There’s nothing quite like the aroma of fresh-from-the-oven bread laced with garlic, herbs, and melty cheese. This Cheese and Herb Garlic Quick Bread Recipe is a total game-changer — it’s fast, flavorful, and perfect for both busy weeknights and cozy weekend baking sessions.

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’ve made this Cheese and Herb Garlic Quick Bread Recipe more times than I can count because it strikes that perfect balance between simplicity and decadent flavor. It’s such a crowd-pleaser and so forgiving, you really can’t go wrong.

Easy prep: No need for yeast or long rising times—this quick bread comes together in minutes.
Flavor-packed: The garlic and fresh herbs create a savory swirl that makes every bite exciting.
Cheesy goodness: I love how the cheese ribbons melt into the bread, adding moist texture and bursts of flavor.
Versatile: Serve it with soup, salad, or just slice it up for an irresistible snack.

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

The beauty of the Cheese and Herb Garlic Quick Bread Recipe is how each ingredient plays its part in creating that tender, flavorful crumb and irresistible aroma. Plus, I'm here to give you some insider tips on what to look for when you shop!

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: Use a good-quality block cheese like cheddar or tasty cheese — slicing it into different widths creates those lovely cheesy ribbons throughout the bread.
Fresh herbs: Rosemary and parsley bring that bright, earthy note, while oregano and thyme add classic depth — fresh is best but dried works if you’re in a pinch.
Garlic: Crushed or finely grated garlic infuses the bread with that signature savory punch everyone loves.
Plain flour: All-purpose flour gives the bread structure but keeps it soft — make sure it’s fresh for the best rise.
Baking soda: This quick bread relies on baking soda for lift, so don’t substitute with baking powder without adjusting the recipe.
Yogurt: Adds moisture and a slight tang that balances the richness of the cheese beautifully.
Milk and eggs: Combine to give the bread a tender, custard-like texture.
Butter and olive oil: Both fats contribute to a moist crumb and help the bread brown nicely.

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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

One of the fun parts about this Cheese and Herb Garlic Quick Bread Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I often mix up the herbs depending on what’s fresh in my garden or fridge, and sometimes swap the cheese for a sharper flavor.

Variation: When I want it extra garlicky, I’ll add roasted garlic instead of raw — it softens the bite and adds a sweet depth that my family adores.
Dietary swaps: Use dairy-free yogurt and a vegan cheese to make this bread plant-based; it still turns out beautifully.
Seasonal herbs: Feel free to substitute in basil or chives for a different herbal note depending on the season and your pantry.
Cheese types: I love colby or mild cheddar for meltiness, but experimenting with gouda or a smoked cheese brings an interesting twist.

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

Step 1: Prepare your loaf tin and herb garlic swirl

First things first — preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). I lightly grease my 21 x 11 x 7 cm loaf pan with butter then line it with parchment paper to make sure the bread slips out cleanly. Next, mix your finely chopped rosemary, parsley, dried oregano and thyme, crushed garlic, olive oil, and salt in a small bowl. This thick herb garlic swirl will be the star layer that brings everything alive.

Step 2: Mix dry and wet ingredients separately

Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. In another bowl, whisk the yogurt, milk, eggs, melted butter, olive oil, and crushed garlic until smooth. Keeping them separate until now makes sure your bread rises beautifully without overmixing.

Step 3: Combine and layer with cheese and herb mixture

Make a well in the dry ingredients, pour in your wet mix and stir gently just until combined. Now here’s my favorite part: pour a third of the batter into the pan, dollop a third of the herb and garlic mixture on top, then swirl it through with a knife—don’t be shy! Next, tuck in a third of your cheese slices at random, some poking out, others fully submerged. Repeat for the next two layers. This layering technique creates those gorgeous swirls and cheesy pockets throughout the bread.

Step 4: Bake and cool with care

Bake for 30 minutes uncovered until golden, then cover with foil and bake another 20 minutes to ensure the bread cooks all the way through without over-browning. I always check doneness by inserting a skewer into the center – it should come out clean. Let the bread rest in the tin for 5 minutes, then cool on a rack before slicing thick, buttery wedges. Trust me: waiting is worth it!

Top Tip

In all my time baking this Cheese and Herb Garlic Quick Bread Recipe, a few little tricks have made a huge difference. They help keep the bread tender and bursting with flavor every single time.

Cheese slicing: I slice the cheese at varying widths—some thin ribbons, some wider strips—to create those fun melted pockets throughout the bread.
Herb blend: Try blitzing herbs with a stick blender if you want a finer swirl — it disperses flavor evenly without visible chunks, perfect if you prefer a subtler look.
Mix gently: Overmixing the batter can make the bread tough. Stir until everything’s just combined for a soft crumb.
Check early: Ovens vary, so start checking your bread at 45 minutes to avoid over-baking and dry edges.

How to Serve Cheese and Herb Garlic Quick Bread Recipe

cheese herb garlic bread - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love finishing the bread with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and a few fresh herb leaves — maybe a bit more rosemary or parsley for color and boosted aroma. Sometimes, I slather a little softened butter right when it’s warm for ultimate indulgence.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs brilliantly with homemade tomato soup, your favorite roast chicken dinner, or even a simple green salad with vinaigrette. It’s the perfect companion to soak up sauces or add texture to lighter meals.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I love slicing the bread thick and serving it on a wooden board with bowls of flavored butters or tapenade on the side. It makes a gorgeous centerpiece and instantly gets people chatting. You can also make mini loaves in ramekins — cutest bite-sized versions you can pop on a brunch table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover bread wrapped tightly in an airtight container on the counter if we’ll eat it within four days. Beyond that, it’s best refrigerated to keep it fresh longer, but it does need a quick toast to revive that crisp crust and melty cheese goodness.

Freezing

I often slice the bread before freezing — it lets me grab exactly the amount I want, and it defrosts quickly at room temperature or in the toaster. I wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer bag.

Reheating

Reheat your Cheese and Herb Garlic Quick Bread Recipe slices in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5-7 minutes. This brings back the crusty edges and refreshes the melty cheese without drying out the crumb.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! If you go for shredded cheese, I recommend about 2 cups (200g) tightly packed. Mix it into the batter just after combining wet and dry ingredients, before pouring into the loaf tin. It melts wonderfully but won’t create those cheesy ribbons like you get with slices.

What if I don’t have fresh herbs for the herb and garlic swirl?

No worries! You can substitute fresh herbs with about 1 tablespoon of dried herbs in total. I also sometimes use ⅓ to ½ cup of pesto instead, which makes the bread extra flavorful and saves prep time. Just whisk it into the herb and garlic mixture to replace fresh herbs.

Can I use a larger or smaller loaf pan?

Yes, you can! Using a larger loaf pan will give you a flatter bread, but it still tastes fantastic. If using a smaller pan, be sure to watch the baking time and check doneness earlier to avoid overcooking or burning.

What’s the best way to prevent the bread from drying out?

To keep your bread moist, don’t overmix and cover it with foil after the first 30 minutes of baking. Also store it in an airtight container once cooled. Adding yogurt and olive oil to the batter helps keep the crumb moist and tender.

Final Thoughts

This Cheese and Herb Garlic Quick Bread Recipe is one of those recipes I keep coming back to, especially when I want something cozy and satisfying without fuss. The layers of herbs and cheese create a bread that’s anything but boring — it’s like a little celebration with every slice. I hope you love making it as much as I do and that it becomes a new favorite to share with those you care about.