Description

This Cheese, Garlic, and Herb Quick Bread is a delicious, no-yeast loaf packed with fresh herbs, garlic, and plenty of cheese. Perfect for a savory snack or as a side to your meal, this bread uses baking soda as a leavening agent for a quick and easy bake. Layers of herb and garlic swirl combined with melted cheese create a flavorful, moist, and aromatic bread that’s ideal for any occasion.

Ingredients

Herb and Garlic Swirl

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 grated
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt (halve for fine table salt)

Dry Ingredients

2 1/4 cups plain flour (all-purpose flour)
1 tsp baking soda (bi-carbonate soda; substitute with 3 1/2 tsp baking powder if preferred)
3/4 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt (halve for table salt)

Wet Ingredients

1/2 cup plain yogurt (Greek or regular, full fat, unsweetened)
3/4 cup milk (full fat preferred, low fat acceptable)
2 large eggs (~50-55g/2oz each)
3 1/2 tbsp (50g) unsalted butter, melted
2 small garlic cloves, crushed or grated
2 tbsp olive oil

Cheese and Additional

7 oz / 200g block of cheese (sliced for layering)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F), suitable for both fan and conventional ovens to ensure even baking.
Prepare Loaf Tin: Lightly grease a 21 x 11 x 7 cm loaf pan with butter or oil spray. Line it with baking paper (parchment paper) to prevent sticking and ease removal.
Make Herb and Garlic Swirl: In a small bowl, combine the finely chopped rosemary, parsley, dried oregano, dried thyme, crushed garlic, olive oil, and salt. Mix until a thick dollop-able mixture forms.
Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk together the plain flour, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl until well blended.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the plain yogurt, milk, eggs, melted butter, crushed garlic, and olive oil until smooth and combined.
Combine Wet and Dry: Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients, pour in the wet ingredients, and mix gently until just combined—do not overmix to keep the bread tender.
Layer 1 – Batter and Swirl: Pour one-third of the batter into the prepared loaf tin. Dollop one-third of the herb and garlic mixture evenly across the top. Using a knife, swirl the herbs into the batter, both vertically and by turning the batter over to distribute flavors. Add one-third of the cheese slices, pushing some fully into the batter and leaving some exposed.
Layers 2 and 3: Repeat the layering process two more times with the remaining batter, herb mixture, and cheese slices. Don’t worry about any herb mixture or cheese sticking out; it enhances the visual appeal after baking.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the top turns golden brown. Then, cover the loaf with foil to prevent over-browning and continue baking for another 20 minutes, making the total baking time approximately 50 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a skewer into the center—it should come out clean.
Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the loaf pan for 5 minutes. Turn it out onto a cooling rack and allow to cool for at least 10 more minutes before slicing thickly. Serve warm or at room temperature; butter is optional but recommended for extra richness.

Notes

Use a block cheese that melts well, such as cheddar or a flavorful semi-hard cheese, for the best texture and taste.
If substituting baking powder for baking soda, use 3 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder as noted.
Greasing and lining the loaf tin well helps to prevent sticking and ensures an easy release.
Allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing to maintain its structure and prevent crumbling.
Feel free to experiment with different fresh herbs or add chili flakes for a spicy kick.
Swirling the herb mixture carefully will help distribute flavor evenly throughout the bread.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Quick Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Western