This zucchini cheese bread is a flavorful treat that’s super easy to make. With soft zucchini and gooey cheese, it’s like a warm hug for your taste buds!
Believe me, you’ll want to have this bread ready for snacks or breakfast. I love to toast a slice and spread a little butter on top—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini gives this bread moisture and flavor. If you’re short on zucchini, you can use carrots or even grated squash. Just make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture.
Cheese: Cheddar is a classic choice, but feel free to mix it up! Monterey Jack, feta, or even a spicy pepper jack can add a fun twist. I love using a blend for extra flavor!
Yogurt or Sour Cream: These add moisture and a bit of tang. Greek yogurt can be a thick substitute. If you want dairy-free, try using almond or coconut yogurt, but the texture might differ slightly.
Fresh Herbs: Adding herbs like parsley or basil gives a nice lift. If you don’t have fresh, try dried herbs; just remember to use less since they’re more concentrated.
How Do I Remove Excess Moisture from Zucchini?
Removing moisture from zucchini is essential for a good texture in your bread. Here’s how to do it simply:
- Grate the zucchini using the large side of a box grater.
- Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth.
- Hold the towel closed and gently twist, squeezing out the liquid over the sink.
- Don’t worry; some moisture is fine; just aim for the excess to be gone!
This method helps your bread rise properly and prevents it from getting soggy, ensuring a great texture!
Easy Zucchini Cheese Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 2 cups grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup plain yogurt or sour cream
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes to prep the ingredients and mix everything together. Then, the baking time is around 50-60 minutes. All in all, you’ll have this delicious zucchini cheese bread ready in about 1 hour and 15 minutes, plus cooling time. Perfect for a tasty snack or breakfast!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, take a 9×5 inch loaf pan and grease it with butter or cooking spray. Then dust it lightly with flour to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
Grate your zucchini using a box grater. Once grated, place it in a clean kitchen towel. Gently squeeze the towel to remove excess moisture. This will help keep your bread from getting soggy!
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, black pepper, and dried herbs. Make sure everything is well combined.
4. Add the Cheese:
Now, stir in the shredded cheese until it’s evenly distributed throughout the dry mixture. This will give your bread a cheesy flavor and texture!
5. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, beat the eggs well. Add in the yogurt (or sour cream), vegetable oil, and minced garlic if you’re using it. Mix these ingredients together until smooth.
6. Bring it All Together:
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—avoid over-mixing, as we want a light and fluffy bread!
7. Fold in the Zucchini and Herbs:
Carefully fold in the prepared zucchini and any fresh herbs you might be using. This adds freshness and flavor!
8. Bake the Bread:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Pop it in your preheated oven and bake for 50–60 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, it’s ready!
9. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Finally, slice it up and enjoy your delicious zucchini cheese bread warm or at room temperature!
FAQ: Easy Zucchini Cheese Bread
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar is a great choice, you can use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella for a better melt or even feta for a tangy flavor. Just be mindful of the salt content if you choose a saltier cheese.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap before freezing!
Can I Make This Bread Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Just ensure that the blend has a thickening agent like xanthan gum to help with the bread’s texture. You may need to adjust the liquid slightly!
What Can I Serve with Zucchini Cheese Bread?
This bread is fantastic on its own, but you can serve it with a side of soup, a fresh salad, or even as a base for a savory sandwich. It also pairs well with a light spread of butter or cream cheese!
