Why Make This Recipe
Cheese, Garlic and Herb Quick Bread is a delightful treat that brings comfort and flavor together in a simple way. This bread takes no time at all to prepare and doesn’t require any yeast, making it perfect for those who want a quick baking project. The combination of cheese, fresh herbs, and garlic results in a savory loaf that pairs well with soups, salads, or as a stand-alone snack. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is sure to please.
How to Make Cheese, Garlic and Herb Quick Bread
Ingredients
- 7 oz / 200g block of cheese
- 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 using garlic press or finely grated
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt (halve for fine table salt)
- 2 1/4 cups plain flour (all-purpose flour)
- 1 tsp baking soda (bi-carbonate soda, sub 3 1/2 tsp baking powder)
- 3/4 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt (halve for table salt)
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt (Greek or regular, full fat, unsweetened)
- 3/4 cup milk (full fat best, low fat ok)
- 2 large eggs (~50-55g/2oz each)
- 3 1/2 tbsp (50g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 small garlic cloves, crushed with garlic crusher or grated
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F (both fan and standard ovens).
- Grease a 21 x 11 x 7 cm loaf pan lightly with butter or oil spray, then line it with baking paper.
- For the herb and garlic swirl, mix the herbs and garlic in a small bowl to form a thick, dollop-able mixture.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine the wet ingredients: yogurt, milk, eggs, melted butter, and olive oil.
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour the wet ingredients in and mix until just combined.
- Pour 1/3 of the batter into the bread tin. Dollop 1/3 of the herb mixture on top and swirl it into the batter with a knife.
- Place 1/3 of the cheese slices randomly into the batter, pushing some deep and leaving some poking out.
- Repeat layers two more times, using the remaining batter, herb mixture, and cheese.
- Bake for 30 minutes until the top is golden. Cover the bread with foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes (a total of 50 minutes).
- To check if it’s cooked, insert a skewer; it should come out clean.
- Cool in the loaf tin for 5 minutes then turn the bread out onto a cooling rack. Let it cool for at least another 10 minutes before cutting thick slices. Butter is optional but delicious!
How to Serve Cheese, Garlic and Herb Quick Bread
This bread is best served warm. You can spread some butter on top for an extra treat. It pairs wonderfully with soups and salads or can be enjoyed as a standalone snack. Feel free to serve it sliced, toasted, or even topped with extra cheese or herbs.
How to Store Cheese, Garlic and Herb Quick Bread
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw it before enjoying!
Tips to Make Cheese, Garlic and Herb Quick Bread
- Make sure to use full-fat milk and yogurt for the best flavor and texture.
- Experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar, feta, or mozzarella, for a unique taste.
- Use fresh herbs whenever possible for maximum flavor; dried herbs can also work well in a pinch.
- Don’t overmix the batter; mix just until combined for a soft texture.
Variation
Feel free to add ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or chopped spinach to customize the bread further. You can also swap out the herbs for whatever you have on hand or prefer.
FAQs
1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of plain flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for plain flour. Just note that the texture may be denser.
2. What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
You can use dried herbs instead. Just use about one-third of the amount called for fresh herbs.
3. Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it ahead of time and store it as mentioned earlier. It also tastes great the next day!
