Name: Cheese and Herb Quick Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Western
Ingredients: 7 oz block cheddar or tasty cheese, sliced 3mm thick with varying 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 (can substitute 3 1/2 tsp baking powder); 3/4 tsp cooking salt or kosher salt (halve for 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 (~50-55g each); 3 1/2 tbsp (50g) unsalted butter, melted; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 small garlic cloves, crushed or grated

There’s something simply delightful about the aroma of freshly baked bread infused with savory herbs and melty cheese. This Cheese and Herb Quick Bread Recipe is a perfect blend of comforting flavors, and it never fails to bring smiles at my kitchen table. It’s quick, easy, and utterly satisfying — a lovely twist on your usual loaf.

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 Quick Bread Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheese and Herb Quick Bread Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheese and Herb Quick Bread Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Cheese and Herb Quick Bread Recipe has become one of my favorite go-to comforts when I want something warm and flavorful without the fuss of traditional bread-making. The mingling of herbs, garlic, and cheese ribbons throughout creates a loaf that’s as pretty as it is delicious.

Speedy Comfort: It’s a quick bread, so no yeast or rising time—perfect when you want fresh bread fast.
Herbaceous Goodness: Fresh and dried herbs combine for layers of flavor that make each bite interesting.
Cheesy Delight: Cheese ribbons baked right inside offer pockets of melty, savory surprise you’ll adore.
Easy to Customize: Swap herbs, cheeses, or add extras like chili flakes or nuts to make it your own.

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

The ingredients in this Cheese and Herb Quick Bread Recipe complement each other beautifully to create a moist, flavorful loaf. From tangy yogurt to fresh herbs and melting cheese, each part plays a key role, so a little shopping tip — try to find your freshest herbs and a good-aged cheese—it truly makes a difference!

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

Cheese: Cheddar or tasty cheese works great due to its sharp, rich flavor and how it holds up when baked; I like slicing it into random widths to get those beautiful ribbons in the bread.
Fresh Herbs (Rosemary, Parsley): These add brightness and aroma; chopping finely releases their oils and keeps the loaf speckled with green bits.
Dried Herbs (Oregano, Thyme): They provide a deeper, earthier flavor, balancing out the fresh herbs perfectly.
Garlic: Fresh garlic crushed or grated offers that unmistakable warmth and depth without overpowering the other flavors.
Olive Oil & Butter: Combination of fats adds richness and tenderness to the bread crumb.
Plain Yogurt: Adds moisture and a slight tang that helps balance the cheese’s richness.
Milk & Eggs: Bind everything together and provide structure.
Flour & Baking Soda: The base of the bread; be sure to whisk them well to distribute the leavening evenly for a good rise.

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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 things I love most about this Cheese and Herb Quick Bread Recipe is how flexible it is. Play around with herbs, cheeses, or even add-ins to suit what you love or what’s in your fridge. After all, quick breads are about comfort and fun!

Cheese Swap: I sometimes swap half the cheddar for a smoky gouda, which adds an extra dimension. It turns out great and is a crowd-pleaser.
Herb Variations: If I’m feeling adventurous, I swap the oregano and thyme with a tablespoon of pesto for a vibrant punch of flavor.
Spicy Kick: A pinch of chili flakes stirred into the herb mixture brings a subtle heat that pairs beautifully with the cheese.
Gluten-Free: You can use a gluten-free flour blend, but make sure it contains xanthan gum or a binder so the bread holds together.

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

Step 1: Prepping Your Pan and Oven

I always preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F)—standard for a reliably golden crust. Then, I lightly butter my loaf tin and line it with parchment paper. Lining really helps with an easy release, so don’t skip this step. The bread can be delicate when hot, so the parchment is a lifesaver.

Step 2: Making the Herb and Garlic Swirl

Mix your finely chopped herbs, crushed garlic, olive oil, and salt together until it’s thick and dollop-able. The smell alone will make you want to dive right in! This swirl is the magic that distributes herbaceous pockets all through the bread.

Step 3: Whisk Dry and Wet Ingredients Separately

Whisk together your flour, baking soda, and salt in one bowl. In another, mix the yogurt, milk, eggs, melted butter, olive oil, and garlic. Keeping these separate helps you gently fold everything without overmixing, which keeps the bread tender instead of tough.

Step 4: Combine and Layer the Batter with Herb Swirl and Cheese

Make a well in your dry ingredients and pour the wet mixture in, mixing until just combined. Then comes the fun part: pour a third of the batter into your tin, dollop a third of the herb mix, and swirl it lightly with a knife. Add a third of your cheese slices, pushing some partly into the batter and leaving some poking out. Repeat this layering twice more — it creates those gorgeous marbled ribbons and cheesy pockets that make this bread so special.

Step 5: Bake and Check

Bake the bread for 30 minutes uncovered until the top is golden. Then cover with foil to prevent over-browning and bake another 20 minutes. The total bake time is about 50 minutes. I always test by inserting a skewer in the center — it should come out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool another 10+ minutes before slicing.

Top Tip

After making this Cheese and Herb Quick Bread Recipe many times, I’ve picked up a few tricks that really help perfect it. These tips will save you time and frustration, and help you deliver a loaf everyone raves about.

Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter until just combined to keep the bread light and tender, rather than dense and chewy.
Herb Chopping: Chop herbs finely but not too much; you want little flecks so you see those sunny green spots inside the bread after baking.
Swirling Technique: Use a butter knife to swirl gently; don’t overdo it or the herbs will blend in completely, losing that pretty marbled effect.
Cheese Placement: Push some cheese slices deep and some partially out of the batter for those irresistible crispy, melty bites on the crust.

How to Serve Cheese and Herb Quick Bread Recipe

Garnishes

I usually serve this bread with a pat of softened butter or a drizzle of good olive oil. Fresh herbs like a sprig of rosemary or some parsley tossed on top add a fresh, inviting look. Sometimes, I’ll lightly toast slices and slather them with a bit of herb butter for a real treat.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with hearty soups like tomato basil, creamy pumpkin, or even a rustic minestrone. I also love offering it alongside a salad with lemon vinaigrette for a fresh, light meal. It holds its own with cured meats and cheeses on a casual charcuterie board too.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I slice the bread thickly, arrange the slices in a fan shape on a wooden board, and garnish with a mix of olives, fresh herb sprigs, and sun-dried tomatoes. It adds color and elegance and gets people reaching for another slice.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. This way, it stays moist and tender. If I can’t finish it within that time, I pop it in the fridge to extend its life but always toast slices before eating to refresh the texture.

Freezing

Freezing sliced bread works perfectly here—just wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. When you want a quick snack or side, toast a slice straight from the freezer. This method keeps the bread’s flavor bright and crumb moist.

Reheating

For leftover slices, I find reheating in a toaster or oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5–7 minutes revives the bread’s crisp crust and melty cheese pockets. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make quick breads gummy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use different types of cheese for this bread?

Absolutely! Cheddar, tasty, and colby are my favorites, but you can experiment with others. Just avoid mozzarella because it lacks enough flavor and salt for this recipe.

Can I substitute pesto for fresh herbs in the Cheese and Herb Quick Bread Recipe?

Yes, pesto makes a delicious alternative. Use about ⅓ to ½ cup in place of fresh herbs for an intense, herby flavor twist. Just reduce the oil slightly if your pesto is very oily.

How do I know when the quick bread is fully baked?

The best way is to insert a skewer or toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your bread is done. Also, look for a golden top and a bread that pulls away slightly from the edges of the pan.

Can I make this Cheese and Herb Quick Bread Recipe gluten-free?

Yes, by using a gluten-free flour blend that includes a binder (like xanthan gum), you can successfully make this bread gluten-free. Texture might differ slightly, but the flavor remains wonderful.

Final Thoughts

This Cheese and Herb Quick Bread Recipe has become a little piece of kitchen magic for me. The ease, flavor, and comforting texture always brighten a meal or snack time. I encourage you to give it a try—with just a bit of love and patience, you’ll have a loaf that fills your home with a wonderful scent and your belly with happiness. It’s like a hug baked into bread!