Cheese Herb & Garlic Quick Bread Recipe

If you’re craving something savory, aromatic, and utterly comforting, Cheese Herb & Garlic Quick Bread is your secret weapon. Imagine a loaf that bakes up golden and irresistible, filling your kitchen with the mouthwatering fragrance of garlic, fresh herbs, and bubbling cheese. This is the kind of bread you whip up on a whim — no yeast required! — yet it never fails to impress, whether you’re serving it warm for brunch, as a dinner side, or simply sneaking a slice as a snack. It’s quick, foolproof, and packed with flavor in every bite. Trust me: once you’ve tried Cheese Herb & Garlic Quick Bread, you’ll find excuses to make it again and again!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be fooled by how simple this ingredient list is — every item here pulls its weight, building layers of flavor, texture, and color in the finished loaf. Each addition plays a crucial role, from tender crumb to gorgeous cheesy speckles.

• All-purpose flour: The backbone of your loaf, providing structure while keeping the crumb tender and soft.
• Baking powder: This gives the bread its beautiful rise without any need for yeast or proofing.
• Salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors — don’t skimp!
• Garlic powder: The hero ingredient for infusing every bite with savory warmth and depth.
• Fresh herbs (like parsley, chives, or thyme): Chopped herbs add flecks of green freshness and perfume the bread, making it look as good as it tastes.
• Shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend): Melty bits of cheese offer pockets of gooey delight and a golden top crust.
• Milk: Keeps the loaf moist and helps everything bind together.
• Egg: Adds richness and binds the batter, giving your loaf just the right amount of fluffiness.
• Olive oil or melted butter: Adds luscious texture, deep flavor, and that irresistible moist crumb.

How to Make Cheese Herb & Garlic Quick Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Before you get messy, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s hot and ready when your batter is mixed. Lightly grease a standard loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray and (if you’re like me and hate stuck corners) line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder. Take a moment to breathe in those garlicky aromas – it’s the first hint of what’s to come! Add most of your chopped fresh herbs and about three-quarters of the shredded cheese, saving a little of each for that glorious topping later.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the milk, egg, and oil (or melted butter). This trio is key for binding your bread and giving it a beautifully soft crumb inside and out.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold everything with a spatula until just combined. Don’t overmix — a few lumps are perfectly fine! Overworking can make the bread tough, and we’re going for melt-in-your-mouth tender.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Spoon the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top. Scatter the reserved cheese and herbs across the surface for that classic bakery finish. Pop it in the oven and bake for 40–50 minutes, or until the top is golden and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean (a little melted cheese on the stick is okay!).

Step 6: Cool and Slice

It’s tempting to slice into your Cheese Herb & Garlic Quick Bread right away, but give it at least 15 minutes to cool in the pan. This helps it set, so your slices come out perfect every time. Once cooled, lift it out, slice thickly, and marvel at the gorgeous cheesy-herb flecks inside!

How to Serve Cheese Herb & Garlic Quick Bread

Garnishes

When it comes to finishing touches, a sprinkle of extra chopped herbs or a dusting of grated cheese right after baking makes this bread look truly irresistible. For a glossy, bakery-style top, brush a little melted butter over the crown just before serving.

Side Dishes

This quick bread is unbelievably versatile. Pair it with a hearty soup or a fresh garden salad for an easy lunch, or serve alongside roast chicken, grilled vegetables, or pasta dishes to elevate your dinner spread. Honestly, it even makes scrambled eggs feel gourmet!

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the Cheese Herb & Garlic Quick Bread into thick cubes for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or use it as a base for open-faced sandwiches piled high with smoked salmon or roasted veggies. You can also toast slices and top them with a dab of cream cheese or a smear of garlic butter for an extra treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow manage to have leftovers, wrap the bread tightly in foil or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making day-old slices just as craveable as fresh!

Freezing

This loaf freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil before popping it in the freezer for up to three months. To keep the texture just right, slice before freezing so you can grab individual pieces as needed.

Reheating

Rewarm slices in a toaster or oven at 325°F for a few minutes until just heated through. If reheating the whole loaf, keep it wrapped in foil and bake until warmed — this helps prevent dryness and brings back that fresh-baked magic.

FAQs

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Absolutely! If you don’t have fresh herbs handy, substitute with about one-third the amount of dried. Dried herbs are more potent, so you won’t need as much to pack in the flavor.

Which cheese works best in this recipe?

Cheddar is classic for Cheese Herb & Garlic Quick Bread, but feel free to mix it up with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a little grated parmesan for an extra punch of flavor. A combo of cheeses makes for great texture and color, too.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend in place of regular all-purpose flour. Most blends work great, but check the label to ensure they can be substituted cup-for-cup.

Why isn’t yeast needed in this bread?

This is a “quick bread,” meaning it uses baking powder instead of yeast for rise. It comes together in minutes and bakes up light without the wait or fuss of traditional yeasted doughs.

Can I add extras like sun-dried tomatoes or olives?

Go for it! Feel free to fold in a handful of chopped sun-dried tomatoes, sliced black olives, or even caramelized onions for a personalized twist — Cheese Herb & Garlic Quick Bread is wonderfully adaptable.

Final Thoughts

I truly can’t recommend this Cheese Herb & Garlic Quick Bread enough. It’s quick, flavor-packed, and endlessly versatile — the kind of recipe you’ll want to share with everyone you know (or keep as your own little secret). Give it a try, and prepare to fall in love with just how easy homemade savory bread can be!

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