Parmesan Garlic Herb Quick Bread

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Parmesan Garlic Herb Quick Bread is a savory, crusty delight packed with bold flavors and a tender crumb. Bursting with grated Parmesan, aromatic garlic, and fresh herbs like parsley and basil, this quick bread is the perfect complement to pasta dishes, soups, or salads. Plus, it’s made in a snap with no yeast—just a simple, no-fuss batter that delivers incredible taste and texture.

I first made Parmesan Garlic Herb Quick Bread when I wanted a warm, flavorful side to accompany a bowl of tomato soup. The combination of cheesy, garlicky goodness with fresh herbs created a bread that was not only tasty but incredibly satisfying. It was a hit with my family, disappearing from the table faster than I could serve it.

What I love about this recipe is its simplicity and versatility. You can adjust the amount of garlic to suit your taste, mix in sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of tangy flavor, or add chopped olives for a Mediterranean twist. Whether served warm, toasted, or alongside a hearty meal, Parmesan Garlic Herb Quick Bread offers a delightful, savory touch that elevates any dining experience with its irresistible flavors and ease of preparation.

Perfect for:

  • Dinner parties
  • Family dinners
  • Holiday gatherings
  • As a side for pasta dishes
  • Cheese and bread lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why this Parmesan Garlic Herb Quick Bread will become a staple in your kitchen:

  • Cheesy Goodness: The Parmesan adds a rich, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with garlic and herbs.
  • Quick and Easy: No yeast, no fuss—simple, fast, and foolproof.
  • Crispy Exterior, Soft Interior: The perfect texture balance of crispy crust and tender crumb.
  • Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs elevate the bread with a delightful burst of flavor.
  • Customizable to Your Taste: Adjust the herbs or add extra garlic for a more intense flavor.
  • No Kneading Required: Easy preparation—just mix and bake!
  • Great Side or Standalone Snack: Serve alongside soups or enjoy on its own.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal as an appetizer, snack, or dinner side dish.
  • Budget-Friendly Ingredients: Uses simple, everyday kitchen staples.
  • Impress Your Guests: A homemade bread that feels gourmet but is super easy to make.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 45 minutes
  • Servings: 8 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Carbs: 30g, Fat: 10g, Protein: 8g

Ingredients

For the Dough:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup whole milk

Optional Add-ins:

  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (for a bit of heat)
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

Ingredient Highlights

  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a rich, savory, and cheesy flavor.
  • Garlic Powder: A key component that brings out that irresistible garlic taste.
  • Fresh Herbs (Parsley): Provide a burst of freshness and vibrant color.
  • Butter: Gives a rich, buttery texture to the bread.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, Parmesan, and parsley.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine melted butter and milk. Stir well.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  5. Add Optional Ingredients: If desired, mix in crushed red pepper flakes or sun-dried tomatoes.

Bake the Bread:

  1. Pour into Pan: Pour the dough into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
  2. Bake: Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  3. Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Parmesan Garlic Herb Quick Bread:

  1. As a Dinner Side: Serve alongside pasta, soups, or salads for a delightful pairing.
  2. For Breakfast: Toast slices with butter for a savory breakfast treat.
  3. As an Appetizer: Serve warm with a dipping sauce or balsamic glaze.
  4. For Parties: Cut into cubes and serve as a bread platter centerpiece.
  5. With Soup: Pair with tomato, minestrone, or vegetable soups for a hearty meal.
  6. Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Use slices of the bread to make a decadent grilled cheese.
  7. With Cheese Boards: Add slices to a charcuterie board with assorted cheeses and meats.
  8. As a Snack: Enjoy on its own with a bit of butter or olive oil.
  9. Toasted with Garlic Butter: Spread garlic butter on slices and toast until crispy.
  10. Herbed Variations: Add rosemary, thyme, or basil for a different twist.

Additional Tips

  • Use Fresh Herbs: For the best flavor, use fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or oregano instead of dried ones.
  • Grate Your Parmesan Fresh: Freshly grated Parmesan gives a stronger, more authentic flavor compared to pre-shredded Parmesan.
  • Add a Touch of Olive Oil: Drizzle a bit of good-quality olive oil into the batter to enhance moisture and flavor.
  • Experiment with Cheese Blends: Mix Parmesan with other cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or Gouda for a richer taste.
  • Sauté Garlic First: For a mellower garlic flavor, sauté minced garlic in butter or olive oil before adding it to the dough.
  • Brush the Top with Butter: After baking, brush the top of the bread with melted butter and sprinkle with a bit more Parmesan and parsley.
  • Add Red Pepper Flakes: If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the batter or on top before baking.
  • Use Buttermilk for Extra Softness: Swap regular milk for buttermilk to make the bread softer and fluffier.
  • Let it Rest Before Slicing: Allow the bread to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing to prevent it from becoming too crumbly.
  • Store Properly: Wrap leftovers in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze portions for longer storage.

Recipe Variations

  • Cheddar Herb Quick Bread: Swap Parmesan for sharp cheddar for a bold cheese flavor.
  • Sun-Dried Tomato Parmesan Bread: Add sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist.
  • Spicy Parmesan Bread: Include jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a fiery touch.
  • Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
  • Garlic Herb Focaccia: Shape the dough into a focaccia pan and add toppings like herbs, garlic, and sea salt.

Special Equipment

  • Loaf Pan – Essential for shaping and baking the bread.
  • Mixing Bowls – For combining dry and wet ingredients.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons – Ensuring accurate measurements for precise results.
  • Whisk – For mixing dry and wet ingredients evenly.
  • Rubber Spatula – Helps in folding and stirring the batter without losing airiness.
  • Grater – For grating fresh Parmesan cheese.
  • Garlic Press – For crushing fresh garlic cloves easily.
  • Pastry Brush – Optional, for brushing melted butter on top of the bread before baking.
  • Cooling Rack – Allows proper airflow to cool the bread without sogginess.
  • Parchment Paper – Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

FAQ Section

  1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
    Yes! Cheddar, Gouda, or a blend of cheeses can work beautifully.
  2. How do I store leftover bread?
    Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  3. Can I freeze the bread?
    Yes! Wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months.
  4. Is this bread suitable for gluten-free diets?
    You can use a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for the flour.
  5. Can I add nuts or seeds to the bread?
    Absolutely! Add walnuts, flax seeds, or chia seeds for extra texture and nutrients.
  6. Why is my bread dense?
    This could be due to overmixing the dough or using too much flour. Measure carefully.
  7. Should I use fresh or dried parsley?
    Fresh parsley gives a brighter flavor and a more vibrant look.
  8. What’s the best way to reheat the bread?
    Toast slices in a toaster or warm them in the oven for a few minutes.
  9. Can I add meat, like beef bacon, to the bread?
    Yes, beef bacon bits can add a smoky, savory element to your bread.
  10. How do I prevent soggy bread?
    Let the bread cool on a wire rack after baking to maintain a crispy crust.

Conclusion

Parmesan Garlic Herb Quick Bread is a savory, aromatic delight that combines crispy edges with a soft, fluffy interior. Bursting with the rich flavors of Parmesan, garlic, and a mix of fresh herbs like parsley, basil, and thyme, this bread is a perfect side or appetizer for any meal. Made without yeast, it’s quick to prepare and doesn’t require long rising times—just pure, cheesy goodness in every bite.

The buttery base and hints of garlic make it irresistibly tasty, while the Parmesan adds a delightful salty kick. Serve it warm with soups, salads, pasta, or as a standalone snack to enjoy with your favorite beverages.

I’d love to see your Parmesan Garlic Herb Quick Bread creations! Share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I can’t wait to see your golden, cheesy masterpiece. Don’t forget to leave a comment and share any personal twists or creative touches that made this bread your own!

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