There’s something so comforting about the warm aroma of fresh bread, especially when it’s studded with melting cheese and fragrant herbs. This Cheese and Herb Quick Bread Recipe brings together those cozy flavors in a snap, without the fuss of yeast-rising times, making it perfect for when you want something delicious and homemade, fast.

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 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

I remember the first time I baked this Cheese and Herb Quick Bread Recipe — the kitchen filled with warm garlic and rosemary scents, and that first bite was a perfect blend of crispy crust and tender, cheesy crumb. It’s quick, adaptable, and always impresses guests with its rustic charm.

Speedy Preparation: No yeast means no waiting around for dough to rise; you’ll have fresh bread in under an hour.
Flavor Packed: The combination of fresh herbs, garlic, and sharp cheese creates layers of savory goodness in every slice.
Fun to Customize: You can easily switch up the herbs or cheese depending on what you have on hand or what you’re craving.
Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s for a family dinner, a brunch spread, or just a snack, this bread fits right in.

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 bread’s magic comes from ingredients that complement each other beautifully. The yogurt and milk create a moist yet tender crumb, the baking soda provides just the right rise without the wait, and the aromatic herbs and sharp cheese add bursts of flavor that make each slice memorable.

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: I recommend sharp cheddar or tasty cheese sliced about 3mm thick — the varying widths make beautiful cheese ribbons in the bread. Avoid mozzarella here as it’s too mild.
Fresh Rosemary and Parsley: These give the bread a fresh, earthy herbal note that pairs wonderfully with garlic.
Dried Oregano and Thyme: Essential for depth — they complement the fresh herbs and won’t overwhelm the bread.
Garlic: Whether crushed or finely grated, it infuses the olive oil swirl with savory richness.
Plain Flour: All-purpose works perfectly, giving just enough structure without weighing down the bread.
Baking Soda: This is the quick bread’s lift — ensuring a delicate crumb without needing yeast.
Plain Yogurt and Milk: They keep the bread moist and tender — full-fat versions make it extra rich.
Eggs: The binding agent that brings it all together, adding lightness and richness.
Butter and Olive Oil: Melted butter adds richness while olive oil blends into the herb swirl for flavor and moisture.
Salt: Balances all the flavors and enhances the savory notes.

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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

I love to play around with this Cheese and Herb Quick Bread Recipe depending on what I have in the fridge or garden. Sometimes, I swap rosemary for basil or kale for parsley, or even throw in a handful of sun-dried tomatoes for a flavorful surprise.

Cheese Variation: When I’m in a rush, shredded cheese mixed evenly into the batter does the trick, though I do miss those lovely ribbons from sliced cheese!
Herb Mix: Feel free to use dried herbs if fresh aren’t available — just reduce the quantity by about one-third.
Garlic-Free Version: For a milder flavor, skip the garlic and add caramelized onions instead — heavenly!
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute with a gluten-free flour blend, but watch for moisture adjustments as it might need a tad more yogurt.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). I like to grease my 21 x 11 x 7 cm loaf pan lightly with butter or oil spray, then line it with baking paper. This little step guarantees that the bread won't stick and lifts right out, making clean-up a breeze.

Step 2: Make the Herb and Garlic Swirl

Mix the rosemary, parsley, oregano, thyme, crushed garlic, olive oil, and salt in a small bowl. The mixture should be thick and dollop-able — it'll create those lovely savory ribbons in your bread that bring flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients Separately

Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in one bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk the yogurt, milk, eggs, melted butter, olive oil, and garlic well. Keeping them separate helps you mix them evenly when you combine later — the key for tender bread.

Step 4: Mix Batter and Layer Flavors

Make a well in the dry ingredients and pour in the wet ingredients. Stir gently just until combined — it’s okay if the batter is a bit lumpy; over-mixing can make the bread tough. Pour one-third of the batter into your pan, then dollop one-third of the herb swirl on top. Use a knife to gently swirl it through, then randomly press in one-third of your cheese slices — some poking out looks rustic and tempting!

Repeat two more times with the remaining batter, herb mixture, and cheese slices for those gorgeous layered ribbons that give this bread its signature look and flavor.

Step 5: Bake Like a Pro

Bake the loaf for 30 minutes until golden on top, then cover it with foil and bake another 20 minutes. This helps the center cook through without over-browning the crust. I always check the center with a skewer — it should come out clean when the bread is perfectly done.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Let the bread cool in the pan for five minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool another 10 minutes. This keeps the crust crisp and makes slicing easier. Serve it thick with a pat of butter or just as is — either way, it's pure comfort.

Top Tip

Over the years, I've learned a few tricks to make this Cheese and Herb Quick Bread Recipe foolproof and even more delicious. These tips can help you avoid the common traps and bring out the best in every loaf.

Don’t Overmix: Stir batter just until combined — a few lumps are totally normal and help keep the bread tender.
Slice Cheese Correctly: Cutting your cheese in different widths makes those pretty ribbons inside the bread that melt at different rates.
Swirling Technique: Use a gentle up-and-down motion combined with folding the batter over itself to distribute herb swirls beautifully without completely mixing them away.
Check Oven Temperature: I’ve burned loaves before because my oven ran hot, so a quick oven thermometer can save your bread from overbaking.

How to Serve Cheese and Herb Quick Bread Recipe

Cheese and Herb Quick Bread - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little flaky sea salt and a tiny drizzle of olive oil on warm slices, or a fresh grind of black pepper. Sometimes, a smear of softened butter or herby cream cheese makes it feel extra special.

Side Dishes

This bread is a natural partner for salads with vinaigrette dressing, roasted vegetables, or a bowl of warm soup — think tomato basil or chunky vegetable. It also goes fantastic alongside a cheese board or charcuterie for grazing occasions.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love slicing this bread thin and turning it into savory crostini, topped with whipped ricotta and roasted cherry tomatoes. Or, stack thick slices with grilled veggies and pesto for a flavorful sandwich centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep any leftover bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. It stays moist but best enjoyed within that time for freshness.

Freezing

This quick bread freezes beautifully! I slice it before freezing, so I can take out just the number of slices I need. Wrap them well in foil and plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating

I like to reheat slices in a toaster oven or under the broiler for a few minutes to refresh the crust and melt the cheese just right. A quick warm-up brings back that just-baked feeling.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this bread without fresh herbs?

Absolutely! You can substitute the fresh herbs with about 1 tablespoon of dried mixed herbs. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious — just mix the dried herbs in with your dry ingredients.

What cheese works best for this quick bread?

Sharp cheddar, tasty cheese, or colby are classic choices that bring plenty of flavor and melt nicely. I don’t recommend mozzarella for this recipe because it lacks the saltiness and flavor intensity that makes the bread stand out.

Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

This recipe relies on dairy for richness and texture, so for vegan or dairy-free options, you’d need to use substitutes like plant-based yogurt, plant milks, and vegan butter alternatives. The texture might differ slightly, but it’s worth experimenting!

How can I store leftover bread to keep it fresh?

Store leftover bread in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic at room temperature for up to four days. For longer storage, slice and freeze it, then reheat pieces as needed to maintain that fresh-baked taste.

Final Thoughts

This Cheese and Herb Quick Bread Recipe has become one of my favorite go-tos when I want fresh, flavorful homemade bread without the wait. It’s reliable, adaptable, and always brings a smile when served warm. I hope you enjoy baking and sharing it as much as I do — it’s like a little hug from the kitchen every time.