that embodies the values of heartland cooking. Enjoy, from my kitchen to yours.
What You’ll Need
- 1.5 cups of all-purpose flour
- 5 tablespoons of granulated sugar
- 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 2 teaspoons of dried Mexican oregano
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup of whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup of finely grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup of dried figs, chopped
- 1/4 cup of dried apricots, chopped
- 1/4 cup of dried dates, chopped
- 1 tablespoon of orange zest
- 1/2 cup of roasted pistachios, chopped (optional)
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
Step Two
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1.5 cups of all-purpose flour, 5 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder, 2 teaspoons of dried Mexican oregano, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Whisk until the ingredients are well combined.
Step Three
In a separate bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter, 1/2 cup of whole milk, and 2 large eggs. Beat the mixture until it is smooth.
Step Four
Slowly add the liquid ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step Five
Once the batter is mixed, fold in 1 cup of finely grated sharp cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup of chopped dried figs, 1/4 cup of chopped dried apricots, 1/4 cup of chopped dried dates, and 1 tablespoon of orange zest. Mix until the ingredients are evenly distributed in the batter.
Step Six
Spoon the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Optionally, sprinkle the top of the loaf with 1/2 cup of roasted, chopped pistachios.
Step Seven
Bake the bread in the preheated oven for about 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step Eight
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once the bread is cooled, slice and enjoy your Mexican Oregano and Cheese Bread.
