There's something incredibly comforting about the warm aroma of fresh-baked bread mingling with herbs, garlic, and melted cheese. This Cheese and Herb Garlic Quick Bread Recipe is my go-to when I want a flavorful, savory treat that comes together fast and impresses everyone at the table.

The image shows a sliced loaf of savory herb bread on a white marbled surface. The bread has a golden-brown crust with visible ridges and a slightly shiny texture. The inside layers are light beige with green herb bits evenly spread, giving a speckled look. The top layer has a mix of melted cheese and herbs in stripes, creating a textured pattern of melted orange cheese and dark green herbs. To the left side of the loaf, there is a small clear bowl filled with a green sauce. Some sprigs of fresh herbs are placed on the white marble near the bread, adding a natural touch. 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

Honestly, this Cheese and Herb Garlic Quick Bread Recipe has quickly become a staple in my kitchen because it’s so easy and rewarding. The layers of garlic, herbs, and cheese create a taste explosion that feels homemade and fancy without the fuss.

Speedy and Simple: It uses baking soda instead of yeast, so you don’t have to wait to let the dough rise.
Flavor-Packed Layers: The garlic and herb swirl combined with pockets of melty cheese create a gorgeous layered surprise inside.
Versatile and Adaptable: You can easily switch up herbs or cheeses to match your mood or what’s in the fridge.
Impressive Presentation: The swirls and cheese ribbons poking out make it look rustic but elegant, perfect for any casual or special meal.

The image shows a rectangular loaf in a baking tray lined with parchment paper, resting on a white marbled surface. The loaf has five main visible layers on top: three wide, golden brown baked cheese layers with a slightly crispy texture, alternating with two green herb layers that have a finely chopped, leafy texture. The loaf surface is slightly cracked with a mix of glossy and matte areas, giving it a rustic look. At the front corner of the tray, there is a fresh green rosemary sprig placed on the loaf, adding a touch of freshness to the warm, baked colors. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This bread balances fresh herbs, garlic, and cheese bathed in a tender quick bread batter. Each ingredient plays a part: the cheese adds gooey richness, the herbs bring fragrance and brightness, and the garlic ties it all together with a punch.

Flat lay of a block of cheddar cheese sliced into thin ribbons of varying widths, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a small bunch of fresh rosemary sprigs, fresh parsley leaves scattered loosely, two whole fresh garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl of extra virgin olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of plain Greek yogurt, a small white ceramic bowl of full-fat milk, a small white ceramic bowl of plain all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse kosher salt, a small white ceramic bowl of dried oregano and dried thyme mixed together, and a small white ceramic bowl of melted unsalted butter, all arranged in 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

Cheddar or Tasty Cheese: I like slicing it thick to get those delightful cheese ribbons inside; it melts beautifully and adds a savory depth.
Fresh Rosemary & Parsley: They provide fresh, green notes that brighten the bread and contrast the cheese well.
Dried Oregano & Thyme: These dried herbs boost the savory elements and add complexity without overpowering.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh crushed garlic is non-negotiable here—its pungency really lifts those herb flavors.
Plain Flour & Baking Soda: Essential for the quick bread texture, baking soda ensures a light crumb without the wait.
Plain Yogurt & Milk: Yogurt keeps the crumb wonderfully moist and tender, while milk adds richness.
Eggs & Butter: Eggs help bind everything and add tender structure; butter lends a buttery flavor that complements the cheese perfectly.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Used in the herb swirl and batter, it adds fruitiness and richness to the overall flavor.

📝

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

One thing I love about this Cheese and Herb Garlic Quick Bread Recipe is how easy it is to play with. You can switch in your favorite herbs, try different cheeses, or even add a little chili for heat. It’s all about making it uniquely yours!

Cheese Variations: I’ve tried adding sharp gouda or a bit of Parmesan for extra funk—I still get the melty ribbons but with new flavor notes.
Herb Swaps: Basil or thyme both work beautifully if rosemary isn’t handy, or go crazy and use a homemade pesto swirl instead of chopped herbs.
Garlic Intensity: If you prefer milder garlic flavor, reduce the cloves or roast them beforehand for a sweeter taste.
Gluten-Free Option: I haven’t tested it extensively, but swapping regular flour for a good gluten-free blend should work—just keep the baking soda baking powder ratio in mind.

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

Step 1: Mix the Herb and Garlic Swirl

I start by finely chopping fresh rosemary and parsley, then mixing them with dried oregano, thyme, crushed garlic, olive oil, and salt. I aim for a thick, dollop-able paste that I'll swirl into the bread batter later. Pro tip: crushing the garlic cloves with a press brings out more aroma than slicing.

Step 2: Whisk Dry and Wet Ingredients Separately

In one bowl, I whisk together the plain flour, baking soda, and salt—not missing that baking soda because it's the magic leavener here. In another bowl, I beat the milk, yogurt, eggs, melted butter, olive oil, and extra garlic until smooth. Separating them helps avoid overmixing later, which keeps the bread tender.

Step 3: Combine and Layer the Batter

I make a little well in the dry ingredients, pour in the wet, and gently fold until just combined—no overmixing! Then comes the fun part: pouring a third of the batter into the lined loaf pan, dolloping a third of the herb swirl on top, and using a knife to create swirls by dragging up and down. Next, I push in some slices of cheese—half buried, half poking out for that rustic look.

I repeat this layering two more times, which gives pockets of juicy herbs and melted cheese throughout the bread. It looks messy but trust me, that’s exactly what you want.

Step 4: Bake and Cool

Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 30 minutes uncovered until golden, then cover loosely with foil and bake a further 20 minutes. The two-stage bake ensures the top doesn’t burn while the center cooks through. I always check with a skewer in the middle—it should come out clean. After baking, I let it sit in the tin for 5 minutes, then turn it out to cool completely on a rack before slicing thick pieces.

Top Tip

After making this bread dozens of times, I’ve learned a few simple tricks that make all the difference in the flavor and texture:

Cheese Thickness Matters: Cutting the cheese slices about 3mm thick creates beautiful ribbons rather than just little pockets, making every bite cheesy.
Don’t Overmix Batter: Stir just until combined; overmixing activates gluten too much and leaves the bread tough, not soft and tender.
Swirl with Confidence: Use a knife or skewer in long strokes going up and down and slightly turning it helps get a beautiful marbled pattern.
Cover Midway: Placing foil on top after the first 30 minutes stops the top from overbrowning while the inside finishes baking perfectly.

How to Serve Cheese and Herb Garlic Quick Bread Recipe

cheese and herb garlic bread - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top of warm slices right before serving—that extra crunch pairs perfectly with the savory herbs and cheese. Sometimes, a light brush of melted butter on freshly sliced bread just ups the indulgence.

Side Dishes

This bread shines alongside a steaming bowl of tomato soup or teamed with a crisp green salad for a quick lunch. It’s also fantastic as a side for pasta dishes or roasted chicken—kind of like the ultimate savory companion!

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I like to slice the bread thickly and arrange it in a fan on a wooden board with bowls of dipping olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Adding a scattering of fresh herbs and perhaps some olives makes it feel fancy and festive with minimal effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After it’s fully cooled, I wrap leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. The bread retains its softness really well without drying out too fast.

Freezing

This bread freezes beautifully. I slice it first, then separate slices with parchment paper and pop them into a freezer bag. When you want some, just take out a few slices and thaw or toast directly from frozen.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer to toast slices lightly or warm them in a 160°C (320°F) oven for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through and crispy on the outside—just like freshly baked.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use shredded cheese instead of slices for the Cheese and Herb Garlic Quick Bread Recipe?

Yes! You can substitute 2 cups (about 200g) of shredded cheese instead of the sliced ribbons. Just gently fold the shredded cheese into the batter right before pouring it into the loaf pan. The texture won’t be exactly the same as with ribbons, but it still gives a delicious cheesy flavor throughout.

What if I don’t have fresh herbs for the recipe?

No worries! You can use dried herbs as a replacement—about 1 tablespoon of mixed dried rosemary, parsley, oregano, and thyme will work well. Mix them with the garlic and olive oil to create the swirl. Fresh herbs bring a brighter flavor, but dried herbs make a great, convenient alternative.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

After the initial 30 minutes baking uncovered, cover with foil and bake another 20 minutes. The best test is to insert a skewer or toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean without wet batter, it’s done. The top should be a golden brown, and the bread will spring back lightly when pressed.

Can this bread be made dairy-free?

While the recipe calls for butter, yogurt, and cheese, you can experiment with dairy-free alternatives like vegan butter, plant-based yogurt, and dairy-free cheese. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor might shift slightly, but it should still be tasty! Adjust moisture levels as needed.

Final Thoughts

This Cheese and Herb Garlic Quick Bread Recipe is one of those gems that's easy enough for a weeknight but special enough to serve guests—and it never fails to get compliments. I genuinely love the way the layers of garlic, herbs, and cheese come together in every slice, making it comforting and exciting at the same time. I hope you enjoy baking and sharing it as much as I do. Seriously, slice it thick, slather on some butter, and savor every bite like you just pulled it from the oven yourself!