Cheese, Herb & Garlic Quick Bread Recipe

There’s something truly magical about the aroma of freshly baked Cheese, Herb & Garlic Quick Bread wafting through your kitchen. This delightful loaf is a feast for all your senses—golden on the outside, tender and cheesy within, and practically bursting with savory herbs and a touch of garlic. Whether you’re whipping it up for a cozy brunch, serving a crowd at a potluck, or just craving something a little special alongside your favorite soup, this quick bread always steals the show and comes together in just about an hour, no yeast or fuss required!

Ingredients You’ll Need

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love about this Cheese, Herb & Garlic Quick Bread is that every ingredient plays a starring role—each one brings texture, rich flavor, and color to the finished loaf. Nothing fancy required, just straightforward staples you likely already have at home.

• Flour: All-purpose flour gives the bread its structure and classic crumb—make sure to measure it properly for the best results.
• Baking Powder: The secret to achieving that lofty, tender rise without yeast.
• Salt: Essential for developing the flavors and balancing the cheesy, herby notes.
• Granulated Sugar: Just a touch to round out the savory flavors and enhance the golden crust.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Provides melty pockets throughout the loaf—grate it yourself for the best melt and flavor.
• Fresh Parsley and Chives (or a mix of fresh herbs): These add color bursts and earthy freshness; swap in your favorite herbs if you like.
• Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced garlic infuses every bite with irresistible savory aroma and taste.
• Milk: Whole milk keeps the crumb moist—plant-based milk can work in a pinch.
• Unsalted Butter (melted): Adds richness and helps create that crave-worthy crust.
• Large Eggs: Eggs bind everything together and give a tender, cake-like texture.

How to Make Cheese, Herb & Garlic Quick Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and liberally grease a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. These little steps ensure your Cheese, Herb & Garlic Quick Bread comes out with a gorgeous crust and never sticks to the pan.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. This helps evenly disperse the rising agent and seasoning throughout, so your bread rises evenly and every bite is perfectly balanced.

Step 3: Add Cheese and Herbs

Add your grated cheddar cheese, chopped fresh herbs, and minced garlic right into the flour mixture. Tossing them in the flour keeps them evenly distributed and prevents them from sinking to the bottom of your loaf during baking.

Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, and eggs until smooth and creamy. The trick is to let your butter cool so it doesn’t cook the eggs when you mix it in!

Step 5: Bring Everything Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mix and stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon—just until combined. The batter will be thick and shaggy, and that’s perfect. Avoid over-mixing, which can make the quick bread tough rather than tender.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Scrape the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for about 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean and the top is deeply golden. Your kitchen will smell incredible!

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Let your Cheese, Herb & Garlic Quick Bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack. Allow it to finish cooling before slicing for the best texture (if you can wait!). Serve thick slices slightly warm for maximum enjoyment.

How to Serve Cheese, Herb & Garlic Quick Bread

Garnishes

Finish your loaf with a sprinkle of extra chopped herbs or a light brushing of melted butter just as it comes out of the oven. This simple touch brightens the colors and gives the crust an irresistible shine—perfect for those Instagram-worthy bread photos!

Side Dishes

Cheese, Herb & Garlic Quick Bread pairs beautifully with so many dishes. Serve it alongside a steaming bowl of homemade tomato soup, a fresh green salad, or a hearty stew. It also makes a fantastic partner for breakfast eggs or brunch spreads.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice your quick bread thick and use it as a base for open-faced sandwiches, or toast slices and top with avocado and a fried egg. For parties, cut into cubes and serve on a cheese board—watch it disappear first!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover Cheese, Herb & Garlic Quick Bread tightly in foil or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need it to last longer, the fridge will keep it fresh for up to a week (though the crust may soften a little).

Freezing

This quick bread freezes beautifully. Slice and wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then pop them into a freezer-safe bag. Grab a slice whenever the craving strikes for homemade cheesy, herby goodness!

Reheating

To enjoy that just-baked taste again, reheat slices gently in a preheated 300°F oven for about 10 minutes, or toast them for a crisp exterior. You can also microwave for a few seconds, though the crust will soften slightly.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is a classic choice, try mixing in Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even crumbled feta for a unique spin. Just be sure to keep the total amount of cheese about the same so the texture stays perfect.

What herbs work best for Cheese, Herb & Garlic Quick Bread?

Fresh parsley and chives are a winning combination, but you can experiment with dill, thyme, basil, or even rosemary. Just stick to tender herbs or chop tougher varieties finely for the best texture and flavor.

Can I make this bread gluten free?

Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum. The result will be slightly different in texture but still absolutely delicious, so everyone at the table can enjoy it.

Why does my quick bread sometimes turn out dense?

Over-mixing is the top culprit for a dense loaf. Gently stir until the batter just comes together and no dry spots remain. Make sure your baking powder is fresh, too—old leaveners won’t provide the rise your bread needs.

Can I make muffins instead of a loaf?

Yes! Divide the batter among greased or lined muffin cups, filling about two-thirds full. Bake at the same temperature, reducing the bake time to about 20–25 minutes. Perfect for grab-and-go cheesy, herby snacks!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for an easy yet crowd-pleasing bake, you can’t go wrong with Cheese, Herb & Garlic Quick Bread. There’s just so much to love in this loaf—savory cheese, fresh bursts of herb, and that gentle warmth of garlic in every bite. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it your own!

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