Savory Cheese, Herb & Garlic Quick Bread (No Yeast)

I still remember the first time I realized I didn’t need a whole day to enjoy homemade bread. I was craving a savory, cheesy slice to go with a pot of my creamy tomato soup, but had zero patience for yeast and rising times. That’s when I discovered the magic of quick breads – and this Cheese, Herb & Garlic Quick Bread (No Yeast) recipe became an instant favorite. This recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights or anyone who’s intimidated by yeast-based baking. It’s ready in under an hour, requiring minimal effort and maximum flavor. The amazing aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water; it almost reminds me of our classic Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi, but in bread form! Get ready to fill your home with the most amazing aroma!

Before we dive in, here are the key details for this Cheese, Herb & Garlic Quick Bread (No Yeast) recipe:

❤️ Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Savory Quick Bread

• Incredibly Delicious: This savory quick bread boasts a delightful combination of sharp cheddar cheese, fragrant herbs like rosemary and thyme, and pungent garlic. The texture is wonderfully moist and slightly crumbly, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Each bite is a burst of savory goodness, making it incredibly satisfying and moreish. The aroma alone is enough to make you crave another slice!
• Unbelievably Easy to Make: This recipe is perfect for beginner bakers because it’s a quick bread, meaning there’s no yeast involved! No kneading is required, making the process incredibly straightforward and quick. Simply mix the ingredients, pour into a loaf pan, and bake. It’s that simple!
• The Perfect Savory Side: This versatile bread pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Serve warm alongside hearty soups, salads, or chili for a comforting and satisfying meal. It’s also a fantastic addition to a brunch spread, offering a savory counterpoint to sweeter options. The cheesy, herby flavors complement many dishes.
• Completely Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, such as Gruyere, Parmesan, or Monterey Jack, to tailor the flavor profile to your liking. You can also add other herbs, spices, or even vegetables, such as sun-dried tomatoes or jalapeños, for an extra kick. The possibilities are endless!

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the best flavor, I recommend using a sharp cheddar cheese, as it provides a nice tang that cuts through the richness of the bread. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

• ✓ 2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled; see note below)
• ✓ 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ✓ 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• ✓ 1/2 teaspoon salt
• ✓ 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• ✓ 1 cup milk (whole milk recommended)
• ✓ 1 large egg
• ✓ 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ✓ 1/4 cup chopped fresh rosemary
• ✓ 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ✓ 1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme (or 1 tablespoon dried)

For accurate measurements, always spoon and level your flour into the measuring cup, rather than scooping directly from the bag. Using dried herbs? Reduce the amount by about 1/3. You can also substitute milk with buttermilk for a tangier flavor. For a buttermilk substitute, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk, let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s walk through this step by step. This recipe is so easy, even a beginner can master it. Trust me, you’ll be amazed by how quickly this comes together. Remember, this is a no-knead bread, so don’t overwork the batter. This no-knead process is key to the tender crumb.

1. Prep Your Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. Measure out all your dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt) and set aside. Grate your cheese and chop your herbs. Mince your garlic.
2. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, milk, and egg. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
3. Add Cheese and Herbs: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, rosemary, thyme, and minced garlic. Gently fold everything together until evenly distributed.
4. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!

Pouring the batter into the loaf pan – so easy!

💡 Expert Tips for Success

Want to guarantee a perfect loaf? Keep these tips in mind:

• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough bread. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Fresh vs. Dried Herbs: Fresh herbs offer a brighter, more intense flavor. If using dried herbs, reduce the amount by about one-third.
• Freshly Grated Cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts better and provides a more flavorful result than pre-shredded cheese, which often contains cellulose to prevent clumping.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

This Cheese, Herb & Garlic Quick Bread (No Yeast) is fantastic on its own, but here are a few ideas to elevate it. It’s a great complement to many dishes. It’s even delicious toasted with a little butter!

• Serve warm alongside a bowl of hearty soup, such as our delicious Creamy Tomato Soup, for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Pair it with a fresh salad for a lighter lunch or dinner option. The savory flavors of the bread will beautifully complement the fresh greens and vegetables.

This bread pairs wonderfully with a hearty soup.

🥡 Storage and Freezing

Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing: This bread freezes exceptionally well! Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply remove it from the freezer and let it come to room temperature. You can also reheat slices in the toaster or oven for a warm, fresh taste.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this in a muffin tin?

Absolutely! You can easily adapt this recipe for muffin tins. Use a lightly greased muffin tin and fill each cup about 2/3 full. Reduce the baking time to 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. These mini loaves are perfect for individual servings or snacking.

What can I use instead of milk?

You can substitute the milk with buttermilk for a tangier flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make a substitute. Simply add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes before using. This will curdle the milk and give it a similar tang to buttermilk. You can also use almond milk or oat milk as a dairy-free alternative, but the texture might be slightly different.

My quick bread is too dense. What did I do wrong?

A dense quick bread is usually a result of overmixing the batter or using old baking powder or baking soda. Make sure you’re only mixing until the ingredients are just combined-a few lumps are okay. Also, check the expiration dates on your leavening agents to ensure they’re still fresh and potent. If you’re using old baking powder or baking soda, it might not create the necessary lift, resulting in a denser loaf. Remember that using freshly grated cheese, as mentioned in our expert tips, also helps create a lighter, fluffier texture. This reminds me of our Easy Banana Bread, where freshness is key!

Final Thoughts

This recipe is a true testament to the fact that delicious, homemade bread doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. It’s a perfect example of how simple ingredients, combined with a few clever techniques, can create something truly special. I hope you enjoy this savory delight as much as I do! If you make this recipe, please leave a comment and a rating below-I absolutely love hearing how your creations turn out!