This Easy Zucchini Cheese Bread is a tasty way to enjoy veggies! It’s soft, cheesy, and makes your kitchen smell fantastic while baking. A perfect treat for snack time or breakfast!
I love how you can sneak in some healthy zucchini while keeping it delicious with gooey cheese. Pair it with a cup of tea, and you’ve got a cozy moment ready! 🍵
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini gives the bread moisture and a subtle flavor. You can also use yellow squash if zucchini isn’t available. Just make sure to grate and squeeze out extra moisture!
Cheese: A mix of sharp cheddar and Parmesan offers great taste. If you’re looking for lighter options, reduce the cheese or use low-fat versions. You can also try feta for a salty twist!
Flour: All-purpose flour is standard, but for a healthier version, whole wheat flour can be used. Start with half whole wheat and half all-purpose to see how you like it!
Greek Yogurt: This adds moisture and tang. If you’re out, you can substitute with sour cream or even applesauce for a sweet touch without compromising texture.
How to Get the Right Texture with Zucchini?
The key to moisture in zucchini bread is draining the zucchini well! Grate it and then squeeze it in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to remove excess water. This prevents the bread from being soggy.
- Grate zucchini just before using to keep it fresh.
- Make sure to use firm press when squeezing; you’ll be surprised how much water comes out!
- Mix the grated zucchini gently into the batter to avoid overmixing.
Why is Baking Time Important?
Getting the baking time right ensures your zucchini bread cooks evenly and doesn’t end up too dry or too raw. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on it after 50 minutes!
- If the top is browning too quickly, loosely cover with foil.
- Let it cool in the pan for a bit to help it set, which makes slicing easier.
Easy Zucchini Cheese Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 2 cups grated zucchini (about 2 medium zucchinis)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 large eggs
- 1/3 cup olive oil or melted butter
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or basil (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Zucchini Cheese Bread will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 50-60 minutes to bake. After baking, allow it to cool for about 10 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. It’s a quick and rewarding recipe perfect for any time of day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan to ensure the bread comes out smoothly once baked.
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
Grate the zucchini using a box grater or food processor. Make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This step helps prevent the bread from being too wet!
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, black pepper, garlic powder (if using), and your choice of dried herbs. Whisk them together until they’re well mixed.
4. Add the Cheeses:
Stir in the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese to the dry ingredients. This adds a delicious cheesy flavor throughout the bread!
5. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, beat the eggs and mix in the olive oil (or melted butter) and yogurt (or sour cream) until everything is well combined.
6. Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures:
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Gently fold them together until just combined. Finally, fold in the grated zucchini and any fresh herbs you might be using.
7. Pour the Batter:
Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula or the back of a spoon to ensure an even surface.
8. Bake the Bread:
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
9. Cool the Bread:
Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
10. Serve and Enjoy!
Your Easy Zucchini Cheese Bread can be served warm or at room temperature. It’s perfect for breakfast, as a snack, or served alongside your favorite soup or salad. Enjoy every cheesy, delicious bite!
Short FAQ for Easy Zucchini Cheese Bread
Can I Use Other Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar and Parmesan provide great flavor, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella for a milder taste, or feta for a touch of saltiness. Just keep the total cheese amount similar to maintain the bread’s texture.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover zucchini bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep it for longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature when ready to eat!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just make sure the blend contains xanthan gum, which helps provide structure to the bread.
What Should I Serve with Zucchini Bread?
This zucchini bread pairs perfectly with a dollop of cream cheese or butter. It also makes a great accompaniment to soups and salads. Enjoy it as a slice for breakfast, snack, or even as a side dish!
