Cheese Herb Garlic Quick Bread Recipe

If you’re looking for a savory baked treat that practically perfumes your kitchen with cheesy, herby, garlicky goodness, this Cheese Herb Garlic Quick Bread is about to become your new go-to. Imagine a golden loaf, speckled with melty cheese and flecks of fresh herbs, every bite bursting with garlic and a rich, buttery tang. It’s the kind of bread you can whip up in under an hour—no yeast, no waiting—making it perfect for impromptu gatherings, cozy dinners, or simply whenever you’re craving comfort food with serious flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Cheese Herb Garlic Quick Bread lies in its simplicity—each ingredient is totally essential and brings its own flair, whether it’s adding a delicate crumb, a punch of flavor, or that wow-worthy cheesy finish. Here’s what you’ll need and why you’ll love each one:

• All-purpose flour: The base for a wonderfully tender crumb, letting all those savory flavors shine.
• Baking powder: Ensures your bread rises beautifully and stays light, not dense.
• Salt: Balances and boosts the cheddar, herbs, and garlic so every flavor pops.
• Garlic powder: Layers in even more garlicky depth, marrying beautifully with the fresh garlic.
• Dried oregano: Brings that unmistakable hint of earthy, Mediterranean aroma.
• Dried thyme: Adds a subtle savory touch that pairs perfectly with the cheese and garlic.
• Grated cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice): Melts into savory pockets throughout the loaf; sharp cheddar gives maximum flavor, mozzarella a gooey richness.
• Fresh parsley, chopped (or dried parsley): Offers color and a fresh, peppery bite—fresh is best, but dried works in a pinch.
• Milk: Keeps the crumb moist and tender, while helping everything come together smoothly.
• Unsalted butter, melted: Gives the loaf its soft richness and tender texture.
• Large egg: Binds the dough and adds just the right touch of richness.
• Garlic, minced (or garlic powder): Doubles up with the garlic powder to make each bite truly sing—fresh minced garlic is extra punchy.
• Olive oil (for greasing the pan): Prevents sticking and adds another note of rich flavor on the crust.

How to Make 

Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Pan

Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with olive oil, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. A well-prepped pan guarantees your Cheese Herb Garlic Quick Bread slides out without a hitch and gets that golden, irresistible crust on the sides.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, oregano, and thyme. The goal here is to evenly distribute the rising agents and seasonings—so every crumb is full of flavor and every slice rises to perfection.

Step 3: Add Cheese and Herbs

Stir the grated cheese and chopped fresh parsley into your flour mixture. Tossing them now helps prevent the cheese from sinking and ensures you get flecks of savory, cheesy, herby flavor in every bite. If you’re using dried parsley, sprinkle it in and mix thoroughly.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together your milk, melted butter, and egg until smooth and creamy. Now stir in that fresh minced garlic (or extra garlic powder if you want serious garlic power). This duo brings all the richness and savory deliciousness to your quick bread batter.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Gently pour your wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a spatula or large spoon, fold everything together until just combined; a few small lumps are totally fine. Overmixing can make the bread tough, so stop as soon as the flour disappears. You’ll notice the cheese shreds and flecks of green—it already looks so inviting!

Step 6: Pour and Bake

Spoon the thick batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top just a bit. Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know your Cheese Herb Garlic Quick Bread is ready when the top turns golden, the aroma is utterly tantalizing, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully turn it out onto a wire rack. This brief rest helps the loaf set and keeps the bottom from getting soggy. Once it’s cool enough to handle, slice, and serve while still warm—if you can wait that long!

How to Serve 

Garnishes

For a fun finishing touch, sprinkle extra chopped fresh parsley or chives on top of each slice. A quick brush of melted butter and an additional dusting of cheese right after baking lets the top glisten and amps up the savory decadence. Serve it with a crack of freshly ground black pepper for a restaurant-worthy flourish.

Side Dishes

This bread is a natural with tomato-based soups, creamy chowders, or hearty stews—its cheesy richness is perfect for dunking. It makes a flavorful companion to fresh salads and is right at home next to roasted veggies or grilled meats for a casual, satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing your Cheese Herb Garlic Quick Bread into thin strips for breadsticks, or cube it for savory croutons atop a Caesar salad. Warm slices can also be layered with extra cheese, then broiled until bubbly for a quick, melty snack. For parties, cut into bite-sized cubes and serve on a platter with toothpicks—watch them disappear!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Cheese Herb Garlic Quick Bread at its best, wrap any cooled leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It will stay soft and flavorful on your counter for up to two days, or in the fridge for about five days.

Freezing

This bread freezes wonderfully! Once fully cooled, slice and wrap individual pieces or the whole loaf in plastic wrap, then foil. Store in a freezer bag for up to three months. Just thaw slices at room temperature or give them a quick warm-up in the oven when you’re craving a fresh bite.

Reheating

To revive that just-baked magic, pop slices in a preheated 325°F (163°C) oven for 8-10 minutes, or microwave them in 10-second bursts until warmed through. A quick brush of melted butter can wake up the crust and ensure the flavors shine.

FAQs

Can I use different cheeses in this recipe?

Absolutely! The recipe is incredibly flexible—cheddar gives assertive flavor, mozzarella adds gooeyness, and gouda offers subtle sweetness. For a bolder bite, try sharp cheddar or a sprinkle of Parmesan on top before baking.

What’s the best way to make this bread extra garlicky?

If you’re a garlic lover, double up on the minced garlic or add a little extra garlic powder to the batter. You can also rub a cut clove of garlic on the warm bread right as it comes out of the oven for a fragrant, irresistible aroma.

Can I make Cheese Herb Garlic Quick Bread gluten-free?

Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Opt for a one-to-one baking mix for best results. The bread will still be moist, flavorful, and beautifully aromatic—just check the texture as baking times may vary slightly.

How do I know when my quick bread is fully cooked?

The top should be golden brown and a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center should come out clean. If the loaf is browning too quickly, cover with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking to avoid over-browning the crust.

What if I want to add a kick of spice to the bread?

It’s easy! Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes, some diced jalapeños, or even hot paprika with the dry ingredients. The result: a Cheese Herb Garlic Quick Bread with a delightful depth of flavor and a gentle, warming heat.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing more comforting or inviting than a warm, homemade Cheese Herb Garlic Quick Bread fresh from the oven. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or it’s your first time making quick bread, this recipe is all about big flavor with little fuss. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how quickly it disappears!

Print