Name: Cheese and Herb Garlic Quick Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Western
Ingredients: 7 oz / 200 g block cheddar or tasty cheese, sliced 3 mm / 0.1 inch thick with varied widths; 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped; 2 tbsp fresh parsley leaves, finely chopped; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp dried thyme; 2 garlic cloves, crushed or finely grated; 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1/2 tsp cooking salt or kosher salt (halve if using fine table salt); 2 1/4 cups plain flour (all-purpose flour); 1 tsp baking soda (bi-carbonate soda), can substitute with 3 1/2 tsp baking powder; 3/4 tsp cooking salt or kosher salt (halve if using table salt); 1/2 cup plain yogurt, Greek or regular full fat, unsweetened; 3/4 cup full fat milk, low fat acceptable; 2 large eggs (approximately 50-55 g each); 3 1/2 tbsp (50 g) unsalted butter, melted; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 small garlic cloves, crushed or grated

There’s something utterly comforting about fresh baked bread, especially when it’s loaded with melty cheese and fragrant herbs. This Cheese and Herb Garlic Quick Bread Recipe brings that cozy feeling to your kitchen in under an hour—perfect for when you want a warm, savory treat without the fuss.

The image shows a loaf of herb and cheese bread sliced into about seven thick pieces. The bread has a golden brown crust with visible melted, slightly browned cheese layers on top, mixed with green herbs scattered throughout each slice. The inside of the bread is light yellow with specks of herbs and a soft, airy texture. The slices rest on a white marbled surface, and to the left side, there is a small clear glass bowl with a green herb sauce or pesto. Some green herbs are also placed on the background around the bread. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheese and Herb Garlic Quick Bread Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheese and Herb Garlic Quick Bread Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheese and Herb Garlic Quick Bread Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I adore this Cheese and Herb Garlic Quick Bread Recipe because it feels fancy but comes together in a flash. The gooey cheese ribbons and herb garlic swirl make every slice a flavor adventure that’s as comforting as it is impressive.

Speedy and simple: No yeast or rising time, making it a go-to for busy days or unexpected guests.
Flavor-packed: The combo of fresh herbs, garlic, and cheese creates layers of savory goodness in every bite.
Flexible ingredients: You can easily swap herbs, cheeses, or even add extras like olives or sun-dried tomatoes to suit your taste.
Visually stunning: The swirled cheese and herb ribbons peek through the crust, making it a beautiful centerpiece on any table.

The image shows a baked loaf with a golden-brown crust that has deep, browned lines running lengthwise, revealing layers of green herb filling and melted cheese inside. The top is glossy with a firm texture, and the herb filling appears finely chopped and mixed, with a fresh rosemary sprig placed on top for garnish. The loaf sits in a silver metal baking tray lined with white parchment paper, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe plays with simple staples you probably already have, with a few fresh touches that bring it all alive. The blend of wet and dry ingredients ensures a moist but firm crumb, while the cheese and herbs are true showstoppers.

Flat lay of a block of orange cheddar cheese cut into thin random-width slices, two garlic cloves with papery skin, fresh rosemary sprigs with needle-like green leaves, fresh parsley leaves bright and leafy, small handful of dried oregano leaves, small pile of dried thyme leaves, three small white ceramic bowls containing golden extra virgin olive oil, creamy plain Greek yogurt, and full-fat milk, a small white ceramic bowl with fine kosher salt, smooth white ceramic bowl holding two whole uncracked brown eggs, a mound of plain all-purpose flour, a small heap of baking soda powder, a small white ceramic bowl with melted unsalted butter glowing yellow, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Cheese: Cheddar or tasty cheese slices create those delightful melty ribbons and add a rich, savory punch.
Fresh herbs: Rosemary and parsley bring brightness and a fresh, aromatic note that balances the cheese beautifully.
Dried oregano and thyme: These deepen the herbal flavor without overpowering it.
Garlic: Fresh garlic crushed or grated provides that irresistible aromatic base for the swirl.
Extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps bind the herb and garlic swirl together.
Salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors—just watch if you’re using table salt vs kosher salt.
Plain flour: The foundation of the bread, providing structure without heaviness.
Baking soda: The quick leavening agent that means no waiting around for dough to rise.
Plain yogurt: Moisturizes the bread and adds a subtle tang for depth.
Milk: Helps create a tender crumb and aids in browning the crust.
Eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to texture and richness.
Unsalted butter: Melted for buttery flavor and a soft crumb.
Olive oil (additional): Complements the butter and adds a light fruitiness.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

What’s great about this quick bread is the freedom to experiment. I often swap in different herbs depending on what’s fresh at the market or toss in some chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives for a savory twist. Feel free to make it yours—this recipe loves a bit of creativity.

Variation: One time, I used a blend of basil and chives in place of the rosemary and parsley, and it gave a softer, almost Italian vibe that everyone loved.
Dairy-free option: Try coconut yogurt and a nut milk instead; the texture changes a bit, but it’s still delicious.
Herb pesto swirl: I’ve swapped the fresh herbs and olive oil mix for a dollop of basil pesto—it adds a vibrant green color and a punch of flavor.
Cheese mix: Combining sharp cheddar with a bit of milder Colby or Edam creates a more layered cheesy experience.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheese and Herb Garlic Quick Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Ingredients

I start by preheating the oven to 180°C (350°F) and greasing my 21x11cm loaf pan with butter, then lining it with parchment paper for easy removal. While the oven warms, I chop my cheese into slices — not too thin, about 3mm is perfect. Mixing up the herb and garlic swirl ingredients comes next, so they have time to meld.

Step 2: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients Separately

I whisk the flour, salt, and baking soda together in one bowl. In another, I mix the yogurt, milk, eggs, melted butter, olive oil, and fresh garlic. Keeping those separate helps me fold everything together gently, so the bread stays light without overmixing.

Step 3: Combine and Layer With Cheese and Herb Swirls

Making a well in the dry mixture, I pour in the wet ingredients and stir just until combined. This batter is quite thick and luscious. Then, I pour a third into the pan, dollop on some herb garlic swirl, and use a knife to swirl it around. Next, I push in some cheese slices randomly, some poking out for that rustic look. Repeat for the next two layers—it’s fun to see the ribbons of cheese and herbs build up.

Step 4: Bake and Cool

I bake the loaf for 30 minutes until the top is golden, then tent it loosely with foil and bake another 20 minutes to cook through without burning. The skewer test assures me it’s done when it comes out clean. Cooling it for at least 15 minutes before slicing lets the cheese settle, so each slice stays perfectly structured but melty inside.

Top Tip

After making this bread a handful of times, I’ve learned a few tricks that really elevate it—these are what make the difference between “good bread” and “wow, can you share that recipe?” moments.

Don’t overmix: As with any quick bread, a gentle hand keeps it tender and light. Mix until ingredients just come together — it’s okay if there are a few small lumps.
Cheese slicing: Vary the thickness of your cheese slices to create those gorgeous streaks and oozy pockets that make the bread so special.
Swirling technique: Use a sharp knife and drag it up and down through the batter gently; going side to side too aggressively can deflate the mixture.
Cover with foil partway: This step prevents the top from burning while the interior fully cooks—a game changer for keeping it moist all the way through.

How to Serve Cheese and Herb Garlic Quick Bread Recipe

Cheese and Herb Garlic Bread - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

When I bring this bread to the table, I like to sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt or some fresh chopped parsley on top of the warm slices—it really highlights the herbs and adds a little sparkle to each bite.

Side Dishes

This bread shines alongside soups like tomato basil or a hearty pumpkin stew. It also pairs beautifully with a bright salad when you want something lighter but still satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special brunch or dinner party, I slice the bread thick and serve it alongside a cheese board with olives, roasted nuts, and some homemade herb butter. The rustic look of the herbs poking out makes it a conversation starter every time!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftover bread wrapped in a clean tea towel or stored in an airtight container at room temperature—it stays enjoyable for about 4 days, which is perfect if you’re nibbling throughout the week.

Freezing

This quick bread freezes wonderfully. I slice it first, then wrap batches tightly in plastic wrap and foil or pop them into freezer bags. When you’re craving a slice, just pull out what you need—it defrosts quickly.

Reheating

To refresh the bread before serving, I pop slices under the grill or in a toaster oven just until the cheese starts to melt again and the crust crisps up—trust me, it tastes almost like fresh from the oven!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use shredded cheese instead of sliced?

Yes! You can substitute shredded cheese (about 2 cups tightly packed) mixed into the batter after combining wet and dry ingredients. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

What if I don’t have fresh herbs?

You can use dried herbs instead—about 1 tablespoon to replace the fresh. The flavor won’t be quite as vibrant but still tasty. Alternatively, a dollop of pesto works beautifully as a swirl.

Can I make this bread in a larger loaf pan?

Absolutely! A larger pan will give you a flatter loaf, but the recipe still works well. Just keep an eye on the baking time—it might need a little less or more depending on the depth.

How long can I store this quick bread?

Stored at room temperature in an airtight container, this bread will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days. After that, it’s best kept in the fridge and can be toasted to refresh the texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Cheese and Herb Garlic Quick Bread Recipe has become one of those recipes I turn to time and again—whether for an easy weeknight snack, a part of weekend brunch, or a gift to a friend. It’s simple enough to trust but special enough to impress. I can’t wait for you to try it and find your own favorite ways to enjoy it!