This cheesy garlic and leek quick bread is everything you didn’t know you needed—savory, aromatic, and packed with rich flavors. Imagine biting into a warm, fluffy slice, the golden crust giving way to a soft, cheesy interior, with hints of sweet leeks and roasted garlic dancing on your taste buds. Trust me, you’re going to love this! The best part? No yeast, no long proofing times—just mix, bake, and enjoy. Perfect for a cozy breakfast, a side for soup, or a snack on the go.
Why You’ll Love Cheesy Garlic & Leek Quick Bread
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Serve it with soups, salads, or on its own—it’s a star in any role.
Budget-Friendly: Made with simple pantry staples, this recipe proves that incredible flavors don’t have to come with a hefty price tag.
Quick and Easy: No yeast, no kneading, no waiting around. Just mix, bake, and enjoy.
Customizable: Add extra cheese, swap the leeks for caramelized onions, or throw in some crispy bacon for an extra kick.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients
Ingredients in Cheesy Garlic & Leek Quick Bread
Here’s the magic of this bread—it’s made with just a few pantry staples, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:
All-Purpose Flour: The base that gives this bread its structure.
Baking Powder: No yeast needed! This helps the bread rise beautifully.
Salt & Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance all the other flavors.
Cheese: Melty, gooey, and absolutely necessary. Choose a sharp cheddar or a mix for extra depth.
Garlic: Roasted garlic adds a mellow sweetness, while fresh garlic gives a punchy kick.
Leeks: They bring a mild onion-like sweetness that perfectly balances the savory cheese and garlic.
Milk: Keeps the bread moist and tender.
Eggs: Help bind everything together while adding richness.
Butter: A touch of butter makes this bread irresistibly soft and flavorful.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking and gives your bread the right texture. Preheating is a small but essential step that sets the stage for success.
Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Add the shredded cheese, minced garlic, and chopped leeks, tossing everything together so the cheese and leeks are evenly distributed.
Prepare Your Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, eggs, and melted butter until well combined. Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could make the bread dense.
Assemble the Dish
Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and spread it out evenly. For extra indulgence, sprinkle some additional cheese on top before baking.
Cook to Perfection
Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma of cheesy, garlicky goodness will fill your kitchen—it’s heavenly!
Finishing Touches
Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial to let the flavors settle. It’s tempting to dig in right away, but a brief cooling period makes a big difference.
Serve and Enjoy
Slice up your freshly baked bread and serve warm. Whether it’s paired with a side dish or served on its own, this recipe is sure to impress.
Notes
Servings: 8 slices
Calories per serving: 210 kcal
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
Total Time: 50-55 minutes
How to Serve Cheesy Garlic & Leek Quick Bread
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- Serve alongside a warm bowl of soup, like tomato basil or creamy potato leek soup.
- Pair with a fresh salad for a light yet satisfying meal.
- Toast slices and slather with butter or cream cheese for a delicious breakfast or snack.
- Use it as a side for a hearty pasta dish—think creamy Alfredo or Bolognese.
- Serve with a charcuterie board for a gourmet touch at gatherings.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and flavor—pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that affect texture.
- Don’t overmix the batter—stirring too much can make the bread tough.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze slices for longer storage.
- Experiment with add-ins like sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or crumbled feta for different flavor twists.
- For extra crispiness, toast slices in a pan with a little butter before serving.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes! Try mozzarella, gouda, or parmesan for a different twist.
Can I use green onions instead of leeks? Absolutely! Green onions will give a similar mild onion flavor.
What can I substitute for milk? You can use buttermilk, yogurt, or a non-dairy alternative like almond milk.
How do I store leftovers? Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I make this gluten-free? Yes! Use a good quality gluten-free flour blend.
Why did my bread turn out dense? Overmixing the batter can make the bread dense. Stir just until combined.
Can I make muffins instead of a loaf? Yes! Divide the batter into muffin tins and bake for about 20-25 minutes.
Can I add extra garlic? Of course! If you love garlic, feel free to increase the amount.
Can I make this dairy-free? Use dairy-free cheese, plant-based milk, and a butter substitute.
Can I add protein to this recipe? Yes! Try adding cooked bacon, ham, or shredded chicken.
Conclusion
There you have it—Cheesy Garlic & Leek Quick Bread that’s easy, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it fresh out of the oven, toasting it for breakfast, or serving it alongside your favorite meal, this bread is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen. Happy baking!
Print
Cheesy Garlic & Leek Quick Bread
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (approx. 8 slices) 1x
- Category: Quick Bread / Savory Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American / European
Description
A savory, aromatic quick bread bursting with flavors of garlic, leeks, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect as a side dish or snack, this bread offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors that pair wonderfully with soups and salads.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup milk
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup leeks, cleaned and thinly sliced (white and light green parts)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, combine the eggs, milk, and melted butter.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, leeks, garlic, and optional herbs.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For a deeper flavor, sauté the leeks and garlic in a little butter before folding them into the batter.
- This bread is best enjoyed warm and can be served as a side dish or a savory snack.
- Experiment with different cheeses or herbs to suit your taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 55mg