This Easy Zucchini Cheese Bread is a tasty way to use up those extra zucchinis! With its cheesy goodness and a hint of herbs, it makes a great snack or side dish.
I love slathering this warm bread with butter—it’s pure comfort food! Plus, you can sneak in some veggies without anyone noticing! 🥒🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: The star of this dish! Grating zucchini helps it cook down and mix well in the batter. You can substitute with shredded carrots for a different flavor.
Cheese: Cheddar adds great flavor, but feel free to swap it with mozzarella, feta, or even pepper jack for a kick. Cheese blends wonderfully into the bread.
Yogurt or Sour Cream: This adds moisture and tenderness. If you don’t have any, you can use buttermilk or even a non-dairy milk with a splash of lemon juice for a similar effect.
Herbs: Fresh parsley or chives brighten up the flavor! You could also use dried herbs if fresh isn’t available. Basil or thyme could work well too.
What’s the Best Way to Prepare Zucchini for Baking?
Getting the moisture out of zucchini is key for a good bread texture. Use these steps:
- Grate the zucchini using a box grater.
- Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel.
- Twist the towel and squeeze to remove excess liquid—this prevents the bread from becoming soggy!
Doing this step will ensure your Zucchini Cheese Bread has the right consistency. Happy baking!
Easy Zucchini Cheese Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups grated zucchini (about 1-2 medium zucchinis)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1/3 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or chives (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and an additional 45-55 minutes to bake, making the total time around 1 hour. Just enough time to get that delicious smell wafting through your kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, take a 9×5-inch loaf pan and grease and flour it, or line it with parchment paper to make it easier to remove the bread later.
2. Grate and Squeeze Your Zucchini:
Now, let’s get those zucchinis ready! Grate the zucchinis using a box grater and then transfer the grated zucchini to a clean kitchen towel or some cheesecloth. Squeeze out as much moisture as you can. This step is super important to avoid a soggy bread!
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, black pepper, garlic powder (if using), and oregano. Make sure everything is well combined.
4. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, beat the eggs together with the oil and yogurt (or sour cream) until smooth and well mixed. This will create a lovely, moist base for your bread.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently mix until everything just comes together—don’t overmix, or your bread may be tough!
6. Add the Good Stuff:
Now it’s time to fold in the grated zucchini, shredded cheese, and any chopped herbs you’ve chosen, if you’re using them. This will add flavor and texture to your bread.
7. Bake:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice it up and enjoy it warm, or at room temperature. It’s perfect on its own or with a bit of butter, cream cheese, or your favorite spread!
Happy baking! Enjoy your delicious Easy Zucchini Cheese Bread!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Zucchini for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen zucchini! Just make sure to thaw it first and drain any excess moisture before using. This will help keep your bread from getting too soggy!
How to Store Leftover Zucchini Cheese Bread?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze the slices for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them well!
Can I Substitute Whole Wheat Flour for All-Purpose Flour?
Absolutely! You can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition. Just keep in mind that the texture may be a bit denser.
What Can I Serve with Zucchini Cheese Bread?
This bread is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of soup or salad for a complete meal. It pairs nicely with cream cheese, butter, or your favorite spreads, too!
