Discover the rich flavors of Cheese, Herb & Garlic Quick Bread, a delightful and savory treat that’s ready in under 30 minutes. This bread balances the perfect fluffiness with a bold blend of fresh herbs, sharp cheese, and roasted garlic, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you need a quick snack, an irresistible side, or a centerpiece for your table, this easy-to-make quick bread delivers warmth and comfort in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Speedy preparation: Be ready to enjoy fresh bread in less than half an hour without any complicated steps.
- Flavor-packed: The combination of cheese, herbs, and garlic creates an irresistible aroma and taste that fills your kitchen.
- Versatile use: Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or paired with soups, salads, and main dishes alike.
- Beginner-friendly: This recipe requires minimal techniques, ideal for any skill level in the kitchen.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the flavors or cheese types to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping the ingredient list simple allows the Cheese, Herb & Garlic Quick Bread to shine with fresh, bold flavors while maintaining a moist and fluffy texture. Each component plays an essential role, from the cheese’s creaminess to the herbs’ brightness and the garlic’s punch.
- Flour: The foundation providing structure and lightness when properly measured and sifted.
- Baking powder: Our leavening agent that ensures the bread rises quickly and stays fluffy.
- Salt: Enhances all the individual ingredients, balancing and brightening flavors.
- Fresh herbs: Chopped rosemary, thyme, or parsley add a fragrant herbal touch that’s refreshing.
- Garlic: Finely minced or roasted garlic adds a gentle, savory depth without overpowering.
- Cheese: Sharp cheddar or parmesan provides rich, savory layers and a melty texture throughout.
- Milk: Adds moisture and tenderness to the dough for soft crumb.
- Egg: Binds the ingredients and contributes to the bread’s golden color and rise.
- Butter: Melted butter enhances richness and yields a tender crumb.
Variations for Cheese, Herb & Garlic Quick Bread
Feel free to personalize your Cheese, Herb & Garlic Quick Bread with these simple twists. Adapting this recipe requires just a few ingredient swaps or additions, allowing you to craft your own signature bread while keeping the essence of this delicious dish intact.
- Different cheeses: Swap cheddar for feta, gouda, or mozzarella to vary the meltiness and flavor profile.
- Herb blends: Try basil and oregano for an Italian twist or chives and dill for a fresher note.
- Spicy kick: Add finely chopped jalapeños or a dash of red pepper flakes to bring heat.
- Gluten-free alternative: Use a gluten-free flour mix to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing texture.
- Vegan option: Substitute egg with flaxseed or chia seed gel, milk with plant-based milk, and use vegan cheese.

How to Make Cheese, Herb & Garlic Quick Bread
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease or line a loaf pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of your bread once baked. This preparation step helps guarantee a perfect, non-sticking loaf.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and fresh herbs until everything is evenly distributed. This ensures your bread will have a consistent rise and an even flavor throughout.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the egg with melted butter and milk until fully combined. Add minced or roasted garlic to this mixture to infuse its aroma uniformly through the bread dough.
Step 4: Fold in Cheese and Combine
Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Fold in your shredded or crumbled cheese carefully to spread it evenly without overmixing, preserving a tender crumb.
Step 5: Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top. Bake for approximately 20–25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely or serve warm. This resting time helps set the texture perfectly for slicing.
Pro Tips for Making Cheese, Herb & Garlic Quick Bread
- Use freshly grated cheese: It melts better and has more vibrant flavor than pre-shredded options with anti-caking agents.
- Don’t overmix: Stir just until combined to keep the bread light and fluffy instead of dense and tough.
- Toast herbs gently: Briefly heating herbs in butter or oil before mixing can boost their fragrance without overwhelming the bread.
- Test freshness of leavening: Ensure your baking powder is active by testing it in warm water before starting.
- Use room temperature ingredients: This helps everything blend smoothly and supports better rising.
How to Serve Cheese, Herb & Garlic Quick Bread
Garnishes
Sprinkle extra chopped herbs or a dusting of grated cheese on top right after baking for a fresh, appealing finish that lifts the visual and flavor profile.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs beautifully with creamy soups like tomato bisque or butternut squash soup, fresh garden salads, or even as a savory complement alongside grilled meats and roasted vegetables.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the bread into thick slabs and serve warm with compound butter or herbed olive oil for dipping. You can also repurpose leftover bread by making cheese toasties or using it as the base for savory bread puddings or strata.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Cheese, Herb & Garlic Quick Bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain freshness.
Freezing
This quick bread freezes beautifully. Wrap cooled slices in foil or place them in freezer bags for up to 3 months, allowing you to enjoy the bread on demand with minimal effort.
Reheating
For best results, reheat slices in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes. This restores crispness and warms the melty cheese centre perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use pre-minced garlic instead of fresh garlic?
While fresh garlic delivers the best flavor and texture, pre-minced garlic can be used in a pinch, though the flavor will be milder and slightly less vibrant.
What cheese works best for this quick bread?
Sharp cheddar is classic, but parmesan, mozzarella, gouda, or a blend of cheeses all bring unique tastes and textures; try what you enjoy most.
Can I add other herbs besides rosemary and thyme?
Absolutely, herbs like basil, parsley, or chives work wonderfully and can change the profile to suit your tastes or match other dishes.
Is this recipe gluten-free friendly?
You can substitute a gluten-free flour blend 1:1, but choose one designed for quick breads to keep the same texture and avoid dryness.
How do I make the bread dairy-free?
Use non-dairy milk, vegan butter substitutes, and dairy-free cheese alternatives to keep the bread moist and flavorful without dairy ingredients.
Final Thoughts
This Cheese, Herb & Garlic Quick Bread is my go-to when I want something cozy but fast, bursting with familiar flavors that everyone loves. Its easy prep and irresistible taste make it perfect for last-minute meals or snacks. Give it a try today—once you do, I’m sure it will become one of your favorite savory quick breads too!
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PrintCheese, Herb & Garlic Quick Bread
Cheese, Herb & Garlic Quick Bread is a flavorful and savory quick bread that balances fluffy texture with the boldness of fresh herbs, sharp cheese, and roasted garlic. Ready in under 30 minutes, this easy-to-make bread is perfect as a snack, side dish, or centerpiece for any meal, delivering warmth and comfort in every bite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8 slices) 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or parsley), chopped
Wet Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced or 1 tablespoon roasted garlic
Add-ins
- 1 cup sharp cheddar or parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease or line a loaf pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of your bread once baked.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and fresh herbs until evenly distributed for consistent rise and flavor.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the egg with melted butter and milk until fully combined. Stir in the minced or roasted garlic to infuse its aroma evenly throughout the dough.
- Fold in Cheese and Combine: Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Fold in the shredded or crumbled cheese carefully to distribute it evenly without overmixing.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely or serve warm. This resting time helps set the texture for perfect slicing.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
- Do not overmix the batter to maintain a light and fluffy texture.
- Optionally toast herbs gently in butter or oil before mixing to enhance fragrance.
- Test baking powder freshness by mixing a small amount with warm water to ensure it bubbles.
- Use room temperature ingredients to improve blending and rising.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 loaf)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 55mg